City by Day, Camping by Night – It’s Possible in Munich!

You could be forgiven for thinking that for a great outdoors camping trip you need to head to the great outdoors. But one of the best places I know to camp at is not in fact in the middle of nowhere, but in Munich.

Yes, you heard that right – Germany’s second largest city may not be your first choice, but should you choose to stay at a site such as Thalkirchen, a nature reserve 4km from the centre, you quickly realise that you really can get the best of all worlds: a countryside vibe with lakes to swim in and green spaces to run across, whilst only 15 minutes from the bustling city centre with its bars, museums and eclectic host of family-friendly attractions. With none of the same costs as staying in one of the city’s hotels, it’s also a great choice for those on a budget but still wanting lots for the younger ones to see and do. For your next family holiday, why not try a camping trip to Munich? Everyone’s a winner! 

The Country Part

Campsite Thalkirchen is set in luscious river meadows with dozens of cycle and walking paths to explore and acres of space for letting off steam. There is a wide array of activities on offer for those who want to burn off some energy on holiday, such as climbing grounds with the German Alpine Society, and plenty of places for swimming, whether in the lakes or at the Marie Einsidele lido. The reserve is also home to over 5,000 animals at the Hellabrunn Zoo, a great spot for kids of all ages; there’s a petting zoo, and in summer the keepers offer pony and camel rides. On top of this, if you tire of outdoor stoves and picnicking, there’s a restaurant and beer garden at the Asam-Schlössl, offering hearty Bavarian fare to keep you well-fuelled.

Amazingly, all this is only 10 minutes by underground train from the centre of Munich. A perfect oasis, taking a camping trip at Thalkirchen is a great, cheap alternative to staying in expensive hotels. Instead, you can make the most of the space and freedom whilst still savouring the wealth of amenities on your doorstep.

The City Part

Munich may be renowned as a world capital of beer and football, but it’s also a fantastically family-friendly city. The glockenspiel in Marienplatz, in the heart of the Old Town, is one of the city’s most popular sights: at 11am and 12pm every day, this 100 year-old glockenspiel chimes to the delight of onlooking children. 32 life-size figures give a show of events from Bavarian history, finishing with three chirps from a golden bird.

Munich also has many museums worth visiting, particularly on a rainy day: the German Museum, one of the country’s largest science and technology museums, has a host of interactive displays, whilst the Munich Toy Museum, housed in the city hall, has displays of vintage dolls and teddy bears from across the world. Should your kids decide they’d rather buy new toys than look at old ones, however, there’s no need to worry – Obletter Spielwaren, the city’s gigantic toy store, has things covered. 

How to Get There

Of course, combining a countryside camping trip with a city break is made all the easier when you’re well-placed for getting around. From Munich airport, you can easily book in advance a private transfer service with Shuttle Direct to get you direct to your campsite in no time at all and for low cost fares. What’s more, if you let the drivers know in advance, they can be sure to have plenty of space in the vehicle for any tents and large equipment you have to bring. No need for any undue trekking – this is your chance to enjoy camping with a few comforts on the side!