Sustainable Travel Highlights: Munich
During a stopover in Munich during my 2023 European adventures, I was pleasantly surprised to find the city exceeded all of my expectations. With direct flights to the states and easy connections to other European gems, Munich beckons as a must-see European destination. Below, I share some sustainability highlights from my trip, alongside recommendations for budget and eco-friendly things to do and places to dine.
Accommodation Sustainability Highlights
Upon arrival, my husband and I lodged at the Hampton by Hilton Munich City West and later at the Kings Hotel before departing Europe. Both hotels offered breakfast served on reusable dishware, featuring excellent buffet spreads with a variety of healthy options. Additionally, both establishments employed motion sensor lights in the hallways to promote energy conservation and also provided refillable toiletries in the bathrooms.
The Kings Hotel offered a €10 incentive for delaying room cleaning by a day, a concept I found brilliant. Offering guest incentives for eco-conservation efforts is not widely practiced within the tourism industry, and it would be fantastic to witness more instances of such initiatives.
Getting Around Munich
Getting to downtown Munich from the airport was a breeze with the train—simply hop on the S1 or S8 lines, which run every few minutes. I recommend downloading the MVG Fahrinfo München app for purchasing tickets and accessing real-time travel information. Similarly, the MVGO app is handy for information on sharing services like bike rentals, e-scooters, and car shares. For further transportation and activity details, check out the website https://login.muenchen.de/muenchen-app.html. When travelling to neighbouring countries, we opted to use Flixbus; ( However, I advise against selecting seats near the toilet! )
Recommended Activities & Dining
While it was pleasant to explore the touristy Marienplatz , I wouldn’t recommend dining or drinking in the area. The presence of multinational brand stores within these historical buildings detracted from the charm for me. Moreover, the restaurants and bars tended to be pricier with slower service due to the larger crowds. Additionally, the need to pay for restroom use caught me off guard, as I didn’t have any change on hand. Fortunately, a kind lady took pity on me and allowed me to use the facilities for free. I suggest seeking dining options a few blocks away from the tourist hubs for a more affordable and less congested experience.
We ultimately found solace at the Augustiner Braustuben Beer Hall on Landsberger street, where we enjoyed the delicious food at reasonable prices, prompting us to return for a second visit.
Another great dining option is The Augustiner Keller beer garden where we dined two nights in a row before concluding our European journey. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the communal atmosphere of the beer garden, where patrons sit on long wooden benches alongside various groups. I recommend arriving a bit earlier to avoid the rush, as the restaurant fills up quickly. Though, despite the large crowds, it was impressive to watch the servers manage the tables with such efficiency.
Nature-Based and Budget-Friendly Activities
I recommned exploring the large city parks such as the English Garden and the Japanese Tea House. Rent a bike, indulge in a beer and eat a bretzel. What impressed me most about the beer gardens was the minimal waste despite the fast-food offerings. Within the gardens, there is a designated common area where you can place your dirty dishes.
For an exhilarating experience, take a stroll or hop on a bike to witness the river surfing at Eisbachwelle. As a surfer myself, this activity was a must-do, and it was cool to see fellow enthusiasts and young (and young at heart) adventurers alike enjoying the thrill of cruising down the river rapids. While I didn’t have my bathing suit with me, observing the excitement from the sidelines left me longing to join in on the fun.
Key Trip Highlights
Extensive Public Transportation Options
Munich’s extensive public and sharing logistics options set a commendable example for other destinations. Download the MVG Farhinfo and MVGO app
Reusable Dishes at the Beer Gardens
The minimal waste observed in fast-food settings like the famous beer gardens is noteworthy, allowing for an enjoyable experience without contributing to plastic pollution. There was a common area for the return of dirty dishes. A great example for other destinations; Less waste IS possible in fast food!
Liveability
Munich’s livability stood out to me, despite my preference for the countryside. The city exudes vibrancy, with locals of all ages engaged in various activities, making it a place I could envision calling home.
For your next European travels, ensure to put Munich on your radar, get out into the parks and remember to bring a bath suit!
Safe and Sustainable Travels!
