Müller’sches Volksbad (Hallenbad) — Local services in Munich

I enjoyed my visit to Müller’sches Volksbad last week. Whether you're a local, studying or living in Munich for a period (short or long term) or a tourist, this is well worth a visit. Please don't just pay to go in and take photos (you'll be partly restricted anyway due to privacy), but get in the pool/use these facilities!

When you're in the pool, just look up and admire the architecture and attention to detail - look for the frog, the turtle, the crab. Bigger pool, slightly cooler. Larger pool, warmer.

I opted for the swim and sauna (4 hours) so this was circa 22€, but if you're just swimming this will only be circa 5-7€ (1.5 hours). Sauna is a little more pricey compared with the swimming only, but I understand that's because the swimming is subsidised. If using the sauna you can opt to hire a cabin (per person) for resting/changing etc, although communal rest rooms are available at several locations in the sauna "wing".

There's also a small room for stetching with a multi purpose gym frame for pull ups, chin ups and push ups etc - helpful to warm up before swimming. Located at the back of the hall opposite the main pool.

Staff were helpful and friendly.

Open until 2300. Discounts daily from 19:45.

Yes sauna is German style, no swimwear (naked) in Sauna. You can take your towel to use as appropriate.

I'd recommend taking your own towel, flip flops and a water bottle (if using the sauna). Shower gel/shampoo is not provided, so you'll need these too.

A few improvements could be made with signage, as it is confusing for first time visitors. A German also said the same as it was his first visit too. If you're using the sauna, you'll be directed to use the left entrance/exit from the lobby/main entrance once you've paid. If you're using the swimming pool only, you'll be directed to use the right entrance/exit.

Massages are also avaiable and rooms are located on the first floor closest to the smaller pool, but it's recommended you book. I would have indulged, but they were fully booked.

I wish we had pools/facilities with such simplicity in the UK. Great to see such public facilities being used to this day as they were intended when built in the early 1900s.

Next time I'm in Munich,...

A Unique and Authentic Experience at Müller’sches Volksbad

I recently visited Müller’sches Volksbad, and it was an incredible Roman-style bath and sauna experience, perfect for anyone looking for something truly local. The crowd was a diverse mix of ages, ranging from late teens to the elderly, adding to the authentic, welcoming atmosphere.

Upon arrival, the receptionist spoke enough English to help with payment and provide basic instructions, which was great for English speakers like myself. I’d love to offer some guidance for fellow English speakers visiting.

The process: After entering, you’ll find the front desk next to a restaurant inside the building. Simply ask for a Swim and Sauna pass (yellow card). Walk left, and you’ll see double doors. After passing through, you’ll find a machine with NFC technology – just tap your card here to enter.

Immediately inside, you’ll notice papers and a map, along with small lockers. Slide your yellow card into the locker slot to store your valuables like phones or electronics. Don’t worry about remembering your locker number – it’s printed on the back of your key.

Take the key upstairs to find the locker with the matching number for your larger belongings like clothes and bags.

Where everything is located:

• The sauna is back downstairs, past the lockers and to the left. • The pool is to the right.

There’s also a water fountain near the lockers, so I suggest bringing an empty bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’ll be using the sauna for an extended period.

The experience: The swimming pool is a clothing-required area, while the sauna and bath areas are nude zones. There was some flexibility for women, which was comforting for those who might find the experience overwhelming at first. The same applies to men – just remember to follow the sauna rules for towel coverage.

What to bring:

• One towel (required for the sauna). • Flip-flops for walking around. • A bathing suit if you want to use the pool. • €22 (current price for 4 hours). • An empty water bottle for the fountain.

I spent over 3 hours there, and it was truly an amazing experience. I’m hooked and would do it again in...

Affordable and nice place to swim! Change rooms are clean and the bathrooms are alright, clean for a public bathroom!

The staff at reception are friendly but the “lifeguards” (I guess that’s what you’d call them? That’s what I’ll call them for the purpose of this review) are a bit overbearing.

We thought we’d take a snap but didn’t know we could take photos, as reception didn’t say anything when we arrived. We happily stopped taking photos, but I feel like from thereon they were, just, “onto us”?

We left the pools to get changed so we could leave and I had to find a bathroom. The only female bathroom I could find was back where the pool was, so my partner and I returned to the pools so I could use the bathrooms. While I was in there (not for a matter of a few minutes) my partner was approached twice by these lifeguard like people.

The first one asked him to take his shoes off (he had runners on) which was fine, even though we didn’t know why, because others were wearing flip flops.. He got bothered again by a lifeguard for just standing there? My partner ended up walking away because he kept getting approached.

When I came out the lifeguard saw me and took me to my partner. I thought we were in trouble for something. The guy didn’t speak any English so we had to try explaining that we had already been swimming and we were now leaving (because we were clothed).

All up it was a really great experience and the pools are lovely but the staff do keep a close eye on everything that goes down! (Which I suppose is better than the alternative)!

Would recommend, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed swim I’d...