– from the perspective of someone who’s been here at dawn
By Mariejoe, Vizsla, world explorer and Feelgood Manager at one of Munich’s most innovative real estate companies.- 🐕 No general leash requirement throughout the park – off-leash allowed on many lawn areas; marked zones excluded
- 🌿 approx. 130–210 hectares – depending on boundaries, Munich’s largest or one of the largest park facilities on the former airport grounds
- 💧 Riemer Lake: approx. 10-hectare swimming lake – dogs not allowed in swimming and sunbathing areas; leash required on paths
- ✅ Wide lawn areas, clear pathways, and two viewing hills – plenty of space without crowding
- 🚫 Playgrounds, sports areas, and marked zones (green posts): no access for dogs
- ⚠️ Consideration required: respect other visitors, natural areas, and clear pathways
More day-trip tips: The best day trips with a dog in Munich.
I was there early enough to see what Riemer Park looks like at dawn. Empty paths. Dew on the lawns. And no one telling me where to sniff.
Riemer Park with dog is one of Munich’s most underrated destinations. It’s located in the east, in Messestadt Riem. That sounds like an industrial area. It’s the opposite. An expansive landscape park on the grounds of the former Munich-Riem Airport – designed by French landscape architect Gilles Vexlard, created for the 2005 Federal Garden Show. Depending on how you define the boundaries, sources cite around 130 to over 200 hectares. Either way, it’s large.
And the best part: there’s no continuous leash requirement for all areas in Riemer Park. Instead, a system of clearly defined zones applies. If you’re looking for off-leash space, you’ll find it here – if you know where.
The Lawn Areas – Space Without Compromise
What sets Riemer Park apart from other Munich parks is the geometry. No winding paths, no hidden corners. Instead: openness. Lines. Open spaces.
On many of these lawn areas, dogs are allowed to run free. Not everywhere. But where nothing else is posted. The city of Munich regulates this through restricted zones – not through a general ban. Meaning: what’s not excluded is allowed. It works surprisingly well.
- ✅ Off-leash possible on large lawn areas
- 🌿 Clear structure – good visibility, few conflict points
- 🐕 Green posts with dog symbol: no access there
- 🚫 Playgrounds and sports areas: off-limits for dogs
- ✅ Bag dispensers and trash bins available
Riemer Lake – Look, Don’t Enter
In the eastern section lies Riemer Lake. Artificially created, clearly structured, surprisingly deep. Ten hectares of water surface, up to 18 meters deep. Beautiful enough that everyone wants to go.
For dogs, there’s a clear rule here: they are not allowed in the swimming and sunbathing areas. On the paths around the lake, they must be leashed. This is non-negotiable. And honestly: it makes sense.
The promenade in the north remains a good option anyway. With leash, but with a view.
- 🚫 Swimming and sunbathing areas: no access for dogs
- 🐕 Paths around the lake: leash required
- ✅ North shore promenade: possible with dog
- 💧 approx. 10 hectares, up to 18 m deep
- ⚠️ Lifeguards on duty especially on weekends and in good weather
Here you’ll find more dog lakes in Munich.
Perfect for: A quiet walk by the water – before heading back to the lawn.The Hills – Views Without Effort
Two hills rise from the park. Built up from material from the old airport. The larger one: around 20 to 22 meters high. On clear days: Alpine views.
Easily manageable with a dog. The paths are wide, the incline moderate. There’s space at the top. That’s all you need.
- ✅ Accessible with dog
- 🌿 Views to the Alps in good weather
- ⚠️ Sledding in winter
Also worth a visit: Nymphenburg Palace Park with dog.
Perfect for: A quick change of perspective.Getting There – Easier Than You Think
Riemer Park is located in Messestadt Riem. And yes – that sounds farther away than it is.
- ✅ U2: Messestadt Ost or Messestadt West
- ✅ S4: Gronsdorf
- ⚠️ MVV: One dog usually rides free, additional dogs subject to regulations
- ⚠️ Parking available, fills up quickly in summer
Quick Overview: Riemer Park Dog in Munich
| Area | Off-leash | Water / Swimming | Recommendation ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn areas | ✅ Partially allowed | – | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lake promenade | 🐕 Leash | No swimming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lake swimming areas | 🚫 Prohibited | 🚫 Closed to dogs | – |
| Hills | ✅ Allowed | – | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Playgrounds / Sports areas | 🚫 Prohibited | – | – |
Riemer Park with dog is what many Munich green spaces aspire to be: large enough that you don’t get in each other’s way. Off-leash where it’s possible. Rules where they make sense. Once you’ve been here, you’ll come back.
Munich awaits us. And we await Munich.
Yours, Mariejoe 🐾
Note: The information provided is based on experience and local conditions. Rules regarding leash requirements, off-leash areas, and swimming may change depending on the area and current regulations. No claim is made to completeness or legal binding. When in doubt, the official regulations of the city of Munich apply.
Frequently Asked Questions: Riemer Park Dog in Munich
Is there a leash requirement for dogs in Riemer Park?
There is no general leash requirement in Riemer Park – instead, area-specific regulations apply. Off-leash is possible on many lawn areas, provided there are no differently marked restrictions. Excluded are areas with green posts and crossed-out dog symbols, playgrounds and sports areas, as well as swimming and sunbathing areas at Riemer Lake. On paths in these areas, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Can dogs go in Riemer See?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the swimming and sunbathing areas of Riemer Lake. On paths in these areas, dogs must be kept on a leash. This is the official regulation of the city of Munich.
How large is Riemer Park?
Riemer Park currently has a size of around 130 hectares. In the planned final development, about 210 hectares are mentioned. It is therefore one of Munich’s largest park facilities. It was created on the grounds of the former Munich-Riem Airport and opened for the 2005 Federal Garden Show.
How do I get to Riemer Park with my dog using public transport?
Riemer Park is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U2 to Messestadt Ost or Messestadt West, or the S4 to Gronsdorf. On the MVV, one dog per person usually rides free; additional regulations may apply for more or larger dogs.
Are there bag dispensers in Riemer Park?
Yes. Riemer Park is equipped with bag dispensers and a dense network of trash bins. Dog waste must be removed.
Can I go on the viewing hills in Riemer Park with my dog?
Yes. The hills in Riemer Park – the largest is up to 22 meters high and located at the eastern end of the park – are accessible with a dog. On clear days, there’s a view of the Alps from the top. In winter, the hills serve as sledding slopes.
What is Riemer Lake and how large is it?
Riemer Lake is an artificially created swimming lake in the eastern part of Riemer Park. It covers a water surface of about 10 hectares and is on average about 14 meters deep, in some places up to 18 meters. It was created for the 2005 Federal Garden Show and has been an official EU bathing water since 2012.
Which other Munich parks are suitable for dogs with off-leash areas?
In addition to Riemer Park, Hirschgarten and the northern lawn of Luitpoldpark offer designated off-leash areas. In the English Garden, leash requirement officially applies, but the northern section is particularly popular with dog owners. All tips: The best destinations with dog in Munich.
