Location
Germany
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
May to September
About Schwabinger Bucht
The Schwabinger Bucht is a broad meadow in the northern part of Munich's Englischer Garten and one of the six places where the City of Munich lifts the swimwear requirement under its bathing-clothing ordinance (Badekleidungsverordnung). It is the second designated nude zone in the park, after the Schönfeldwiese near the Haus der Kunst. The city defines its limits precisely: the Sulzbrücke marks the southern end, the Alte-Heide-Steg the northern end, and the footpath running around the meadow forms the edge on both the east and west sides. Within that area, nude sunbathing is allowed. The zone sits in the quieter, more open northern half of the park, well away from the crowded southern section, and close to the Isar; across the river on the east bank is another designated zone, the Isarinsel Oberföhring. The Bucht is grassland with trees around it rather than a beach, so expect lawn, shade from the surrounding trees, and other park users on the paths that frame it. Nudity is permitted, not required, so clothed and nude visitors share the space.
Getting there
The Schwabinger Bucht is in the northern Englischer Garten, between the Sulzbrücke to the south and the Alte-Heide-Steg to the north. It is reached on foot or by bicycle through the park; the northern Englischer Garten is crossed by long flat gravel paths that are popular with cyclists. The closest rail links are the U6 stations on the west side of the park, such as Alte Heide, followed by a walk east into the park. There is no dedicated car park at the meadow. The ground is level grass, and the footpath around the meadow marks the boundary of the nude zone.
Amenities
Legal context
The City of Munich designates the Schwabinger Bucht (Sulzbrücke to Alte-Heide-Steg, bounded east and west by the footpath) as a nude zone under its Badekleidungsverordnung; nude sunbathing is permitted but not required (checked on muenchen.de in October 2026). Outside the designated zones, nudity while bathing or sunbathing can be treated as an administrative offence; the usual consequence is being told to leave.
Naturism at Schwabinger Bucht sits under Germany's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 25 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 48.1810, 11.6165
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Is nude sunbathing legal at the Schwabinger Bucht?
Yes. The City of Munich lists it as one of six official nude zones, and nude sunbathing is permitted within its marked limits.
Where exactly does the nude zone start and end?
It runs from the Sulzbrücke in the south to the Alte-Heide-Steg in the north, and is bounded on the east and west by the footpath around the meadow.
Is there a beach or lake?
No. The Schwabinger Bucht is a meadow in the park, not a beach. The designation covers nude sunbathing on the lawn.
Is nudity required?
No. Swimwear is optional inside the zone, so you will see both clothed and nude visitors.
Is there another nude zone nearby?
Yes. Across the Isar on the east bank is the Isarinsel Oberföhring zone, and the Schönfeldwiese is at the southern end of the Englischer Garten.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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