There are many beautiful viewpoints in and around Munich, but only a few combine profound history, works of art and winter sports. However, Fröttmaninger Berg in the north of Munich does just that – it is much more than just a hill.
From the hilltop, you have one of the most spectacular views in the city: the Allianz Arena shines directly opposite, and on a clear day, the panorama stretches across the entire Munich skyline all the way to the Alps.
A mountain made of history
What looks like a natural recreational area today is actually a former landfill site. From 1954, over 12 million cubic meters of waste from the growing city were piled up here. The original settlement of Fröttmaning had to give way almost completely to this huge mountain of garbage. The residents were relocated and the houses demolished – except for one: the Heilig-Kreuz church.
A wind turbine has stood at the top of the 75-metre-high hill since 1999. It is almost 100 meters high and is considered an ecological landmark of the city. Since 2021, it has had an even larger “sister” on the neighboring landfill site.
Incidentally, one of Munich’s most fascinating works of art is located at the foot of the hill: a faithful copy of the original Holy Cross Church made of concrete, which is half buried in the hillside. This “sunken village” is a memorial to the town of Fröttmaning, which has disappeared under the garbage. Just 150 meters away is the original church – the oldest surviving church building in the city dating back to the 12th century.
Winter sports in the middle of Munich
Fröttmaninger Berg is now a popular destination for outdoor fans: you can hike and cycle here and take long walks– in winter and summer. Directly adjacent is the southern Fröttmaninger Heide, a huge nature reserve with rare plants and animals.
And in winter in particular, Fröttmaninger Berg is a paradise for anyone who loves skiing and tobogganing. If there is enough snow, you can enjoy winter sports in the middle of Munich! There were once even plans for a chairlift, but this was repeatedly postponed. Tobogganing here is at your own risk. We can only hope that the first snow falls soon.