There’s nothing quite as beautiful as a crisp autumn day in Munich. Golden leaves blanket the city’s parks, while cafés and beer halls are filled with warmth and lively conversations. The season invites slow afternoons, comforting Bavarian fare, and day trips into the surrounding countryside. Autumn in Munich is about embracing traditions and rediscovering simple pleasures.
From the world-famous Oktoberfest to peaceful gardens and lakes framed by richly-coloured foliage, Munich in autumn offers both excitement and calm. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or uncovering new corners of the city, here’s how to make the most of the season with The Charles Hotel as your base.
A highlight of Munich’s autumn calendar, Oktoberfest celebrates more than 200 years of Bavarian tradition. From late September into early October, the city comes alive with bustling beer tents, brass bands and festive parades. Beyond the steins, there’s a carnival atmosphere with rides such as the family-friendly Wilde Maus. And for a taste of history, visit the Hofbräuhaus, the city’s oldest beer hall, serving locals since 1589.
Behind the ornate façade of Munich’s New Town Hall lies the Juristische Bibliothek, where floor-to-ceiling shelves are filled with leather-bound books, and intricate iron staircases make it one of Munich’s most striking interiors. Spend a cool autumn afternoon on a guided tour, or attend a private reading in the space once reserved for legal scholars.
Just beyond the Old Town lies The Hofgarten, Munich’s Renaissance garden, first designed in the 17th century. In autumn, its arcaded walkways are draped in cascades of rust-coloured leaves, creating a romantic backdrop for a gentle stroll, before stopping at nearby Schumann’s Bar — a legendary institution serving timeless cocktails in sleek, stylish surroundings.
Set in the quiet village of Polling, STOA169 is a dramatic open-air hall of 121 columns, each crafted by a different artist, while during autumn, the surrounding fields, awash with colour, create a serene backdrop. Just an hour from Munich, STOA169 offers an inspiring and contemplative dialogue between art and nature, rewarding those who seek out the unexpected.
Following Oktoberfest, the city’s festive spirit carries on at Kirchweihdult, held at Mariahilfplatz. Stalls brim with crafts and antiques, while the scent of roasted almonds and bratwurst fills the air. Unlike the grand scale of Oktoberfest, Kirchweihdult feels more intimate, with plenty of local colour. It’s a chance to shop for unique finds, enjoy Bavarian food, and soak up Munich’s community spirit.
Just over an hour’s drive from the city, Lake Ammersee offers one of Bavaria’s most striking autumn landscapes. Forests blaze in amber and crimson, mirrored on the still waters. Wander along trails that hug the shoreline, or climb gently to Andechs Monastery, where monks have brewed beer for centuries. At the monastery’s beer garden, plates of traditional Bavarian fare are best enjoyed outdoors, with sweeping views across the water and forests below.
Surrounded by dense forests and mountains, Lake Tegernsee is another autumn favourite. Yet beyond nature, the area offers fascinating cultural discoveries, such as the Olaf Gulbransson Museum, dedicated to the Norwegian painter, and the Gmund Papier workshops, showcasing centuries of papermaking heritage. Round off your day at Naturkäserei Tegernsee, an organic dairy where visitors can tour the farm and sample local cheeses.
Less than 40 minutes away, Freising is Upper Bavaria’s oldest town, founded in 739 A.D. Its baroque cathedral dominates the skyline, while cobbled streets wind past quaint townhouses. Visit the Diözesanmuseum to explore regional art and ecclesiastical treasures, or wander to the Domberg for sweeping views over the Old Town and surrounding countryside.
For families, autumn isn’t complete without pumpkin picking. On the outskirts of Munich, farms in Haar, Hallbergmoos, and Hohenbrunn open their fields for harvest fun. Hofreiter Erlebnisfeld is especially popular, with colourful vegetable displays and plenty of activities for children. Wander through rows of bright orange pumpkins, before choosing your favourite to take home.
Autumn in Bavaria is a feast of flavours. Restaurants showcase game including venison, duck, and wild boar, often paired with earthy mushrooms, root vegetables, and berries foraged from nearby forests. Apple strudel, served with warm vanilla sauce, is not to be missed, with the apples harvested across Bavaria in September and October. At Munich favourites such as Halali or Pfistermühle, menus highlight these comforting dishes, crafted with local ingredients.
Few things are as inviting as the scent of freshly baked goods on a crisp morning in Munich. Autumn means Zwetschgendatschi, the beloved Bavarian plum tart. Made with Italian prune plums, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and served with whipped cream, it’s both sweet and slightly tart. Bakeries across the city showcase this seasonal speciality throughout September and October.
Located in the Lenbachgärten quarter, opposite the Old Botanical Garden, The Charles Hotel places you at the heart of autumn in Munich. Step outside to watch the leaves turn, stroll to historic beer halls, or join the city’s festivals. With culture, nature, and tradition on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base.
After a day exploring, retreat to The Charles Spa. Treatments use organic ingredients from our Sicilian resort, from restorative massages to revitalising facials. Autumn is the ideal time to slow down, recharge, and carve out a little time for yourself.
Our elegant rooms and suites feel especially inviting in autumn with some overlooking the Old Botanical Garden, offering views of its beautiful autumn foliage. Our suites offer vistas stretching to the Alps, while those with private terraces are the perfect spot for a morning coffee. Refined interiors and thoughtful touches make returning after a day in the city a joy.
Sink into an armchair at Circle Bar, surrounded by soft lighting and lively conversation. Enjoy cocktails inspired by the season, or a crisp glass of Champagne – an inviting escape for autumn afternoons and evenings.
At Florio, classic Italian dishes are reimagined for autumn. Under the guidance of Fulvio Pierangelini, our menu spotlights seasonal ingredients including mushrooms and pumpkin. Paired with our selection of fine wines, it’s a dining experience that feels rooted in the moment.
Throughout your stay in Munich, our dedicated concierge team is on hand to anticipate your every need. Whether it’s booking a private tour or recommending the perfect day trip for autumn, we’re here to tailor your stay — down to the smallest detail.
For more information contact: concierge.charles@roccofortehotels.com
Set within the verdant Lenbachgärten quarter and close to the historic Königsplatz, the effortlessly elegant Charles Hotel in Munich is where contemporary style meets traditional Bavarian hospitality.
Set within the verdant Lenbachgärten quarter and close to the historic Königsplatz, the effortlessly elegant Charles Hotel in Munich is where contemporary style meets traditional Bavarian hospitality.
Set within the verdant Lenbachgärten quarter and close to the historic Königsplatz, the effortlessly elegant Charles Hotel in Munich is where contemporary style meets traditional Bavarian hospitality.