Munich has much more to offer than just urban architecture and vibrant city life. The Bavarian metropolis is also a fascinating place for anyone who is passionate about nature photography and wildlife. Whether you want to capture birds, mammals or rare plants, you will find many surprising motifs in this city. Below I present five very special places where you can go on an exciting journey of discovery with your camera.
Inhalt
- 1. Tawny owls in Nymphenburg and the English Garden
- 2. Swans at the Flaucher
- 3. Mice in the Munich subway
- 4. Wild rabbits in the Olympic Park
- 5. Blooming pasque flowers in the Garching Heath
- Conclusion: discover Munich’s hidden natural gems
1. Tawny owls in Nymphenburg and the English Garden
If you want to photograph owls, Munich is the place to be. The tawny owls in Munich are a prime example of how close urban life and wildlife can be. These nocturnal birds can be found in old tree hollows, particularly in Nymphenburg Palace Park and the English Garden. With a little patience, you can observe them in the early morning light or at dusk – an experience that promises fascinating moments, especially during the breeding season in spring. Sometimes you can even spot young owls climbing through the leaf-free branches.
If you go in search of tawny owls, it’s worth packing a telephoto lens so that you can photograph the owls undisturbed from a safe distance. Even if the light is often still dim in the morning, the shots reward you with a unique atmosphere: the first sunshine shimmers behind the trees, while the birds blend perfectly into their natural surroundings with their speckled plumage.
2. Swans at the Flaucher
Another image of the urban wilderness can be seen in the mute swans that cavort on the Flaucher – the idyllic section of the Isar where you can swim and barbecue in summer – a top sport for nature photography in Munich, especially in the winter months. Here, the elegant birds waddle through the shallow water or glide in groups along the gravel banks. In winter, large numbers of swans often gather together, which can be an impressive spectacle. The gentle curves of their necks are particularly striking when the sun is low in the morning or evening light.
If you take your time, you may be lucky enough to observe and photograph take-off and landing phases. The large wings, the splashing water and the light spray give such pictures a dramatic dynamic. The swans are absolutely used to people and come within a few centimetres of them. Unique results can be achieved with both the telephoto lens and shorter focal lengths.
3. Mice in the Munich subway
Nature photography in Munich doesn’t always have to take place in the woods or by the Isar. Exciting motifs also lurk in rather unexpected places, for example in the city’s subway stations. Small mice occasionally scurry around between the tracks in search of food, providing a curious contrast. It is of course particularly exciting at the more unique stations, such as Marienplatz or Nordfriedhof. When the mice become active there and scurry around between the garbage cans, you can produce some brilliant shots.
Especially late at night, when the crowds have died down, you have a good chance of seeing the rodents. A little patience is required, as they are not entirely at ease with humans. But if you linger quietly, one or two small inhabitants will come to light. The often gloomily lit scenery of the subway gives these pictures a special charm, which can be captured even better with powerful camera equipment.
Caution: taking photos in the subway requires a permit, which can be obtained directly from MVG.
4. Wild rabbits in the Olympic Park
The Olympic Park is not only known for sporting events, concerts and its striking tent-roof architecture, but also for its diverse wildlife. Here you can watch whole families of rabbits hopping around the grassy areas and hills of the park in the morning or late afternoon. Especially in springtime, when young animals are born, the park is a hive of activity.
If you approach carefully, you will be rewarded with enchanting views: the rabbits groom each other, nibble on the fresh greenery and are often very curious. With a telephoto lens, you can get authentic shots without having to get too close to the animals or startle them. A calm approach is doubly worthwhile, as the animals stay relaxed for longer and you have more time to capture their natural behavior.
Be careful here too: the Olympic Park is private property and professional photography is not welcome. In the peripheral areas you are undisturbed and also on the safe side legally.
5. Blooming pasque flowers in the Garching Heath
Although many people see Munich primarily as a big city, there are surprisingly natural places in the immediate vicinity, such as the Garching and Fröttmaning Heaths. Here, bright purple pasqueflowers unfurl in spring, causing macro photographers in particular to go into raptures. The downy flowers and their fine hairs offer a true play of colors and textures when viewed up close.
To take the best photos of these delicate beauties, it is advisable to be there early in the morning or towards the evening. Then the light is pleasantly soft and you can achieve breathtaking effects in the backlight – for example, when dewdrops are still hanging from the flowers and are transformed into glowing dots by the setting sun. But even in diffuse light on cloudy days, the details of the pasque flowers stand out in high contrast.
Conclusion: discover Munich’s hidden natural gems
On the surface, the Bavarian capital may be characterized by big city flair and tourist hustle and bustle, but unexpected natural treasures are revealed in the parks, on the banks of the Isar, in quiet subway shafts and even on fallow land. From tawny owls living in old trees and graceful swans to curious wild rabbits and tiny mice – Munich is a real treasure trove for nature and wildlife photographers.
So: take your time, pack your photo equipment and experience the city from a new perspective. The perfect motif is often just a few steps away if you know where to look. If you can think of another insider tip in Munich, please let me know. I can’t wait to see what you discover there!
