Just across the road from the Deutsches Museum, and on the other side of the Isar, lies the beautiful Mullersches Volksbad, looking very much like a rather ornate museum from the outside – which I guess it kind of is.
Built well over a hundred years ago for the sole purpose of bathing the citizens of Munich, it is an Art Nouveau fans dream (and also one of Munich’s best kept secrets). It still serves as a functioning bathing pool for the locals (although I will admit it took me a while to get in, I am used to the super heated modern pools there are here), and the odd curious tourist. These odd and curious (and slightly more permanent) tourists enjoyed their morning spent here, swimming with heads turned upwards as we gazed at the amazing carved ceiling and aquatic creatures dotted about the place (whilst trying not to bash into other living and breathing aquatic creatures – i.e fellow swimmers). Apparently the Roman Baths and Saunas are just as magnificent, and I can confirm that the changing rooms are too, with their grand wooden doors and tiny windows and curtains for privacy! I think I spent the whole time “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” over the interior (and on one occasion argh-ing over an unexpected naked encounter – it’s not quite like swimming in Denmark here but still, it’s always slightly eye-opening for us prudish Brits…). And it’s for this reason (and probably because the place would be swamped with picture takers) that photography is not permitted, and I can’t say I blame them…
But should you be visiting this neck of the woods, and feel like a bit of historic swimming, make sure you pack your cossie! I highly recommend the equally ornate and friendly restaurant here as well (with its extensive menu), which is worth a visit with or without a swim. And if you feel you’ve earned it after all that exercise, you will be pleased to hear that in warmer months there’s a bier garten outside. Go on, I think you have! Prost!
My swimming ability is woeful so it would be nice to look at the ceiling, as I spend my time with head rearing out of the water for fear of drowning.
Great comment from Bryce!
I loved that comment, made me laugh so much! Tis very pretty here Trish, I reckon it’s worth a look whether you swim or not! :D
Our family was once invited to a Danube river side villa by friendly native to picnic and enjoy the river. The owner promptly donned birthday suit and to our best knowledge it was not his birthday. As true Brits we studied our hands, feet, mobiles and the distant horizon. Our swimming badges were not tested that day, despite some protests of our hosts. British prudes indeed.
This made me laugh a lot, and also served as a warning not to accept any riverside picnic invitations! :D
Looks and sounds amazing! If I was in that neck of the woods I would have to check it out. Stunning building…
xx Jazzy
Thank you J. It is stunning! :)
It looks wonderful! I think I have swam there but it was years and years ago and I’m not 100% sure.
Thanks Gemma! How funny!
It does look very beautiful AND there is a bier garten! Perfect! :o) xx
PS: would love your opinion on the first extract of my book on the blog if you can spare the time.
Would love to. Back from my travels tomorrow and will pop on ovrr then….
Thank you, you lovely lady! xx
No problem, I will look forward to it! :)
Love the light coming in through that old door, and that red floor. Beautiful photo, Emma xx
This place is honestly a photographer’s dream! Thank you Pia…