Anyone who wants to visit one of the many municipal outdoor pools today can easily reach them by public transit. 140 years ago, however, things looked a bit different. Although trams were already running in the city at that time, the network didn’t extend very far, and the cars were pulled by horses . That changed when August Ungerer built an extension of the tram line specifically for his swimming pool, which was powered by electricity. Today, however, no tram runs to the Ungererbad anymore, but you can still have a lot of fun here.
A Tram for the Swimming Pool
In 1886, August Ungerer acquired a plot of land in Schwabing, which he developed into a bathing area featuring grottoes, ponds, and a café. At that time, it was still called “Würmbad,” as it was a natural bathing area whose water came from the Würm River. The water reached the pools via the Biedersteiner Canal, which also runs past the Dantebad and the Georgenschwaige. This canal still flows through the grounds today. To ensure that guests could reach his water park, Ungerer promptly extended the horse-drawn tram line, which at that time ended at Münchner Freiheit.
The tram covered the route to the swimming pool not with the help of horses, but with electricity. The technology was unique in Munich at the time and a bit ahead of its time. After just nine years, Southern Germany’s first electric streetcar ceased operations. Today, the nearest tram stop is a good 650 meters from the Ungererbad—the U6 stop at Nordfriedhof is closer.
Ungererbad: A Swimming Paradise
Today, the Ungererbad is no longer a natural swimming area; for that, you’ll have to head to the Georgenschwaige or Maria Einsiedel. If, on the other hand, you don’t mind chlorinated water, then this outdoor pool is the perfect spot for the whole family. It’s laid out like a park, which is why it’s particularly charming with its greenery and mature trees. Venture up to the diving platforms and, after your dive, swim a few laps in the lap pool. Two additional pools, as well as a large splash area for kids, are also waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a thrill, zoom down the 57-meter-long slide.
On land, you can test your skills at a game of table tennis, play a volleyball match, or give your brain a workout with floor chess. The little ones (and the young at heart) can let off steam on the trampolines or the spacious adventure playground. And those who prefer to sunbathe without bikini tan lines can head to the nude area. Refreshments are available at the kiosk with its beer garden.
📍 Location: Traubestr. 3
🕐 Hours: Mon–Thu from 10 a.m., Fri–Sun from 9 a.m.
💶 Price information: €6.30 regular, €4 reduced
