Nude bathing in Munich: the Isar, English Garden and pools, the official areas

In short: Munich allows nude sunbathing and bathing only in designated areas. According to the city, these are several stretches of the Isar, the Schönfeldwiese and the Schwabinger Bucht in the Englischer Garten (English Garden), the Feldmochinger See lake, and FKK areas in some municipal pools (M-Bäder). Outside those areas, swimwear is required. This guide summarises the city's information, explains the main rules and gives couples guidance for a first visit.

The city's basic rule

The muenchen.de page on naturism states that outside the designated areas "swimwear is generally required". Outside the FKK areas, the primary sexual characteristics must be covered. The areas lift the swimwear requirement, but they "do not prescribe nudity": anyone wearing swimwear in an FKK area breaks no rule. Important for safety: permission to bathe nude does not override swimming bans or other safety rules. In the Isar, swimming is allowed only in released sections and at your own risk. Violations can be fined as a regulatory offence.

The official areas according to muenchen.de

On the Isar:

• Maria Einsiedel (southern Isar, western flood bed, about 200 metres south of the Marienklause to the south end of the Hinterbrühler See). Not to be confused with the paid Naturbad Maria Einsiedel.
• Brudermühlbrücke (eastern side of the southern flood bed).
• Isarinsel Oberföhring (east bank, from the Mittlere-Isar-Straße area to the city limit).
• Gravel bank east of the Flauchersteg, only the area marked on the map.

In the English Garden:

• Schönfeldwiese behind the Haus der Kunst, inside the oval of the former riding arena.
• Schwabinger Bucht between the Sulzbrücke and the Alte-Heide-Steg.

Lake and pools:

• Feldmochinger See: marked FKK zone on the southwest shore. According to the city page, it is the only municipal lake with an official FKK beach.
• M-Bäder with FKK areas: Dantebad (its FKK area has its own 25-metre pool), Naturbad Maria Einsiedel, Ungererbad and Freibad West (each with a mixed and a women-only FKK area) and Cosimawellenbad (summer lawn only).

In the M-Bäder, topless bathing is allowed for all guests. The M-Bäder house rules have applied since 15 May 2026, according to the city. FKK offerings can be limited by season or weather; check each pool's page.

Finding your way on the ground

The city refers to maps and on-site signage for exact boundaries. That is no empty phrase: at the Schönfeldwiese only the oval of the former riding arena is designated, not the whole meadow. On the Isar, only the part of the gravel bank marked on the map applies. If you are unsure, stay in swimwear or ask at the pool.

Etiquette and consideration

The following points are editorial recommendations that match what is customary:

• No staring, no photographing. The city page mentions no photo ban, but photographing strangers invades their privacy.
• Towel and distance. A large towel, and do not settle right next to strangers when there is room.
• Safety before fashion. The Isar can be cold and have strong currents. Respect the releases for swimming stretches.
• Take the zone seriously. Whoever leaves the boundary puts swimwear back on.
• Respect for everyone. Visitors include families, athletes and locals; the atmosphere depends on calm.

For couples: making the first visit work

Decide together whether to begin in swimwear. The areas do not prescribe nudity, so nobody stands out. Plan the visit in dry weather and with enough time for the way back, especially in spring and autumn when the river water is cool. Bring water, sun protection and a towel, and follow the signs on site.

Frequently asked questions

Is nude sunbathing allowed all over Munich? No. According to muenchen.de, only in the designated areas; elsewhere swimwear is required.

Do I have to be nude in the areas? No. The areas do not prescribe nudity.

May I swim in the Isar? Only in released sections and at your own risk. FKK permission does not lift swimming bans.

Does topless apply outside the FKK areas? In the M-Bäder yes; elsewhere, according to the page, the primary sexual characteristics must be covered.

Where do I find the exact boundaries? On the city's maps and on the signs at the site.

Sources (accessed 10 November 2026)

• City of Munich: "Freikörperkultur: Infos zur Isar, dem Englischen Garten und Freibädern", https://www.muenchen.de/freizeit/fkk
• City of Munich: city council decision on topless at the Isar (2019), https://www.muenchen.de/aktuell/2019-06/fkk-debatte-muenchner-stadtrat-erlaubt-oben-ohne-an-der-isar.html