– Dog Lakes Munich – from the perspective of someone who knows every jump in
By Mariejoe, Vizsla, world explorer and Feelgood Manager at one of Munich’s most innovative real estate companies.- 🚫 At most Munich swimming lakes, dogs are banned year-round from swimming and sunbathing areas – according to the city of Munich’s green space regulations
- ⚠️ Still waters for dog bathing are scarce in Munich itself – many supposed dog lakes are not designated for dogs to swim in
- 💧 Flowing waters: The Isar is the best alternative in many places – provided no protected areas, swimming bans, or local restrictions apply
- 🌿 Mallertshofer See (north of Munich) – one of the best-known spots for dog bathing in the surrounding area
- 🐕 Leash requirement applies in designated areas and nature reserves
- ⚠️ Allacher Lohe: Nature reserve – swimming prohibited
More day-trip tips: The best day trips with a dog in Munich.
I’ll say this once and never again: Munich is a disappointment with potential when it comes to dog lakes. The good news first: there are options. The honest news after that: there are fewer than most people think.
According to the city of Munich’s green space regulations, dogs are banned year-round from the swimming and sunbathing areas of the city’s public lakes. Not seasonally. Year-round. That’s the rule.
What remains: the Isar and then the Mallertshofer See – strictly speaking not Munich, but close enough to be relevant.
I’ve checked out all the relevant bodies of water. Here’s what I know.
Mallertshofer See – the best nearby
Strictly speaking, not Munich. Practically still a must.
The Mallertshofer See is located north of Munich between Oberschleißheim, Garching, and Unterschleißheim. Large meadows and access to the water. That’s exactly why it’s no longer an insider tip.
- ✅ Swimming possible for dogs
- ⚠️ Observe signage around the lake
- 🐕 Leash requirement in the adjacent nature reserve
- 🌿 Meadows and access to the water
- ⚠️ Very busy in summer
Flowing waters – the actual solution
If you don’t want a long drive, don’t go to a lake. Go to water that moves.
The Isar is the best alternative to a dog lake in many places – provided no nature reserves, swimming bans, or local regulations apply.
- ✅ Isar with a dog: many suitable spots, especially in the south of Munich
- ⚠️ Don’t underestimate the current
- ⚠️ Observe protected areas, swimming bans, and local signage
What doesn’t work
Things that are repeatedly told incorrectly.
- 🚫 Allacher Lohe: The landscape lake there is colloquially called a “dog lake” – swimming is prohibited for nature conservation reasons
- 🚫 Riemer See: Dogs are not allowed in the bathing and sunbathing areas
- 🚫 Fasaneriesee, Langwieder See, Lußsee: Bathing and sunbathing areas are closed to dogs
Quick Overview: Dog Lakes Munich
| Body of Water | Dog Can Swim | Leash Requirement | Recommendation ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallertshofer See | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ In the adjacent nature reserve | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Isar | ✅ In many places | ⚠️ Depending on the area | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Munich has less to offer when it comes to dog lakes than you’d wish. That’s the honest assessment. But what’s there is good enough if you know where to look.
Munich awaits us. And we await Munich.
Yours, Mariejoe 🐾
Note: The information provided is based on experience and local conditions. Rules may change depending on the area and current regulations. When in doubt, official regulations apply.
Common Questions: Dog Lakes Munich
Where can dogs swim in Munich?
At most Munich swimming lakes, dogs are banned year-round from swimming and sunbathing areas. Swimming is definitely possible at the dog lake in Allach-Untermenzing. Other bodies of water like Olympiasee are used by many but are not officially designated as dog swimming spots. Additionally, dogs can swim in flowing waters like the Isar (outside nature reserves), Hachinger Bach in Ostpark, and Würm in Pasinger Stadtpark.
Where is the dog lake in Munich?
The so-called dog lake is located in Munich-Allach-Untermenzing in the northwestern part of the city. It’s a small quarry lake that has become established as a dog swimming spot. There are parking options in the area, but no officially designated ones directly at the lake. Access by public transport is possible.
Can dogs go in Mallertshofer See?
Yes. Mallertshofer See is located in the municipality of Oberschleißheim, about 13 to 15 kilometers north of Munich. Swimming for dogs is possible there. Off-leash is frequently practiced at the lake itself. However, the surrounding nature reserve (Mallertshofer Holz) requires leashes. There’s no official parking; illegal parking should be avoided.
Can dogs go in Olympiasee?
Olympiasee in Olympiapark Munich is used by many with dogs but is not officially designated as a dog swimming spot. Leash requirements apply in Olympiapark.
Can dogs go in Riemer See?
No. Swimming in Riemer See is prohibited for dogs. The swimming and sunbathing areas are closed to dogs year-round. On paths near the lake, dogs must be kept on a short leash.
Is Allacher Lohe a dog lake?
No. Allacher Lohe is a nature reserve in northwest Munich. Swimming is prohibited there for both people and dogs, and leash requirements apply. Visiting with a dog in the water is a violation of the nature reserve regulations.
Can my dog swim in the Isar?
Yes, in many places. Dogs can swim in the Isar as long as no nature reserve or special regulations apply. Quieter sections south of Thalkirchen are particularly recommended. Important: the Isar is a fast-flowing river – the current should not be underestimated. At Flaucher, there are sometimes glass shards on the gravel banks in summer.
Is there a dog area at Fasaneriesee in Munich?
At Fasaneriesee in northern Munich, there’s a dog meadow. However, water access for dogs is not allowed there. The swimming and sunbathing areas are closed to dogs.
What other lakes near Munich are suitable for dogs?
In addition to Mallertshofer See, designated dog beaches at Tegernsee (e.g., Gmund or Rottach-Egern) are good options for a day trip. At Ammersee, there are also individual sections where dogs can go in the water – check signage. More trip ideas: The best destinations with dogs in Munich.
