A Bavarian Picnic: Traditional German Feast And Fun

A Bavarian picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet spot in nature or a lively gathering with friends, Bavaria offers a range of picturesque locations for the perfect picnic. From the beautiful city of Munich, with its riverbank breakfasts and famous English Garden, to the charming spots in Franconia and beyond, there's something for everyone. So pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, and discover the beauty of Bavaria while enjoying a delightful outdoor meal.

Munich's top picnic spots

Munich, Bavaria's regional capital, has a host of amazing places to enjoy a picnic. Here are some of the top spots:

Along the River Isar

The River Isar is a popular spot for locals to barbecue in the summer. Single-use barbecues can be purchased cheaply from supermarkets and petrol stations, and there are many butchers nearby to buy meat from. Flaucher is the barbecuing hub, and in the city, barbecuing is permitted on the entire section of shoreline between Brudermühlbrücke bridge in the north and the city limits in the south. There are also drinks available from the nearby Alpine Museum cafe.

Englischer Garten (English Garden)

The Englischer Garten is a huge park with a variety of picnic spots to choose from. The southern end between the Nationalmuseum and the Chinesischer Turm is busy, with lots to see and do. The area to the north of the Chinesischer Turm is more tranquil, with meadows and views of the lake. If you want to get off the beaten track, take tram 16 to Sankt Emmeram. You can also order a ready-made picnic basket from nearby St. Emmeramsmühle.

Westpark

Westpark is one of the city's most beautiful parks. The meadows around Westsee Lake are perfect for picnicking, offering marvellous views of the lake, lakeside stage, and Asian pagodas. There are also spectacular playgrounds for children nearby. Alternatively, visit the eastern banks of the smaller Mollsee Lake, which offers a small hill to spread your blanket on.

Hirschgarten (Deer Garden)

Hirschgarten is a 40-hectare park with 150-year-old trees and huge meadows, making it a popular spot for playing football and families. There are beautifully designed playgrounds and a deer enclosure, which gives the park its name. Small snacks are available from the beer garden or supermarkets along the route.

Königsplatz

For an evening picnic, Königsplatz is the place to go. The stone steps leading to the Glyptothek museum are ideal for soaking up the last rays of sunshine and enjoying a glass of Prosecco or white wine. There's a supermarket nearby selling everything you need.

The River Isar

The entire section of shoreline between the Brudermühlbrücke bridge in the north and the city limits in the south is permitted for barbecuing. There are large rubbish bins available for disposal. The Flaucher is the barbecuing hub.

The English Garden

The southern end of the park, between the Nationalmuseum and the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), is particularly lively, with two waterways, the Eisbach and Schwabinger Bach, located nearby. The area to the north of the Chinesischer Turm is more tranquil, with meadows offering views of the lake. This area is ideal for those seeking a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the natural surroundings.

For those who prefer to venture off the beaten track, the northern section of the English Garden in Munich can be reached by taking tram 16 to Sankt Emmeram. This part of the park feels like a step back into nature. Visitors can also order a ready-made picnic basket from St. Emmeramsmühle to enjoy in this serene setting.

Westpark

For those seeking a tranquil escape, Westpark boasts a Japanese-style garden, a Thai temple, and a rose garden. Art enthusiasts can admire sculptures by renowned artists such as Lothar Fischer and Rodolf Wachter, as well as a genuine work by Hundertwasser. The park also has two beer gardens, one near the rose garden and the other called "Hopfengarten," located at the Audi Dome, home to the FC Bayern basketball team.

The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Vesakh Festival, which celebrates the birthday of Buddha with music, ceremonies, and vegetarian delicacies. During the summer, the "Kino, Mond und Sterne" open-air cinema showcases popular films on the lake stage, providing the perfect setting for a picnic under the stars.

With its natural beauty, cultural offerings, and convenient location, Westpark is an ideal destination for a Bavarian picnic, offering a blend of relaxation and entertainment for all ages.

The Hirschgarten

The beer garden has been serving up drinks since 1791, and it is the only one in Munich that still serves beer straight from wooden kegs. The garden is self-service, with patrons selecting their litre mugs from a rack and rinsing them out themselves before heading to the Ausschank for a refill. Beer isn't the only thing on offer—the self-service huts also serve everything from grilled fish to ice cream. If you're looking for something more substantial, the full-service restaurant offers typical Bavarian dishes with fresh, homemade ingredients.

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