Munich has a very particular rhythm during marathon weekend. It’s not hectic like Berlin, not compact like Frankfurt, and not as museum-centred as Vienna. Instead, the city feels calm, efficient and quietly confident; wide streets, clean transport lines, and a finish inside the Olympiastadion that genuinely feels special.
The marathon route crosses green spaces, long boulevards and neighbourhoods that are easy to understand, even if you’ve never visited Munich before. Because of that, choosing where to stay is less about “avoiding the wrong district” and more about picking the vibe you want:
near the stadium, near cafes, near museums, or right in the Old Town.
No matter what you choose, getting to the start and finish is simple. Munich has one of the most reliable U-Bahn systems in Europe, and the key line for race weekend (U3) connects almost every important area without transfers.
If you’re also considering other German races this season, my guide on where to stay for the Berlin Marathon offers a good comparison in terms of scale and logistics.
Below are the areas runners most often choose, each with its own kind of weekend, plus hotel suggestions that tend to work well for race logistics. Practical advice based on what people actually use on this marathon weekend.
Next edition: 11 October 2026
Contents - Jump to
Best Areas for the Munich Marathon (Quick Picks)
If you want:
- Closest to the finish: Olympiapark / Milbertshofen
- Cafés + relaxed feel: Schwabing
- Walkable sightseeing: Altstadt (Old Town)
- Balanced base: Maxvorstadt
- Quiet nights: Neuhausen–Nymphenburg
Transport tip:
All these areas connect smoothly with the U-Bahn lines heading to Olympiapark.
1. Olympiapark / Milbertshofen (Closest to finish line)
If you want the most practical setup, this is it. You’re right next to the stadium, you can walk to the finish, and you avoid the post-race shuffle completely. The area is quiet, green and ideal for an easy shake-out run the day before.
It’s not Munich’s most atmospheric neighborhood, but for the marathon pure convenience can be worth more than charm.
Why runners like it
- Short walk or quick U-Bahn ride to start/finish
- Very quiet at night, great for sleep
- Plenty of space to stretch the legs before/after
Suggested hotels
- H2 Hotel München Olympiapark – modern, clean, right next to U-Bahn
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Munich – big rooms, reliable, easy stadium access
Best for:
Runners who want a smooth, no-rush morning.
2. Schwabing (Relaxed cafés, English Garden, easy U-Bahn
Schwabing is one of Munich’s most enjoyable neighborhoods: leafy streets, plenty of cafés, bakeries on every corner, and a comfortable, slightly creative atmosphere. The Englischer Garten sits right along the edge of the district—perfect for a gentle Saturday jog.
Reaching the stadium is simple via the U3. Many runners return to Schwabing year after year because it feels both lively and calm.
Why runners like it
- English Garden is ideal for light jogging
- Plenty of easy pre-race meal options
- Direct U-Bahn to the start/finish
Suggested hotels
- Motel One München-Parkstadt Schwabing – modern, tidy, predictable comfort
- Flemings Hotel München-Schwabing – comfortable & walkable
Best for:
People who want comfort + food + a pleasant neighbourhood vibe.
3. Maxvorstadt (Balanced, central, great for cafés & museums)
Maxvorstadt sits between Schwabing and the Old Town and has a bit of both: cafés and bookstores, small restaurants, university buildings, and wide, quiet streets. It’s central without being crowded, and the U-Bahn runs all through the area, making the stadium easy to reach.
For many runners, this is the sweet spot: not too busy, not too quiet, and very walkable.
Why runners like it
- Calm but central location
- Lots of breakfast options
- Quick U-Bahn access to Olympiapark
Suggested hotels
- Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich – modern, lively atmosphere
- Hotel Augusten München – friendly staff, close to Theresienwiese
Best for:
Travellers who want a clean, central base without Old Town prices.
4. Altstadt (Old Town) – Best for sightseeing & short stays
If you’re turning the marathon into a city break, the Altstadt is the easiest place to stay. You’ll be near Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the famous shopping streets. It’s lively but never overwhelming; Munich remains orderly even at peak times.
This area is also the most walkable, if you want to explore before or after the race, everything is at your doorstep. Just be aware that it’s the priciest part of Munich, especially on weekends.
Why runners like it
- Perfect for sightseeing
- Tons of restaurants
- Super safe, especially early morning
Suggested hotels
- Platzl Hotel – Bavarian style, great breakfast
- Living Hotel Das Viktualienmarkt – clean, modern, unbeatable location
Best for:
First-timers in Munich or short weekend visits.
5. Neuhausen–Nymphenburg (Local, quiet, good value)
If you want a peaceful base, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg is excellent. It’s a lovely residential area with local cafés, bakeries, and the Nymphenburg Palace gardens nearby. Prices are often better here, especially during busy weekends.
The U-Bahn links are strong, making the trip to the stadium simple. Munich’s neighborhoods feel calmer than Hamburg’s, so if you like the coastal vibe of that race, the Hamburg Marathon stay guide might help you compare atmospheres.
Why runners like it
- Very quiet, excellent for pre-race sleep
- Good value hotels
- Scenic, less touristy neighborhood
Suggested hotels
- Hotel Laimer Hof – charming, friendly, family-run
- Novotel München City Arnulfpark – spacious rooms, modern design
Best for:
Those who prioritise rest and quiet nights.
Marathon Logistics (Simple Overview)
- Start: Spiridon-Louis-Ring in the Olympic Park
- Finish: Willi-Daume-Platz at the Olympic Lake
- Expo: Olympiahalle
- Key transport line: U3 direct to the stadium
- Best prep: visit the stadium area on Saturday, helps reduce race-day nerves
Munich’s logistics are low-stress. Trains run often, signs are clear, and the entire route around Olympiapark is straightforward. Even first-time visitors find it easy.
Shake-Out Run Ideas (great the day before)
One of the best things about Munich is how many gentle, traffic-free places you can use for an easy run.
1. English Garden (Englischer Garten)
Wide gravel paths, bridges, lawns, and shade. You can easily run 3–5 km without stopping for traffic. Runners from Schwabing and Maxvorstadt often warm up here.
2. Olympiapark paths
Perfect if you’re staying near the stadium. Loops around the lake, slight rolling hills, and plenty of space. Popular with local clubs.
3. Along the Isar River
Flat, quiet, and beautiful. If you’re in the Altstadt or Giesing, this might be the nicest pre-race run in the city.
4. Nymphenburg Palace grounds
If you’re staying in Neuhausen, this is your go-to spot. Big open gardens and calm paths.
Race Morning: What to Expect
Getting into Olympiapark is straightforward, but race morning can feel busy around the U3 stations.
A few things help:
- Leave a little earlier than you think
- The stadium signage is excellent
- Toilets inside Olympiapark are easier to reach than those near entrances
- The walk from the U-Bahn to the start corrals takes longer than it looks, don’t rush it
Most runners say Munich is one of the least stressful start areas of any big European marathon.
What to Eat Before Race Day
Munich is full of easy, runner-friendly options. Around Schwabing, Maxvorstadt and the Altstadt you’ll find:
- Italian restaurants (reliable carbs)
- Asian spots with rice/noodle dishes
- Bakeries with simple breakfasts
- Supermarkets with fresh sandwiches & snacks
The only real rule is:
avoid heavy Bavarian food the night before.
Save the schnitzel and beer for Sunday afternoon, it’s worth the wait.
Tips:
- Saturday dinner gets busy, so book early
- Bakeries open early for breakfast
- Avoid anything too salty or too rich
- Don’t try new foods on Saturday
Budget Tips
Munich isn’t cheap, but you can keep costs reasonable:
- Don’t stay right at Marienplatz – it’s pricey
- Neuhausen and Milbertshofen are the best value
- Schwabing becomes affordable if you book early
- A 3-day public transport pass is worth it
- Avoid Oktoberfest weeks – prices explode
Even mid-range hotels maintain good standards, so value options are still comfortable.
Areas to Avoid
Munich is extremely safe. The only “avoid” advice is about comfort:
- Streets around Hauptbahnhof can feel hectic (not unsafe, just busy)
- Parts of the Altstadt can stay noisy late into the night
- Bars around Gärtnerplatz might be loud on weekends
- Avoid hotels directly overlooking Theresienwiese if Oktoberfest overlaps with marathon week
Otherwise, you’ll be fine almost anywhere within U-Bahn range.
FAQ
How early should I arrive?
Friday is best. The expo is quieter on Friday afternoon than Saturday.
Is Munich safe early in the morning?
Absolutely. One of Europe’s safest major cities.
Can I walk to the start?
Only if you’re near Olympiapark. Otherwise take the U3.
Where should I stay on a budget?
Milbertshofen and Neuhausen offer great prices and easy transport.
Which area is best for sightseeing?
Altstadt. If you want quiet + sightseeing, choose Maxvorstadt.
Planning another race in Germany?
Here are a few guides that might help:
- Where to Stay for the Berlin Marathon – huge crowds, big-city feel
- Where to Stay for the Frankfurt Marathon – compact, easy to navigate
- Where to Stay for the Hamburg Marathon – coastal atmosphere, wide streets
Useful Links
These are the ones I actually used when planning my own weekend:
- Munich Marathon – official site
- MVG (public transport) – U-Bahn, trams
- Deutsche Bahn – regional & airport trains
- Munich Airport – arrivals & transport
Some links on this page may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places that make race weekend simpler.
