What’s a morning without some good coffee? That’s why we’ll begin our food-walk at caffe conté, the self proclaimed “place to be for breakfast, lunch and coffee”, that offers not only great morning brews, but also tea and fresh juices. With the caffeine (or vitamins) kicking in, it’s time to get going. 

We’ll head down Ainmillerstraße towards Englischer Garten, passing by Giselastraße, until we reach the Kristallbrunnen. Then, head right into Englischer Garten, and take a first little break at Werneckwiese, a big green, clean meadow. (Perhaps pack a snack from caffee conté to enjoy here).

Head south towards Chinesischer Turm and enjoy the spectacular view. Then, head on towards the Isar and take a short break to enjoy some art at the Skulpturengarten Tucherpark. Head back towards the Eisbach and cross the Tivolibrücke. Take a minute to check out the — slightly creepy — sculptures lining the bridge.

Then, cross the Max-Joseph-Brücke to the other side of the Isar.  You’re right at the famous Isar Beach now. Take a break, let your feet dangle in the water, enjoy the clear water. Now, we’ll do some walking: Head south along the Isar, until you reach the Friedensengel. Take some minutes to walk up to the top and enjoy a moment of quiet under the golden angel. 

Continue south until you reach the Maximilianeum. It has been housing the Bavarian State Parliament since 1949 and is known for its impressive classic architecture. 

From the Maximilianeum, return down to the Isar and take the Mauersteg down south. The Mauersteg is a path built on top of the Isar, like a bridge but instead of crossing, you can walk on the river for about 250 meters. Keep walking until you reach the Muffatwerk, then take a left and return to the main street (Am Gasteig). 

Time for a refreshment and a short break! Just across the Gasteig you will find True & 12 Handmade Ice Cream, one of Munich’s finest ice cream makers. All their products are fresh and made of fresh milk from grass fed cows. Grab yourself a cone and explore the Gasteig with it. Even though it’s closed at the moment, the impressive architecture is worth a look. 

Head back towards the Isar and cross the Ludwigsbrücke to the Museumsinsel. Take a short break at the Vater-Rhein-Brunnen, one of Munich’s many classical fountains. It is dedicated to Vater Rhein, the old mythological god of the river Rhine. 

Cross the rest of the bridge towards the inner city and take a short break at the Isartor. It was one of the four gates of the medieval city wall and was first constructed in 1337. 

From the Isartor follow the Isartorplatz and then turn onto Westenriederstraße. Keep going until you reach the famous Viktualienmarkt. It’s time for our next Schmankerl (treat). After all that walking — time for a rich Bavarian specialty — Schmalznudeln. Sugary yeast dough, deep fried and sprinkled with more sugar — perfect for a little snack. If you prefer something even heartier, the Schmalznudel — Café Frischhut also proposes Krapfen, a Bavarian speciality, similar to a donut with filling instead of a hole. 

To burn all that extra-energy, we’ll continue our walk for a little bit: Take the Blumenstraße and head south, pass by The Seven, now of Munich’s few skyscrapers, and head towards Sendlinger Tor. Head down Pettenkoferstraße towards Theresienwiese. Enjoy a stroll on the empty lot (really makes you realize how huge the Oktoberfest is!)

And head on towards the Bavaria Statue. Enjoy the view over Munich, then head north on Theresienhöhe and take a turn onto Gollierstraße. Keep walking until you reach Bodhi, a traditional Bavarian Wirtshaus (restaurant) with a twist. All dishes are a vegan interpretation of Bavarian classics, like Käsespätzle. 

The whole walk took almost 10 kilometers. A great way to enjoy Munich’s finest — both in look and taste. 

By Lisa Schneider