Sustainable Travel Guide to Munich – Eco Tips From a Resident

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Are you curious about how you can visit Munich sustainably? Munich is a wonderfully green city, boasting urban and wild parks, outdoor recreation, rich culture, local small businesses, extensive public transportation, bike trails, sustainable initiatives, and more. Despite all this, at first glance, it can be hard to know where to start, given the little information available to tourists.

However, there are plenty of sustainable things to do and eco-friendly practices to adopt as you explore this European city, situated at the intersection of historic cultural charm and modern green innovation.

This sustainable city guide to Munich will help you navigate the city with a mindful approach, allowing you to experience all it has to offer while minimizing your environmental impact. Discover the best sustainable activities and eco-friendly tips for exploring the city responsibly.

Munich is the perfect city for anyone embarking on a sustainable travel journey, as mindful travel concepts are seamlessly integrated into the city. Munich embodies a circular economy, promotes plastic-free initiatives, offers bio-based (organic) products, boasts excellent public transportation, features eco-friendly hotels, and has a tourism model that prioritizes sustainable development.

Munich is also ideal for more experienced sustainable travelers, offering numerous hidden gems and opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange.

No matter where you are on your sustainable travel journey, this responsible traveler’s guide to Munich covers everything you need to know, from using public transportation to cultural aspects, eco-hotels, finding small businesses, and other practical ways to reduce your impact.

Why Trust Me?

Hey, I’m Sooz. I hold an MSc in Environmental Sciences, and I lived in Munich for nearly seven years, during which I explored the city in depth and discovered the best ways to incorporate sustainable principles. My insider knowledge about my former home means that this guide covers everything you need to know to explore Munich with a sustainable focus.

Quick Look

• Munich takes a modern approach to sustainability. Engaging in a sensible, eco-focused lifestyle is easy for visitors or residents!
• But some of these practices can be hard to spot if you are new to the city. This guide helps you understand Munich’s sustainable practices, enabling you to be a responsible visitor.
• Beyond that, you’ll learn how to use public transportation, attend cultural events, support local businesses, and find other ways to reduce your impact.
• Discover the best eco-hotels that I’ve personally stayed in and recommend.
• Get ideas for an eco-friendly multi-day itinerary.

Why Munich is a Great Choice for Eco-Conscious Travelers

Munich and Germany are global leaders in practical and functional sustainability. Historically, Bavaria is known for its darker relationship with nature, having deforested and driven much of the region’s wildlife to extinction before the 20th century. Still, its modern approach aims to balance its previous destruction with integrated natural approaches that benefit humans and nature, allowing them to co-exist.

As you explore Munich, you will see many of these natural approaches in action, and it is not uncommon to see an old graveyard turned into a wildlife habitat and park for the living.

Sustainable Socio-Economic Model

Munich employs an economic model that prioritizes long-term, sustainable development over short-term gains. As Munich grows, it prioritizes development that is mindful of environmental and social impacts. For example, as it expands public transportation, it aims to reduce its emissions simultaneously.

Their tourism model considers local businesses, residents, and sustainability to create a well-rounded approach that fosters meaningful tourist experiences, benefits the community, and minimizes environmental impacts.

Cutting Emissions

Munich aims to cut its CO2 emissions in half by 2030 based on 1990 numbers. They are well on their way to achieving this target. Munich, as a city, has made significant progress in modernizing its public transportation, construction, energy use, and other areas.

Germany has already reduced emissions by 48% compared to 1990 levels. Germany, and therefore Munich, has enshrined emission-reduction targets in national law, covering all greenhouse emissions, not just carbon.

Green Energy & Transportation

Munich’s municipal utility company uses green energy to power 100% of its electricity in Munich, with locally supplied wind, solar, and hydro energy making up the majority of its energy mix. They reached their 2025 goal ahead of schedule. Their next target is renewable heating.

As you explore Munich, see if you spot their new line of hybrid solar buses. These buses were developed in Munich and feature roofs covered in solar panels, which reduces fuel consumption. Many of Munich’s buses are now electric and green!

Older vehicles that do not meet specific environmental standards are prohibited from operating in Munich’s city center. Excellent public transportation allows those with older vehicles to park outside the city and commute in for work and errands.

The Green City initiative prioritizes pedestrians and bicycles over cars. There are numerous pedestrian and bike-only zones, free from cars. These pedestrian zones encompass urban green spaces scattered throughout the city, ranging from large urban parks to small rooftop gardens.

Circular Economy & Low Waste

Munich embraces a circular economy. That means every beer or juice bottle you drink from is created to be returned to the producer, who then reuses it. This is great for Munich’s economy and environment. It reduces waste levels, reduces recycling emissions, and employs many people.

Before throwing anything away, consider whether it should be returned to the kiosk or supermarket where you purchased it.

Additionally, Munich is a very low-waste city with minimal single-use plastic. Ensure you are prepared with your reusable tote, utensils, and a coin purse to engage in their pfand system (more on that later).

Rail and Fly Options

If you don’t have a direct flight to Munich from your home airport, you can take advantage of convenient rail and flight options in Germany. Fly directly to Frankfurt or Berlin and take a convenient rail-and-fly package with Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn, which includes a high-speed train to Munich.

Munich is also well-connected, so flying directly to Munich allows you to spend a few days in this fantastic city before catching the train to Austria, Switzerland, France, or beyond.

Getting Around Munich – Green Transportation

One of the best parts of Munich is our excellent transportation, walking trails, and bike paths. Living near central Munich, I can walk to most places within 20 minutes. Our public transportation is a relaxing and eco-friendly experience for those longer journeys.

Download Google Maps ahead of time to access walking paths, bike trails, and transportation timetables.

Walking

I highly recommend walking for those with stable mobility and good walking shoes. Most areas have clean and wide sidewalks, so you can enjoy looking at all the little shops and small businesses as you travel from sight to sight. Most major sights and Munich’s alternative neighborhoods are accessible from the city center on foot. 

Bicycling

During your stay in Munich, I recommend renting a bicycle from Radius Tours at the main Hauptbahnhof or Mikes Bikes. Both will offer great tips on fun ways to explore the city by pedaling, but you can also use Google Maps’ bike routes. One of my favorite routes is to ride along the Isar and connect with the Englischer Garten.

Munich has terrific bike trails that are safe, and you can ride with traffic to get anywhere. Get your online bike map. Here in Munich, we ride rain, shine, and snow.

If you enjoy longer bike treks, bike to Starnbergersee for a day trip to the lake. 

Public Transportation

Munich’s public transportation is fast, clean, safe, well-connected, and energy-efficient. You can take advantage of buses, trams, trains, and subways. Our city transportation company recycles, adheres to carbon-reduction goals, operates modern, energy-efficient vehicles, reduces noise pollution, uses high-quality filters, reuses braking energy, and employs heat pump technology to minimize its environmental impact. 

Grab a multi-day City Tour Card for Munich to enjoy the sights and get discounts at numerous places.  

Visit Munich Shoulder and Off-Season

Compared to other major European cities, Munich manages its tourism relatively sustainably, thanks to a well-developed plan that brings together local business owners, residents, and tour operators to ensure healthy levels of tourism.

However, the city experiences mass tourism at times, such as during Oktoberfest and Christmas markets.

I highly recommend experiencing cultural events and visiting Munich during the off-season for a slower-paced trip and to savor the city’s flavors. Munich is busiest at Oktoberfest (mid-September—early October).

Summer is the busy season across Europe, and there are typically long lines for experiences outside of Munich, like at Neuschwanstein, museums, and other tourist attractions. You’ll contribute to a healthy and sustainable year-round tourism economy by visiting during the shoulder or off-season. 

Spring

Spring in Munich is lovely. Blooming cherry trees line historic streets. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city without the crowds. If you visit toward the end of May, you’ll likely catch beer gardens as they open, so you can still enjoy the outdoor beer experience.

You might even plan your trip to experience cultural events such as Frühlingsfest and Mayday celebrations.

Autumn

Munich in the autumn is beautiful. While Oktoberfest happens in autumn, if you visit just before or after the fest, you’ll find relatively low tourism numbers and fantastic weather. You can see the autumn colors as they explode through the Alps and enjoy hiking, biking, beer gardens, outdoor dining, and city exploration. 

Autumn is my favorite time to take a nature-based or cultural day trip from Munich to Andechs Monastery. The scenery is incredible, and the crowds are minimal. 

Winter

Many people don’t like visiting Munich in winter outside of the Christmas market season, but I love Munich in the winter! If you spend a few snowy days exploring Munich just after the new year, you’ll have an excuse to visit museums, the theater, and take a ski trip to the Alps. 

As a bonus, seeing a place like Neuschwanstein in the winter without the crowds is magical!

Visiting the Christmas markets is magical, but you can enjoy a quiet, snow-covered Munich in January or February. 

Ways to Reduce Your Waste in Munich

Munich is leaps and bounds ahead of other cities regarding its minimal and zero-waste initiatives. In the seven years I lived in Munich, I noticed dramatic changes in the amount of plastic I encountered. It is now almost surprising to see single-use plastic anywhere in the city.

Still, it’s important to remember to ask for no straws and to bring your tote bag to avoid unnecessary plastic waste.

Here are some cool plastic-free initiatives you can look forward to when visiting the city. 

The Pfand System

You’ll likely encounter the Pfand system in many places across Munich. Instead of using cheap single-use plastic cups, breweries serve drinks in high-quality reusable glass beer steins.

To ensure you return these glasses to avoid the landfill, you will pay an extra couple of Euros for the glass. The cashier will give you a pfand chip or token, and once you’ve finished your drink, you return the glass and the token for the Euro deposit you paid.

While it is most common at beer gardens, you will likely pay a pfand for glühwein at Christmas markets, plates at festivals, and even plastic or glass bottles from the supermarket. Sadly, most tourists are unaware of this and discard their beverage bottles, but I encourage you to use the system to reduce your waste.

When you are at a designated beer garden, returning the pfand is easy. You walk up to the booth, accept returns, and hand them your dirty mug and the token. You will get your money back.

The supermarket system is a bit more complicated, but I encourage you to use it. If you buy a glass or plastic soda, water, or juice bottle from a supermarket, do not throw that bottle away!

Return it to the supermarket. Many have automatic bottle machines at their entrances. Insert your bottles and get your cash receipt back.

If you are unsure what to do, you can leave these bottles outside by trash cans. Someone will pick them up and return them to get your money back.

Plastic-free Shopping

Most supermarkets do not provide single-use plastic or paper bags for your groceries. Instead, you bag your groceries in your travel tote or buy a reusable tote from the supermarket.

Most stores have phased out plastic bags for fruit and vegetables. Instead, you can just put them in the bag with everything else, like I do, and wash them in your B&B or hotel. 

If you want to experience the novelty of a zero-waste store in Munich, then stop by Servus Resi. It might be challenging to shop there as a tourist, but they have zero-waste toiletries if you forget to pack yours. Plus, seeing how zero-waste stores in Europe operate might be fun.

Drinking Water

All water in Munich is clean, safe, and ready for drinking. The city is slowly installing water bottle stations around the city, such as the one on Sendlinger Strasse, but they are hard to find. I recommend filling your reusable bottle from the sink before heading out for the day. 

Despite the high quality of the tap water, Germans are fond of their bottled mineral water. If you go to a restaurant and ask for water, you will get a glass bottle of sparkling or still water. I often specifically ask for tafelwasser (tap water) and almost always receive a firm no, and I get a bottle instead. Why do Germans do this? We will never know.

You can take comfort in the fact that these glass bottles are part of a city-wide pfand system in which the beverage company picks up the bottles, refills them, and returns them to restaurants, so they aren’t single-use. However, if this bothers you, ensure you have your lightweight travel bottle in your purse, which I do :)

Most cafes no longer offer to-go coffee cups, encouraging you to bring your own. I suggest packing a bottle that can double as a coffee mug or water bottle.

Fun Fact: While there aren’t many refill stations around the city, all the water fountains at Viktualienmarkt are potable. As I pass through this area, I typically fill my bottle with fresh, clean drinking water.

Munich’s Urban Green Spaces and Parks

Munich is home to one of the largest urban parks in the world, the Englischer Garten – and that is just one of the dozens of parks sprinkled throughout the city.

The parks in Munich offer countless ecological benefits, including keeping the city cool on hot days, reducing air and water pollution, providing habitat for small animals, offering recreation for residents, and serving as prime real estate to escape the city’s bustle and connect with urban nature.  

Englischergarten

The most famous garden in Munich, this sprawling park, runs from the city’s heart towards the airport. Some highlights include the Eisbach, a small stream running through the garden. It’s common to hop in, float down like a lazy river, or watch the Munich River surfers ride the waves.

Otherwise, stroll along the endless tree-filled paths, find a place to read a book, or stop for a beer at the Chinese Tower or Seehaus to see that pfand system in action. There are also some bike trails, so you can saddle up for an adventure. 

Isar Flaucher

The Isar is a river in Munich, and the city has recently undergone a restoration project to rewild its banks. The project removed the narrow channels and widened the river with broad gravel banks. Extensive green space now surrounds the river. It’s a great natural space for running and biking. Most locals also enjoy hanging out on the banks with a local beer in hand, watching the sunset. 

This was the largest urban floodplain renaturalization anywhere in the world. The Isar of ancient times was a wild and mighty river. As Munich developed through the Middle Ages, the river was channeled to harness energy and bring water into the city. However, by the 1800s, the river had become narrow and so polluted that it could no longer perform its natural functions, often flooding and destroying bridges. It was the source of disease outbreaks like cholera.

After several large floods in the 1990s, the city returned the river to its more alpine characteristics. This process is now complete, and the river is now clean, a habitat for biodiversity, and a great place for recreation.

West Park

This local hidden gem is an excellent escape from the English garden’s busier parts. Enjoy walking the circular trails and stopping at the Japanese garden. Then, stop at Ganz Wasser, one of my favorite quirky beer gardens in Munich, for a refreshing drink and vegan food. 

Luitpold Park

Munich doesn’t have many vantage points, but Luitpold Park offers spectacular views of Munich’s skyline surrounded by nature. Just take a brisk walk up the hill and enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the city.  

Schloss Park Nymphenberg

The castle park is more manicured than the others. It isn’t a park for picnics or relaxing. Instead, you can stroll the former royal gardens with beautiful trees, lakes, fountains, and birds. If you have extra time, you can visit the Palace Museum and spend time photographing the swans. 

Altersudfriedhof

This is my best-kept secret in Munich. This historic graveyard in the heart of the Isarvorstadt neighborhood is perfect for a stroll. It is a prime example of how Munich seamlessly integrates nature and functionality. It is normal to use graveyards as a park, and in this little pocket of nature, you’ll find plenty of urban wildlife and many locals enjoying the fresh air.

Urban Wildlife: Munich is a typical European city seemingly void of wildlife, but you can spot plenty of birds and small critters if you keep your eyes peeled.

Dozens of wild birds call Munich home, and if you head to any of the parks, you’ll likely spot plenty, making the area great for urban birders. Watch for squirrels, martens, hedgehogs, ducks, beavers, and swans.

For a leisurely day trip from Munich to enjoy nature, visit the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve.

Learn About Munich’s Culture and History

When most people think of Munich’s cultural highlights, they naturally think of Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets. Still, there are plenty of local cultural events in and around Munich throughout the year to learn about Bavarian traditions and culture.

One of the most meaningful aspects of traveling is cultural exchange, and learning about the history and culture of your destination should be integral to any sustainable itinerary.

Cultural Events in Munich

Volksfests

Volksfest is best considered a small, intimate community event in Munich, where you can find traditional food, beer, market stalls, and rides. Some of my favorites that happen across Munich are: 

Auer Dulten dates back to the 14th century and occurs thrice a year. It brings together over 300 market stalls and food vendors.

City Founding Festival: Munich was founded in June 1158. For two days every June, the city celebrates with medieval markets, beer gardens, traditional dancing, folklore, and history lessons. 

Magdalenafest has been held in Munich since the 1700s and is an excellent option for families visiting in July. It features rides, food stalls, and vendor booths.

Beer Festivals

Beer is part of Munich’s cultural identity. The city is home to the world’s oldest still-operating brewery and some of the brewing industry’s biggest names.

Starkbierfest is a historic event that dates back to the 1700s, when monks brewed robust, dark beer to tide them over during Lent. Join locals in traditional Tracht for beer, folk songs, food, and Starkbier.

Fruhlingsfest is a spring festival with beer tents, rides, and cultural events. For young locals, it feels like a mini Oktoberfest. 

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. It still nods to tradition, but is often visited by rowdy tourists, which can detract from its charm—depending on who you ask.

Make sure to visit the Oide Wisen for a historical and more authentic experience, including music and folk dancing. The Agricultural Fair, which takes place every four years, is another great cultural experience.  

Almabtriebs

At the end of every harvest year, agricultural towns host an Almabtrieb, an alpine cultural event that is celebrated throughout Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Farming towns dress their cows with fancy headdresses, bringing them down from the mountains to winter in lower fields.

Farmers wearing traditional lederhosen parade their cows down the streets, culminating in a small festival featuring traditional music, local craft beer, farm-fresh cheese, meats, and dance. 

Christmas Markets

Munich’s Christmas Markets date back to the 14th century and are a long-standing cultural tradition. Ensure you learn about the Advent Season in Munich, a very important time for families and traditions beyond the markets. Enjoy traditional Glühwein, market foods, and handcrafted vendors under the glittering Christmas lights of Munich’s city center.

I have a comprehensive guide to enjoying Munich’s Christmas Markets with a sustainable and cultural focus. 

Fasching

Karneval, including Rose Monday and Fat Tuesday, signaling the start of Lent, is important to German culture. Munich hosts events during Karneval week, including traditional dancing, a parade, costume events, and the main stage with quirky Emcees.

Most events take place at Marienplatz or the Viktualienmarkt. Costumes are encouraged, much like Americans do on Halloween.

Mayday

Maypole raisings happen across Munich on May Day. The main event occurs at the Viktualienmarkt for the ceremonial raising of Munich’s central ole, which, rumor has it, is the same tree used for the Marienplatz Christmas tree.

However, I love to visit the Augustiner Kellner for their Maypole raising. You’ll find plenty of traditional music, dancing, beer, and the Maypole festivities here!

Museums and History

When visiting a new destination, learning about its history, both the good and the bad, is always important. Munich has a pretty traumatic past as the home of the Nazi regime. I encourage you to visit the Jewish Center of Munich at St. Jakobs Platz to learn about and support Munich’s Jewish history and community.

Take a day trip to Dachau Memorial Camp (former concentration camp). You can also take a 3rd Reich Tour to learn about the city’s Nazi Past. 

Munich has a rich history, with notable contributions in science and engineering. The Deutsches Museum is the largest science and technology museum in the world, and the BMW Museum showcases Munich’s ingenious car industry through the years. Most museums offer discounted admission on Sundays, allowing you to explore ancient history, modern art, and geological exhibits. 

Check out my Geek Guide to Munich for more ideas on visiting museums while traveling.  

Shop Local. Farmer’s Markets. Thrift.

Supporting local businesses is one of the best ways to prevent tourism leakage. By supporting local businesses and products, and shopping sustainably, your destination will be able to utilize the revenue to offset the negative impacts of tourism by mitigating additional emissions and building better infrastructure.

As a result, local small businesses will thrive.

Shop Local

Or ‘Kauf Lokal’  as we say in Munich. Look for the Kauf Lokal sign to find local, handmade, artisanal products and directly support Munich’s small-business economy. You can visit Kauf Lokal for the full list of local stores participating. An easy way to use this guide is by entering your hotel’s or accommodation’s zip code to see what is around you, or search by category.

Supporting local businesses in Munich has never been easier thanks to a handy guide created by a local entrepreneur. If you’re BIG into supporting local businesses, then visit during the Kauf Lokal expo in May, where you’ll find all Munich’s local brands, big and small, under one roof. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Support Diverse Local Businesses

Elle’Cee is a Black-owned clothing boutique in Munich. The owner is incredibly friendly and speaks fluent English. Stop in to spice up your wardrobe and support a local small business.

While you’re there, swing by Annam Grill, one of my favorite places for fresh Vietnamese food in Munich. We eat here at least once a week. 

Makula is a Black-owned West African restaurant serving some of Munich’s best food. The owner is hilarious and often shares some of his secret spicy booze with you after you’ve had your fill of flavorful vegan food.

I also love Black-owned Cafe Omo for fantastic Ethiopian food—their flatbread and vegan sample platter for 2 is literal perfection. 

Bellevue di Monaco is a cafe, restaurant, and community center where migrants work and learn employment skills. It has a ‘pay what you can’ system: the more you pay for your food, the more money is reinvested in a program to help migrants gain employment and afford basic housing. 

If you shop around Glockenbachviertel at places like Eiscafé Eismeer or Kraftwerk, you’ll be supporting businesses owned by members of the LGBTQIA community or that support it.

Farmer and Flea Markets

One of the best ways to visit Munich sustainably is to support local farmers and producers at the city’s various markets. Look for labels that say products were grown or produced in Munich, Bavaria, or Germany. 

Sustainable Tip: Always bring your reusable shopping bag to markets for local products. This ensures you are visiting Munich as responsibly as possible. 

Viktualienmarkt is the biggest market. It is a great place to get a fully immersive market experience, with bustling flower stands, fresh mushrooms, local wine, meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, veggies, spices, and honey… You name it, and you can find it.

This is a great place to stock up on food for a picnic in the Englischer Garten or to pick up a little souvenir to take home. While you’re visiting, make sure to check out Munich’s Maypole at the center.

The marketd at Elisabethplatz is my favorite as a relaxing alternative to the Viktualienmarkt. You’ll find stands of fresh food, flowers, local products, and wares. One of my favorite coffee places, Standl 20, is also at Elisabethplatz. This is a great place to kill an hour or stock up on food to get you through the day.

Wiener Markt, or Vienna Square, is a charming small market on the French Quarter’s outskirts. Located at the old road intersection connecting Munich and Vienna, it was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 2002, lending it historical significance. This is a great launching point to explore Haidhausen, a charming neighborhood with many boutiques and cafes. 

Wochenmarkts are weekly local markets that change locations daily. My favorite is Wochenmarkt Au, south of the Isar. The markets are humble, but you’ll find staples like cheese, bread, and other grocery items from local vendors. Search ‘Wochenmarkt’ in Google Maps, and you’ll find several locations. Check the dates, as they are only open one day a week at various locations.

Thrifting

Thrifting is a great way to restock some staples while traveling or when you’ve forgotten to pack a windbreaker, without contributing to the fast fashion problem.

Sustainable Tip:The fashion industry contributes more to greenhouse gases than the airline industry. It is crucial to choose organic fabrics, buy used clothing, support local brands, and purchase fair-trade products.

Pick n Weight is a store where you pay for your clothing by the Kilo. These stores have a vintage and eclectic selection of clothing, all categorized by color.

Another great option is Oxfam, a practical, everyday wear store, ideal for those on a tight budget or who prefer not to buy new clothing while traveling.

If you’re looking for a previously used Dirndl called Wasch-Dirndl, check out Schwabinger Holareidulijö Trachtenladen or Lily´s Treff. I highly recommend this option if you visit for Oktoberfest and don’t want to buy a new Dirndl you’ll likely never wear again.

Flohmarkts

Flohmarkts, or garage sales, are popular in Munich, especially in the summer. They range from massive outdoor markets on the Oktoberfest grounds to night markets in lofts and small neighborhood markets.

My favorites are large annual summer events like the Night Bazaar and the Frühlingsfrest Flohmarkt.

You can find all the dates and locations of the Flohmarkts on this website.

Boutique Stores

If you’re looking for locally owned boutiques, I suggest exploring Gärtnerplatz and Reichenbachstraße. I also recommend the roads Amalienstraße, Schellingstraße, and Türkenstraße in the university district. Here are a few highlights worth checking out.

MILK is a great place to shop in Munich because they do all the hard work for you by selecting clothing from small businesses, fair and sustainable labels, and organic materials.

Maloja Store: A local Munich streetwear and athletic store typically uses only organic materials and sustainable methods for making its clothing. The interior of the store has a vintage upcycle feel.

Bella Natura showcases trendy European fashion styles crafted from sustainable materials at fair trade prices. Shop fair fashion from a locally owned Munich boutique.

Grune Erde is a socially conscious, sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly store full of homewares, clothing, furniture, and more. If you want a sustainable souvenir from Munich, swing by after visiting the Viktualienmarkt.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food

Munich isn’t all schnitzel and pork knuckle. A vibrant and emerging vegetarian and vegan scene is rapidly growing in the city. Germany was recently ranked the 6th best country for vegetarians, and more than 12% of Germans identify as vegan or vegetarian. Being such a vegetarian-friendly city, Munich is ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Don’t worry. You can still enjoy traditional foods that are vegan or adapted for a plant-forward diet. Challenging yourself to eat less meat or trying some of Munich’s vegan options has never been easier.

Check out my full vegetarian and vegan guide to Munich for dozens of restaurants, local vegan foods to try, and even how to order food without meat or dairy in German.

Eco and Sustainable Accommodation

Where you choose to stay can make all the difference. If you opt for local hotels that feature local and sustainable products, such as food and soap, you’ll reduce tourism leakage in the region and enjoy a great night’s sleep.

These are a few of my favorite eco-hotels in Munich. I have personally stayed at all of these hotels and would recommend them to anyone visiting Munich interested in a sustainable itinerary.

Living Hotel

Living Hotels is a locally owned, family-run, sustainable, and ethical company. They started right here in Munich! At their restaurants, you’ll find locally grown and in-season food offerings. And it doesn’t stop there.

The German brand Living Hotels uses 100% green energy, offsets travelers’ carbon footprint, donates to environmental projects, no longer uses plastic cups, recycles paper, and commits to reducing the use of palm oil.

Some locations have bee farms on the roof and provide electric car charging stations, as well as local zero-waste products.

There are four locations in Munich: Viktualienmarkt, Deutsches Museum, Olympiapark, and Princess Elizabeth. I recommend the one at Viktualienmarkt for its great central location and customer service!

The Flushing Meadows

The Flushing Meadows is a no-fuss hipster boutique hotel in my former neighborhood. If you are an independent traveler who doesn’t need anyone at a hotel to fuss over you, this is the spot for you.

The hotel is committed to sustainability, reducing waste and energy consumption, utilizing local products, and promoting environmental responsibility. Its spectacular rooftop bar offers a place to grab a drink and watch the sunset with a historic church as a backdrop.

You can easily access Isar and Glockenback, a hip, sustainable neighborhood right out the front door.

Schwan Locke

If you need a comfortable place for a longer stay, I love Schwan Locke. The hotel was designed with the modern digital nomad in mind. I loved staying here and taking advantage of their co-working space, cafe, and rooms with kitchens. The location is excellent, next to the U-Bahn and the Oktoberfest.

25Hours Hotel: The Royal Bavarian

The 25Hours is located in the former post office, now revamped with a royal Bavarian charm. 25Hours is a German-owned hotel chain with a firm commitment to sustainability and a focus on local products.

You’ll feel like you’re inside a living history lesson as Bavarian culture and history are incorporated throughout the hotel. Their restaurant and cafe feature vegan food from an Israeli family-owned restaurant.

Soulmade

A vegan-friendly hotel made entirely out of wood, yes please. The team behind Soulmade strongly opposes racism and homophobia and supports children’s education and health in Germany.

The pocket park in the center is the perfect location for an extended, slow stay in Munich. It is located just outside the city, but is probably one of the most sustainable hotels I’ve ever seen!

Sample Sustainable Itinerary

To experience the best of Munich and its surrounding area, I recommend spending at least two days in the city, with an additional 1 to 2 days allocated for day trips. But, you know me – I’m always an advocate for slower travel, and you could easily spend 5-7 days to get a taste of the city. 

Day 1 – Explore the best of Munich

While I often advocate getting away from the top 10 sights in cities, many of them have significant cultural and historical significance and can be worth visiting.

For day one, I recommend visiting all the major highlights of Munich. If you do this during the week, things will be less crowded. I’ll hand this over to my good friend Christina at Happy To Wander, as she has one of the best and most immersive 24-hour guides to Munich that I‘ve seen, covering the highlights, traditional food, and even some local hidden gems. 

Day 2 – Get off the beaten path

Explore Munich’s local neighborhoods and alternative haunts. Check out my hipster and alternative guide to Munich, which will help you support local small businesses, explore alternative neighborhoods, and experience the city’s authentic side.

End the alternative day with beers by the Isar, where all the locals hang out to watch the sunset. 

Day 3 – Day Trip to Nature

You can learn a great deal about your destination by exploring local connections with nature. Munichites love spending time outdoors, from Nordic walking, skiing, hiking, surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming.

I recommend heading out to one of Munich’s larger lakes – you can even bike there for a full day of outdoor goodness, the Murnauer Moos, go hiking in the Alps, or even go for a long walk down the Isar if you want to stay in the city.

Day 4 – Cultural Day Trip

You can learn more about Bavarian culture or history by visiting Dachau Memorial Camp, Andechs Monastery Brewery, or any other day trips I highlight.

Explore my comprehensive list of nature-based and culture-based day trips departing from Munich.

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Munich with a mindful approach. Munich is one of the best cities for sustainable travel. This eco-focused itinerary and sustainable tips will help you see the best of Munich and some hidden gems, all while reducing your impact.

What did you learn that you are excited to implement on your next trip to Munich? Let me know in the comments. Let’s get curious about reducing your impact and saving travel in Munich, Germany.

Are you looking for more mindful content for your trip to Munich? Don’t miss my expert guides!

• Alternative Guide to Munich
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Munich
• Oide Wiesn – Old Oktoberfest
• Munich Christmas Markets
• Munich to Andechs Monastery