Thalkirchen Overview

In the summertime, Thalkirchen plays host to flurries of visitors floating (in every sense of the word) down the Isar River. The Flosslände, a natural wave along the river (from U3 Thalkirchen, take Bus #135 toward Campingplatz), sees its share of surfers and kayakers. In warm weather, look for kayak rentals along the river. Serenity-seeking visitors instead take a Flossfahrt, a day-long trip down calmer waters on an enormous rafts, complete with food, drink and music for a beer garden on the water. Most of these actually begin south of Munich and float to the Flosslände as the final stop, see www.isarflossfahrten.biz for more information.

• Tierpark Hellaburn, Tierparkstr. 30 (www.tierpark-hellabrunn.de), Munich's zoo was created in 1911 as the world's first “Geo-zoo,” meaning that animals are separated by their original geographic locations and kept in environments as close possible to their original habitats. Dodge the screaming four-year-olds and wander around the four continents represented. Flock with flamingos, elephants, and elks, and make sure to stop in Villa Dracula for the bat house. Vending machines distributing portions of food (€0.50) let you get up close and personal with your favorite creatures. U3: Thalkirchen, or Bus #52 from Marienpl.: Tierpark. All explanations in German only. For a more interactive experience, check the feeding schedule at the front gate. €9, under 14 €4.50, students €6. Open daily Apr-Sept 8am-6pm, Oct-Mar 9am-5pm. Animal houses close 30min. before zoo. Does not take credit cards.