Cycling Munich: MVG Rad Hire and the English Garden by Bike

Munich is made for cycling. The city is flat, bike lanes are everywhere, and locals cycle rain or shine. If you've never cycled in Munich, you're missing a fundamentally different way to experience the city, quieter neighbourhoods, unexpected beer gardens, and corners of the English Garden that most tourists never see.

We've detailed the best rental option and the routes that will make you feel like a Münchner by day three.

MVG Rad: The Easiest Rental Option

What it is: Munich's city bike-share system. Around 3,000 bikes at 350+ docking stations across the city.

How it works:

1. Download the MVG app or visit a docking station.
2. Register with a card (no deposit required, app registration preferred).
3. Unlock a bike by scanning your phone or entering a code.
4. Ride to any station and dock it.

Cost:

• Single journey (up to 30 minutes): €2.50
• Full day pass: €7.00
• 3-day pass: €18.00
• If you exceed 30 minutes per journey, you pay €0.50 per additional minute.

The truth about MVG Rad: It's brilliant for short hops across the city (city centre to the English Garden, Altstadt to Schwabing), but it's not ideal for long exploration days. The per-minute overage charges stack up fast if you're cycling for hours.

Better option for day trips: Rent from a specialist shop like Call a Bike or Radius Tours. Costs are similar (around €10–15 per day for a basic bike), but you get a bike for the full day without penalties for lingering and no need to find a docking station every hour.

Best Routes for First-Time Cyclists

The English Garden Loop (Relaxed, 1–2 hours)

Distance: 5–8 km depending on your route

Route: Start at the Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) tram stop, cycle east into the English Garden, follow the Isar River path, then loop back through the quieter eastern neighbourhoods (Haidhausen) and return.

Why it's perfect: This route shows you the English Garden's best parts (the Eisbach wave for surfers, the beer garden clearings, the Japanese tea house) without the congestion of the Marienplatz tourist zone. You'll also see how Münchners actually spend their weekends.

Bike skill required: Minimal. The paths are flat, wide, and well-marked.

Food stops: The Café im Englischen Garten (in the heart of the garden) and the biergartens in the Haidhausen neighbourhood.

The Isar River Path South (Active, 2–3 hours)

Distance: 12–15 km

Route: Start at the Deutsches Museum (city centre), cycle south along the Isar River path, pass through the Giesing neighbourhood, and continue to the Großhesselohe beer garden, where you can rest and watch the view over the Isar Valley.

Why it's perfect: You get out of the tourist bubble entirely. The path is dedicated to bikes and pedestrians, and the Großhesselohe area is where Münchners actually go to relax on weekends. It's gorgeous.

Bike skill required: Low to moderate. The path is flat but long.

Return journey: You can cycle back (another 15 km, tough but doable) or take the tram from Großhesselohe back to the city centre.

The Schwabing Loop (Moderate, 1.5–2 hours)

Distance: 8–10 km

Route: Start in Altstadt, cycle north through the city towards Schwabing, explore the quieter squares (Münchener Freiheit), visit the artist neighbourhood, then loop back via the U-Bahn stations.

Why it's perfect: Schwabing is where the cool bars, vintage shops, and hidden beer gardens live. It's less touristy than the city centre but still walkable and bikeable.

Bike skill required: Minimal. Streets are relatively flat and quiet.

Practical Tips for Cycling in Munich

Safety First

• Cars respect cyclists: Munich has a strong bike culture and drivers expect you. That said, follow traffic lights religiously.
• Lock your bike: Always. Use a U-lock through the frame and back wheel. Never leave it unattended in high-traffic areas.
• Stay on bike lanes: They're clearly marked and legally protected. Don't cycle on pavements.

Weather

• It rains: Bring a lightweight jacket. Locals cycle in the rain and it's no big deal.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cycling is fine, but some paths are less maintained. Spring (April–May) and autumn (Sept–Oct) are perfect.

Gear and Clothing

• Dress for the ride, not the weather: You'll warm up quickly. Layers are key.
• Flat shoes: Trainers are fine. Avoid sandals or anything loose.
• Backpack optional: Most MVG Rad bikes have small front baskets, but they're cramped. Bring a small day pack.

Navigation

• Google Maps bike mode: Works perfectly in Munich and shows you dedicated bike paths.
• OpenAndroMaps (offline): Download the Munich map if you want offline navigation.

Rental Shop Alternatives (If MVG Rad Doesn't Suit You)

• Radius Tours: €10–15/day, good quality bikes, helpful staff, multiple locations.
• Call a Bike: Similar to MVG Rad but simpler docking system, €15–20/day.
• Pedal Power: €12–18/day, e-bikes available (€20–25/day).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking the weather: Summer rain in Munich is brief but heavy. Check the forecast.
• Overstaying MVG Rad sessions: The €0.50/minute overage is punishing. Plan dock stations ahead.
• Cycling during Oktoberfest: The city is gridlocked with cars and tourists. Avoid.
• Assuming you can cycle into the English Garden's inner sections: Some paths are pedestrian-only. Stick to marked bike routes.

What's Next?

Cycling gives you a taste of Munich's rhythm, but to really understand the city, the neighbourhoods, the daily routines, the hidden food spots, you need the full picture. Our comprehensive Munich guide covers where to stay, what to eat, which neighbourhoods match your vibe, and how to spend your time beyond the bike ride.

Get the guide and use your newfound cycling confidence to explore the places that matter most.