10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Munich

River surfing at the Eisbachwelle is certainly a unique experience for visiting the centre of this busy city. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or someone who just prefers to spectate, this attraction is a must-visit.

The waves on the Eisbach river at the entrance to the Englischer Garten can get up to almost a metre tall, providing the perfect environment for surfers. Be warned, however, that this activity should only be taken on by those who are well acquainted with surfing. The river is about a 5-minute drive north of the city centre.

Blutenburg Castle - Schloss Blutenburg was created in a beautiful, late-Gothic design and is a must-see during your trip to Munich. Located on the banks of River Würm, there are regular events happening at the castle as well as plenty to see inside and out.

Stop by the cafe for a quick bite before venturing back into the 15th-century, fully furnished chapel. Make sure to visit the sculpture park that commemorates the victims of the death march of the Dachau concentration camp prisoners.

Lenbachhaus - Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau is an art museum located in Munich's Kunstareal that offers numerous kinds of art and educational opportunities. Curators here take care to ensure that the exhibits on display and the programmes they present correlate in a fun and engaging way.

Here, you can immerse yourself in the art of the 19th century, the Blauer Reiter, the New Objectivity and contemporary art from all over the world. They also offer a restaurant and gift shop inside the museum, making this a great all-day stop.

Museum Lichtspiele is a cinema that is well-known to the locals as a spot that shows cult classics alongside modern blockbusters. This theatre is located right in the heart of Munich and is decorated like a retro theatre, with red curtains and all.

One of the things Museum Lichtspiele is known for is that they have played 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' every weekend since they opened. No matter what you choose to see if you stop in, the ambience of its beautiful interior is sure to add another layer of uniqueness to your experience.

The Bavaria statue, which depicts a female figure meant to personify Bavaria, is probably Munich’s most famous and towers nearly 18 metres into the sky over the Theresienwiese. It's a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike and is often a spot for local events like Oktoberfest.

What most people don't know is that you can actually go inside the statue. A spiral staircase leads to the top of the statue's head, where you'll be met with views of the city. Don't forget to visit the hall of fame here to see the carved busts of many famous Bavarians. You can find the statue about 8 minutes west of the city centre.

Lake Starnberg is located just southwest of the city and is a great place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors. This is Bavaria’s second-largest lake, and it offers opportunities for all kinds of activities to enjoy on a day out.

Jump in and take a swim, enjoy a bike ride, set out for a leisurely stroll or even go on a boat trip. There is a loop route perfect for cyclists and hikers that takes you off the main roads. You'll also find plenty of nearby cafes, restaurants and beer gardens with a scenic view of the lake.

The Old Town Hall, Munich - Altes Rathaus / Spielzeugmuseum is located on Marienplatz in the centre of Munich and has become a main point of interest for the city. There are actually 2 town hall buildings, with the newest functioning as the official town hall.

One of the main attractions of Old Town Hall is the toy museum that is housed inside. Plenty of history is woven into the building as well since it has been around since the 14th century. The interior architecture has been restored many times and is absolutely worth stopping in to see for yourself.

The Endless Staircase is described by the artist as 'movement without destination, a space defined by motion rather than walls'. You’ll find this interactive sculpture located in the centre of a business park in the Schwanthalerhöhe district.

The staircase is known as one of the best photo spots in Munich and is popular among art lovers and architecture lovers alike. It is accessible at all times, as it is in an open courtyard. This piece is definitely essential to your off-the-beaten-path itinerary in Munich.

Enjoying an exciting wine-tasting tour in Munich will take you back in time before the city was known as a beer capital. These tours combine city sightseeing with tastings of the once-leading drink in all of Bavaria.

These tours will teach you about the history of winemaking and wine drinking in Munich. You’ll not only enjoy tasting some of the best white and red wines in the area, but you'll also get a look into what people of medieval times enjoyed.