Is it possible to find a 22-hectare island in a major city? Welcome to Isarinsel Oberföhring a hidden gem in Munich. This unique recreational area stretches from the Oberföhringer Stauwehr to the Herzog-Heinrich-Brücke.
Let’s step back to the 1970s. From 1976 to 1978, landscape architect Gottfried Hansjakob and the city’s garden department transformed this land. Before that, Bayernwerk AG owned this area. The city of Munich bought it and removed old building restrictions.
Picture this transformation. The city created footpaths and bike paths through the Auwald forest. Bridges now connect the island to Oberföhring’s shore. The Isarinsel Oberföhring became a reality.
In 1979, the Isarinsel Oberföhring opened as a recreational area. Imagine the excitement. It offered respite from city life. Grill spots, biotope areas, and a children’s playground were built. There was even a sports field. A Trimm-dich-Pfad or fitness trail once stood here.
Consider the Isar’s power. The Oberföhringer Stauwehr dams the Isar. It raises the water level by six meters. The Mittlere Isar Canal begins here. The canal and river create the island.
Think of the activities. You can stroll along the banks. You can also bike beside the canal. Cross the bridges. Find a quiet spot to grill. Children can play near the St. Emmeram bridge. A special biotope offers frogs and toads a place to spawn.
Do not miss the views from the Stauwehr Oberföhring. Many call it Little Canada. You will see the Isar flowing north. The water rushes and foams over the riverbed. Sandbanks line the shores.
Today, the Verein für Stadtteilkultur im Münchner Nordosten e. V. helps preserve the island. They offer insights into its history. The Isarinsel Oberföhring constantly changes with the seasons. In spring, light and color transform the landscape.
Remember the Brunnbach stream. It flows beside the Isar Canal. The stream disappears under the Isar Canal near the Mittlere Isarstraße bridge. It reappears and flows into the Isar.
Consider the St. Emmeramsmühle restaurant nearby. It calls itself Munich’s most beautiful beer garden. It sits at the English Garden’s northern end. Enjoy Bavarian food here.
Also consider the wildlife. Since 2010, Galloway cattle have grazed near Sankt Emmeram. They help maintain the meadows. This is rural life in the city.
Remember the main path after the weir. You will find interesting benches. The paths on the Isarinsel Oberföhring cross at the statue of St. Emmeram.
The Isarinsel Oberföhring provides a habitat for various plants and animals. It is a place for relaxation and recreation. This island is a testament to nature’s resilience. The Isarinsel Oberföhring stands as a testament to urban green spaces. It is a place where nature and city coexist.