If you’re planning to take a trip to Germany, you’ll probably inevitably end up in the beautiful city of Munich. The capital of the state of Bavaria and the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest festival, Munich is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe for good reason. This city is brimming with a unique culture, stunning examples of architecture, interesting people, and, of course, incredibly delicious beer. But, take a break from the beer for a few hours, rent yourself a motorcycle, and explore all that this historic city has to offer.
Take a drive through the center of Munich and you’ll pass by countless opulent Baroque buildings and art museums that house some of the world's most famous works. Many of the collections were assembled by the Wittelsbach monarchs, the ruling family who controlled the city up until the 20th century. Two of the Wittelsbach palaces are some of the most amazing monuments in the city and are definitely worth visiting. If you’re into more modern things, you should know that Munich is also home to BMW as well as the world-renowned football club FC Bayern. With so much to do and see in the city of Munich, the best way to make the most of your time there is to hire a motorcycle and drive around on your own time.
Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle rental in Munich. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorbike in Munich
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent a motorbike in Germany
- The best places to find motorbike hire in Munich
- The normal price of motorcycle rental in Munich
- The best things to do in Munich by motorcycle
Is It Safe to Hire a Motorbike in Munich?
Occasionally, you do hear about some disastrous motor accidents in Munich; however, in general, this is one of the most highly-rated cities in the world for traffic. This has a great deal to do with how confident and assertive the drivers in this part of the country are and how good law enforcement is. Drivers in Munich typically follow the rules of the road very strictly and any deviations from traffic laws are usually punished by the police.
Being that Germany is one of the wealthiest and most modern countries in Europe, the roads in Munich are extremely well-maintained and there is ample signage all over the city. However, it is a big city, so it can be very easy to get lost without the use of a navigation app. But, if you drive defensively and take it slow, you should have a safe and fun experience while driving in Munich.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in Germany?
Unlike many of its surrounding European countries, Germany does not require foreign drivers to have an international driving permit to legally hire a motor vehicle in the country so long as you have a driver’s license in English. So, if you’re from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom (or any country in the European Union), you do not need to get an international driving permit to drive in Germany for up to 6 months.
If your national driver’s license is not in English or if you plan to drive in one of the surrounding countries around Germany, you will want to get an IDP. You can apply for your IDP online here for an application fee of $20. The permit usually takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail and, once you have it, it will be valid for one full year.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorbike Rental in Munich?
If you plan on flying to Munich Airport, the second-busiest international airport in Germany, you will find that motorbike rental is available at the airport 24/7. So, you can rent a motorcycle at the airport and drive directly to your accommodation.
If you want to wait until you’re closer to the center of Munich, however, you can also find motorbike rental services in other parts of the city as well. Most of the neighborhoods around the city center have motorcycle rental shops; however, the best places to start your search are probably in Berg Am Laim, Glockenbachviertel, and Maxvorstadt.
What Is the Average Cost of Motorbike Hire in Munich?
Nothing in Germany is all that cheap compared to other parts of the world, including motorcycle rental. If you want to hire a decent motorcycle, such as a KTM Super Adventure 1290, you’re probably going to have to pay around €125 per day. However, you should also be able to find cheaper options, like a motor scooter, with a little less power.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should make sure that insurance and helmet rental are included in the stated rental price. Driving without insurance in Germany is illegal and wearing a helmet is always a good idea. You should also inquire with your rental company about whether they offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Munich for a long time.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Munich by Motorcycle?
Now that you know everything you need to hire a motorbike in Munich, here are some of the best things to do in the city with your rented vehicle:
Marienplatz
Perhaps the most iconic part of the city of Munich is Marienplatz, the main square and cultural center of the city that’s been in existence since 1158. During the Middle Ages, this square was home to sprawling markets and epic tournaments. Today, it’s dominated by the New City Hall and Old City Hall, two stunning examples of different schools of architecture.
And, while you’re at Marienplatz, you can’t miss the Glockenspiel, a cuckoo clock built into the tower of the New City Hall. Find out when it’s going to go off next, grab a coffee, show up a few minutes early, and witness this magnificent piece of engineering.
Mullersches Volksbad
One of the more interesting sites in Munich is Mullersches Volksbad, probably the most amazing place you’ll ever have the opportunity to go swimming. This majestic dome encompasses a 100-foot-long swimming pool surrounded by breathtaking murals and other works of art. There’s also an open-air courtyard that’s a great place to clear your head.
If you want the full experience, though, you need to take the brave step into the Finnish sauna and experience the aromatic steam infusion treatment that involves someone pouring water on hot rocks and waving the heat in your direction with a towel. Even if you can only stay inside for a minute or two, it’ll be worth the experience.
Eisbach River
Another extremely unique thing to see while in Munich is the Eisbach River. The river itself is beautiful, yet fairly standard. What makes the Eisbach so special is that it’s actually a surfing spot used by daring locals.
The waves of the river are created by artificial dips in the concrete base, which means that surfers must be ready as soon as they jump in the ice-cold water. However, if you go during the summer, you might see an especially brave local catch a wave in the nude.
Munich Is Better by Motorbike
The public transportation in Munich isn’t all that bad; however, it’s still going to require you to wait around and miss out on valuable exploring time. By hiring a motorcycle, you’ll give yourself the opportunity to maximize your time in this amazing city and see all that you can possibly see.
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