12 exciting activities to do in Munich in spring

As Munich emerges from the depths of winter, the Bavarian capital comes alive, welcoming warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours — plus, there are fewer crowds than in the summer and winter months. Start your spring visit to Munich by seeing over 14,000 species of flowers bloom in the Botanic Garden. Families will love exploring the lavish interiors of the adjoining Nymphenburg Palace. Couples and solo travelers will have a great time attending Springfest, Oktoberfest’s sister event, where you can sample local lagers to a backdrop of live music and entertainment. Or opt for a relaxing beer garden and join the locals in a refreshing pint in the city center. Whether you’re looking for outdoor spaces to enjoy in the sun or indoor activities for a rainy day, here are the best things to do in Munich in spring.

Munich’s best spring activities at a glance

The best places to see spring flowers in Munich: Stroll through the beautiful Nymphenburg Botanic Garden or relax in the sprawling English Garden.

Top things to do for kids and families visiting Munich in spring: Feel like royalty at Nymphenburg Palace, climb to the viewpoint at the Monopteros, or take a day trip to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.

Best things to do for couples visiting Munich in spring: Explore the streets of the old town, relax with a drink in a beer garden, or watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave.

Unique events in Munich in spring: Sample local lagers at Springfest, Oktoberfest’s little sister.

1. Explore old town

Wander the quaint streets of Munich’s old town to find the city’s hidden gems and secret spots. Look out for the most famous landmarks in Munich, including St Peter’s Church, the new Town Hall, Marienplatz, and Viktualienmarkt.

Why do it in spring?

Spring is a lovely time to walk around Munich, as there are fewer crowds than in the summer and winter.

2. Sample local beers at Springfest

Oktoberfest’s little sister, Springfest is a miniature version of the world’s most famous beer festival. Sample local beers, soak up the lively atmosphere, and enjoy live music at Theresienwiese, a large open meadow.

Why do it in spring?

Springfest (Frühlingsfest in German) takes place annually for two weeks, from the end of April to the beginning of May, and is one of the most fun things to do in Munich in spring.

3. Soak in royal splendor at Nymphenburg Palace

Feel like royalty in the former summer residence of the Bavarian royal family, Nymphenburg Palace. A beautiful Baroque castle, Nymphenburg is lavishly decorated inside and out and is one of the best things to do with kids in spring.

Why do it in spring?

While Nymphenburg Palace has extensive grounds, exploring the stately rooms is a great indoor activity on a rainy day in Munich.

Address and opening hours

Schloß Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München, Germany. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

4. Stroll through the stunning Botanic Garden

Located in the sprawling grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, the Botanic Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Explore over 52 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, greenhouses, and ponds and see over 14,000 species of plants.

Why do it in spring?

In spring, the Botanic Garden comes alive with flowers like tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, and pink blossoms decorate the trees.

Address and opening hours

Menzinger Str. 65, 80638 München, Germany. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

5. See the Rathaus-Glockenspiel chime

A large mechanical clock in the New Town Hall in Marienplatz Square, the Munich Glockenspiel features life-size characters who re-enact scenes from Munich’s history. Music plays, the figures dance, and the clock chimes during the show.

Why do it in spring?

In spring and summer, from March to October, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel performs an extra chime at 5 PM, 11 AM, and 12 PM. This tradition dates back to the 16th century and honors Duke Wilhelm IV, who ordered the construction of the Rathaus.

Address

Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany.

6. Take in the view from the Monopteros

A circular replica of a Greek temple, the Monopteros sits on top of a hill and provides spectacular vistas across the city. Climb the hill to the Monopteros, built in the 19th century for Bavarian notabilities, and look out over rivers, woodland, churches, and Munich’s most famous landmarks and monuments.

Why do it in spring?

The Monopteros offers stunning panoramic views at any time of year, but the climb is easier in spring when the weather is pleasant.

Address

80538 Munich, Germany.

7. Watch surfers on the Eisbach

The waves on the Eisbach River at the English Garden entrance are renowned as one of the best places in the world for river surfing. Attracting surfers and onlookers alike, this man-made wave is one of the best things to do in Munich in summer if you like water sports.

Why do it in spring?

Surfing on the Eisbach is best in spring when the river water isn’t too high or too low, which is more common in very hot or very cold (and wet) weather.

Address

Prinzregentenstraße, 80538 München, Germany.

8. Relax in a beer garden

Kick back with a local lager in a beer garden. Sitting outside with a beer is a German custom that is not to be missed on a visit to Munich in spring. Extend your experience with a tasting or visit a Munich brewery to learn more about the beer brewing process.

Why do it in spring?

With the sun appearing more frequently in spring, there’s no better time to sit outside and enjoy a refreshing beer like a lighter lager or pale ale with toasty, bready, and slightly sweet flavors.

9. Go wild on the Isar River

If you’re seeking adventure, look no further than Munich’s Isar River. Enjoy a variety of water sports, from stand-up paddleboarding to rafting, on Bavaria’s fourth-largest river.

Why do it in spring?

You’ll dry off much faster after participating in Munich’s water activities in the warmer spring temperatures, and the river is deeper than in the hotter summer months, meaning it’s also less turbulent.

10. See the city on wheels

Get on a hop-on hop-off bus to see the best places in Munich, cycle through the city, or opt for something different and see the sights from a segway. Whatever your travel style, sightseeing around Munich on wheels is a fun and engaging way to explore the city.

Why do it in spring?

Munich in spring sees fewer visitors than in summer or winter and you’re likely to have certain spots all to yourself and encounter less traffic.

11. Fall into a fairytale at Neuschwanstein Castle

Leave the city behind and visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched high on top of a mountain, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century historic palace and one of the best day trips from Munich in spring.

Why do it in spring?

The surrounding woodland is luscious and green in spring, while the castle receives fewer visitors than in peak months.

Address and opening hours

Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

12. Admire art in Haus der Kunst

An art gallery in Munich, Haus der Kunst, showcases modern and contemporary art. With a mixture of permanent and temporary exhibitions, Haus der Kunst is one of the best museums in Munich for art lovers.

Why do it in spring?

Haus der Kunst is a great attraction if you’re looking for things to do indoors in Munich in spring. In addition to an in-house program of events, Haus der Kunst often participates in Muich’s Springfest and hosts a variety of cultural events and activities.

Address and opening hours

Prinzregentenstraße 1, 80538 München, Germany. Open 10:00AM-8:00 PM Wed-Mon, closed Tuesdays.

FAQs

What are the best spring activities in Munich?

Get outside in Munich and see the spring flowers bloom at the Botanic Garden. Kick back with a refreshing drink, join the locals, and enjoy an afternoon in a beer garden. Or head to the English Garden and climb to the Monopteros for stunning views of the city.

Are there any spring events or festivals in Munich?

Don’t miss Springfest, the little sister of the world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival. Sample local beers, soak up the lively atmosphere, and enjoy entertainment and live music.

What are some of the best day trips from Munich in spring?

Families will love a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Nestled on top of a mountain in the foothills of the Alps, this turreted palace looks like something out of a storybook. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with a day of splashing about and enjoying Munich’s water sports on the Isra River.

Are there any seasonal foods I should try in spring in Munich?

Many delicious spring fruits and vegetables, including strawberries and white asparagus, are in season. Head to Viktualienmarkt, a large food market, to sample a range of local cuisines, from local dishes to sweet treats.