Best Ways to Cool Down on a Hot Day in Munich

June 23, 2025
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When it comes to cities in the summer, Munich is one of my all time favourites. It is so close to the Alps, has endless clear lakes and the Isar river to swim in and there is always something fun going on. Here are my favourite ways to cool off on a hot day in Munich!

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Where can you cool down on a hot summer day in Munich?

Munich is one of the best big cities I have visited when it comes to cooling down on a hot summer day. It has several options for swimming or just to dip your feet in icy water.

The Isar River

If you are right in the centre of Munich, there aren’t any lakes but there is the Isar river that runs right through the town. While it is known for a rapid current (be super careful!) and icy water, you will find its banks full of people on a hot day, dipping their feet in. Swimming is only allowed in certain areas due to the current.

Good places to swim in the Isar are around Großhesseloher Brücke, Flaucher Strand, in the north of the English Garden, by Praterinsel and around Reichenbachbrücke. Check the official Munich website for exact locations you are allowed to swim. The Isar is like a little bit of tropics right in central Munich.

One of the many lakes

Munich and Bavaria are full of incredible lakes that are meant for swimming. Most small towns have a local one and if you grow up here as a child, you will spend most your summers at one. I certainly did.

These lakes are what makes Munich standout as such an amazing city in Germany during summer. There is nothing like jumping in the refreshing water on a hot day and then grabbing some real Italian ice cream (which is also super common here).

You can also do tons of water activities here, like renting a tiny boat or stand-up paddling.

Some of the best lakes reachable by public transport from Munich are:

Starnberger See
Lußsee
Feldmochinger See
Fasaneriesee
Wörthsee

That being said, almost all lakes around Munich are great, I have yet to find one I really didn’t like. I’d recommend to type “Badesee” into Google Maps to find the closest to you.

“Freibad” or Outdoor Pool

Freibäder, in English outdoor pools, are very common in Munich. If you don’t feel like hitting one of the lakes or have younger children, these are a great way to cool off on a hot summer day in the city. Prices tend to be around 6-10€, so really affordable.

Some great ones in the city centre are Prinzregentenbad, Schyrenbad and Naturbad Maria Einsiedel. You can check the official Swim Munich Website for all outdoor pools.

Eisbach or Ice Stream

The Eisbach is a landmark of Munich as that is where the surfers go for the famous river wave. Its rapid and icy waters flow right through the English Garden, and on a hot day you will see hoards of heads whizzing past in the water. You don’t swim in the Eisbach – it is so fast the best you can do is hold yourself over water and hope for the best.

Many say it is a must-do in Munich, but I wouldn’t recommend jumping in as there have been many deadly incidents – one only recently where a young surfer tragically lost their life. The current is insane and rescues have proven immensely difficult in the past. Swimming is technically forbidden. However, it is a great place to dip your feet in the icy water to cool down and enjoy a picnic!

Fun things to do in Munich in Summer

Munich has many more things to offer in the summer, with events on almost every day and some fantastic riverside and rooftop bars. Here are just some of my favourites:

Cool down in one of the rivers or lakes

As we have already discussed above, summer in Munich is made especially amazing by the many ways to cool down and go for a swim. The lakes here are incredible and one of my favourite things about summer!

Enjoy one of the fun events at Olympiapark

Olympiapark in Munich is the epicentre of festivals, events and anything hip and new. From an outdoor cinema to a free concert to skateboarding competitions, it really has something for everyone. Check out all events on here.

Wander around Tollwood Festival

Tollwood festival is one of my favourite things to do in summer in Munich. The festival boasts local stalls where you can buy anything from food to clothing to handmade items, as well as tons of bars and food stalls. There are also live bands and performances as well as a big concert (that you pay for) each night. Entry is free and the atmosphere is always super fun. So, grab a Lillet and listen to some live music this summer!

Join a skate night

Bladenight is an amazing event that is put on once a week in Munich during summer. It is a skating event where you meet with lots of other people to skate the closed-off streets of Munich. It’s a great way to meet new people, expllore Munich and even be active. You can find exact dates and more information on meeting points here.

Go on a hike in the Alps

You can get from Munich to the Bavarian Alps in just under an hour by car and about 1-2 hours by train. There, you will have endless options for hikes, alpine lakes and exploring the cute, rural towns sprawling along the mountainside. One of my personal favourites is Garmisch-Partenkirchen.