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Munich

The Concrete Corset Undone: Munich's Wild River Revival

5.6 km156 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover how Munich pulled off one of Europe's greatest urban magic tricks: turning a lifeless, concrete-bound canal back into a wild, roaring alpine river. On this immersive walking tour, you will explore the Isar-Plan, a multi-million euro ecological engineering marvel that didn't just save endangered species, but accidentally created the city's most vibrant, democratic social lounge. From hidden historic bridges to artificial islands and legendary 24/7 kiosks, uncover the secrets of Munich's beloved 'Riviera'.

Your in-app experience

This is how the Red Thread app brings your tour to life.

Red Thread guides you through the city's stories that you won't find in any guidebook. Authentically and compellingly told by our experts and locals.

Home
01

Home

Get inspired and choose a story that fits your location and your mood.

Search for tours directly
02

Search for tours directly

Use the map to find tours in your city or at a specific address.

Redeem in the app
03

Redeem in the app

Redeem purchased tours or City Passes in the app using a voucher code or QR code.

Start well prepared
04

Start well prepared

Explore the route, stops, and many additional features for your experience.

Listen where it happened
05

Listen where it happened

Hear the stories where they happened.

Ask your guide
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Ask your guide

Get extra context, deeper details, or useful tips nearby.

Collect discoveries
07

Collect discoveries

Build your travel passport and explore fascinating insights.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Flauchersteg

The iconic wooden bridge over the sprawling gravel banks, serving as the heart of the Isar's re-naturalization.

Flauchersteg

Image by Dominik Hundhammer on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

2.05 km • 32 min
During your walk

Interlude

Space for deep dive or related topic along the way to the next stop.

2

STOP 2

Braunauer Eisenbahnbrücke

A great vantage point to discuss the physical widening of the riverbed and the massive earth-moving efforts.

Braunauer Eisenbahnbrücke

Image by Peterf on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.78 km • 12 min
3

STOP 3

Isar-Terrassen at Wittelsbacherbrücke

Terraced stone steps built into the riverbank, showcasing the river as a 'social lounge'.

Isar-Terrassen at Wittelsbacherbrücke

Image by Andreas Bohnenstengel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)

0.13 km • 2 min
4

STOP 4

Baldeplatz Isarauen

A hotspot for Munich's youth and alternative scene, highlighting the democratization of urban space.

0.50 km • 8 min
5

STOP 5

Weideninsel

An artificial island created as a protected habitat, showcasing the return of urban biodiversity.

0.76 km • 12 min
6

STOP 6

Kiosk an der Reichenbachbrücke

A legendary, nearly 24/7 kiosk that fuels the Isar's social life and represents grassroots urban infrastructure.

Kiosk an der Reichenbachbrücke

Image by Burkhard Mücke on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1.38 km • 21 min
7

END

Kabelsteg

The transition point where the re-naturalized Isar meets the historic, tamed city center.

Kabelsteg

Image by Jorge Franganillo on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Urban explorers, nature lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how cities can heal their environments.
  • Best time Late afternoon in spring or summer, when the golden hour hits the water and the riverbanks come alive with locals.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and perhaps a towel if you want to dip your feet in the water.
  • Pacing Take your time. The river is meant to be experienced slowly. Grab a drink along the way.
  • Etiquette Respect the protected nature zones, especially during the spring bird breeding season.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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