For walks by the water, we Munich residents prefer to meet at the Isar. Here you can stroll for long stretches in a straight line, watch the dogs running wild as they take their walks, and settle down on the shore if you like . And even though it’s always lovely here, every now and then you need a change of scenery. Northeast of Munich, where the towns of Aschheim, Kirchheim, Pliening, and Finsing meet, the Ismaninger Speichersee stretches across the landscape like a sea. It’s the perfect weekend getaway to escape the city and unwind.
Bird paradise by the lake
The Ismaning Reservoir has existed since 1929 and was constructed on the north bank of the Middle Isar Canal in two basins. It has always served to regulate the hydroelectric power plants along the river and to treat Munich’s wastewater. In addition, it plays an important role in protecting against flooding in the Isar. It covers an area of 5.8 square kilometers and holds approximately 11 million cubic meters of water.
Since 1962, the entire area around the Ismaning Reservoir has been designated a bird sanctuary. It is of great importance for breeding, molting, and overwintering. On a tour around the eastern basin, you can spot all kinds of birds, including the reed warbler, little ringed plover, green sandpiper, gray goose, black-headed gull, and gadwall, as well as the cormorant, kingfisher, gray heron, and many, many more. For bird lovers, the Ismaning Reservoir is an absolute must-see, as it offers a true diversity of birdlife that you simply won’t find in the city .
Leisure at the Ismaning Reservoir
Even if you’re not particularly interested in our feathered friends, a trip to the Ismaning Reservoir is well worth it. You can’t swim here, but you can take long walks where you’ll hardly encounter anyone else. You can’t walk all the way around the lake, as access to the southern shore at the western basin is prohibited to protect the birds. Nevertheless, you can stroll along the dam and let your gaze wander over the water’s surface from there. There’s hardly any shade along the shore, so it’s the perfect spot to soak up some sun.
Because of its vastness, the Ismaninger Speichersee reminds many people of the sea. Especially on overcast days with stormy weather, you might think you’re at the North Sea rather than in Bavaria. You can’t go crabbing here, but fishing is permitted. The variety of fish is almost as great as that of birds: pike, zander, catfish, rainbow trout, bream, and other species call this place home. The lake is best known for its large carp, which can weigh 20 to 25 kilograms. But whether you’re fishing, biking, birdwatching, or just taking a walk, Lake Ismaning is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a destination without crowds that’s easy to reach from Munich.
