The Isar – Munich’s paradise for bathing, cycling, walking, relaxing, barbecuing & much more
The Isar: Facts and Figures
Spring: Karwendel in Tyrol, Austria
Mouth: into the Danube south of Deggendorf
Length: 292.3 km
Altitude difference: 850 m
Cities passed through: Munich, Geretsried, Bad Tölz, Freising, Landshut, among others
Until the end of the nineteenth century, streams and canals traversed the old town of Munich. This gave the city the nickname “Little Venice.”
Which statements about the streams in Munich are true?
a) They supplied power for timber mills.
b) Some were partially diverted due to the construction of the subway.
c) There are currently plans to reopen some of the built-over streams.
d) The Stadtsägmühlbach still flows under the Parish Church of St. Anna in Lehel.
All four statements are correct. With a total length of around 175 kilometers, the urban streams were built over in the nineteenth century and now flow underground. Discussions are currently underway to uncover a city stream under Herzog-Wilhelm-Straße between Sendlinger Tor and Stachus.
The Isar flows through Munich from south to north for just under 14 kilometers and, with its flat banks, gravel bars and floodplains, is now the most important central recreational area in Munich .
The riverbanks are perfect for cycling, walking, relaxing and barbecuing.
Swimming and boating in the Isar is permitted in certain areas , as is surfing – always at your own risk.
The Flaucher is probably the best known Isar beach in Munich and a meeting place for refreshing, relaxing and partying.
You can also sail and discover the Isar by raft.