Once a hotspot for the 1960s “flower power” movement, Schwabing is a trend-setting neighbourhood in the north of Munich. It has long been considered the city’s bohemian quarter, with many artists choosing to reside here in the late 19th century. Today, Schwabing is an upmarket residential area with high-end boutiques and fine-dining restaurants.
Things to do in Schwabing-Freimann
Schwabing’s most popular green space is the Englischer Garten, which was established in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson for Prince Charles Theodore. At 370 hectares, it is one of the largest urban parks in the world, with a beautiful meadow and Kleinhesseloher Lake among its attractions. Admire the traditional Japanese teahouse and the Chinese tower, as well as the Greek-style temple designed by Leon von Klenze.
At the southern end of Schwabing is the Siegestor, an impressive triumphal arch that was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Completed in 1852, it was originally dedicated to the Bavarian Army but now stands as a monument to peace. Stretching to the north is the bustling boulevard of Leopoldstraße, which is lined with alfresco cafes, restaurants and retail stores.
North of Schwabing is the Südliche Fröttmaninger Heide, a sprawling nature reserve created on a former army tank training area. It is one of the largest tracts of heath grassland in Central Europe and provides an important habitat for rare butterflies and orchids. You can explore along the network of hiking trails while keeping your eyes peeled for skylarks, sand lizards and green toads.
Getting around Schwabing-Freimann
Schwabing is around a 15-minute drive from the centre of Munich and 20 minutes from Munich International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. U-Bahn services and buses travel throughout the neighbourhood, connecting most of its attractions.