Lights on at Locke: Winter in the City, Munich

An article about winter in Munich that didn’t mention the city’s festive markets would be sorely lacking – there’s a reason they’re world-famous, after all. Set against the stunning Neues Rathaus, the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is one of the city’s most iconic. Expect stalls brimming with artisanal crafts, seasonal treats and steaming Glühwein, all just 24 minutes’ walk from Schwan Locke. It’s also worth checking out the mediaeval Christmas market at Wittelsbacherplatz for a historical twist on the tradition, complete with elaborate period costumes and obscure delicacies. 

P.s. Want more festive market inspo? Check out The ultimate festive guide to Munich. 

Best get working on those guns, because you’ll need them for lifting your hefty stein to say “Prost!” If you’ve never been to a traditional German beer hall, this is a must-do (and if you have, you’ll definitely want to go back). What better season than winter for getting cosy with strangers around long benches sloshing with beer? Line your stomach with hearty Bavarian sausages, pretzels, and Schweinshaxe for an authentic local experience. Our favourite spot is Augustiner Bräustuben, just 11 minutes’ walk from Schwan Locke. 

History buffs will be excited to hear that winter ups the fairytale qualities of this 325-year-old Baroque masterpiece. Outside, its 180 hectares of gardens – the second-largest green space in Munich – look even more magical under a blanket of snow. Inside, the ornate frescoes and gilded stucco work of the Great Hall have a decidedly festive feel. And the rich tapestries, intricate woodwork, and period furnishings adorning the countless other chambers are just as impressive. Jump on the U-Bahn from Schwan Locke to arrive in just over half an hour. 

Everyone knows winter is for comfort food and, happily, Munich has plenty of that to go around. Whether you’re in the mood for a slap-up burger or a veggie feast, a contemporary take on haute Bavarian cuisine or a taste of the Mediterranean in Munich, read our guide to the best restaurants in Munich. A special shout-out goes to WunderLocke’s very own restaurant, Mural Farmhouse, brought to you by the founders of local Michelin-starred restaurant, Mural. Go for everything from Chef’s Table dining to shared bites – all made with ingredients from WunderLocke’s rooftop farm and local growers – and stay for panoramic views of the Alps. 

Speed demons and art enthusiasts will find common ground (believe it or not) at the BMW Museum, just half an hour on the U-Bahn from Schwan Locke. Showcasing the brand’s history, innovations and future technologies, car fiends can dork out over the ingenious engines, designs, prototypes and visions that have contributed to motoring history. If you’re more at home in a gallery, head to the BMW Art Cars rotating exhibition, where you’ll find a model designed by the likes of David Hockney, Cao Fei, Jenny Holzer or Jeff Koon.  

Munich winters are pretty chilly, so we don’t blame you for wanting to turn up the heat for a few hours. Warm your bones at Therme Erding, Europe’s largest thermal bath complex, just over an hour from Schwan Locke by car or train. With 31 saunas and steam rooms, 27 swimming pools, a wave pool and 26 water slides, you really can choose your own adventure. Or, less than half an hour away by U-Bahn, there’s Müllersches Volksbad: a beautiful Art Nouveau-style bathhouse with steam rooms, pools, and therapeutic treatments. 

If you loved Disney films as a kid (or still do – who are we kidding?), you’ll be positively enchanted by the iconic nineteenth-century structure, built by Bavaria's King Louis II, that inspired Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Nestled in the idyllic Alps, the Neuschwanstein takes on a dreamlike quality in winter when surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. Unsurprisingly, it’s popular with tourists, so we recommend booking a tour before you embark on the hour-and-three-quarters car journey to get there. But, in our humble opinion, the beautiful drive through Bavarian countryside makes the trip even more worthwhile. 

If you’re the type who considers winter a waste of time if it doesn’t involve skiing or boarding, then you’re in luck. Munich is temptingly close to the Alps, meaning you can be at popular resorts like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lenggries or Tegernsee in around 90 minutes (or less). As well as slopes for all skill levels, the towns offer plenty in the way of charming winter ambience, indulgent spas, and crisp Alpine views. Seems like the perfect excuse for a day trip, no? 

Only in town for a couple of days and want a done-for-you itinerary? Here’s how to spend a winter weekend in Munich. Or maybe you’ve ticked everything off and want more ideas? Explore the city with our House Hosts.