Munich Newsletter - February 2026

February in Munich is often the peak of winter, but in 2026, the city is unusually lively thanks to a rare local tradition and the height of the carnival season. While the temperatures usually encourage locals to retreat to cozy interiors or beer halls, the streets of the Old Town offer distinctive cultural reasons to brave the chill this month. Whether you are looking for centuries-old customs or access to the nearby Alps, the city offers a unique atmosphere during these colder weeks.

The most significant cultural event this year is undoubtedly the Schäfflertanz (Schäffler Dances). Performed by the barrel-makers’ guild only once every seven years, this tradition dates back to the 16th century. You can catch these free, intricate dance performances in various squares throughout the city center until mid-February; we recommend checking our Instagram channel for specific times and locations closer to the date. Simultaneously, Munich’s carnival season, known as "Fasching," reaches its finale. While distinct from the massive street parties in Cologne, Munich’s version has its own charm. Highlights include the costume parade of the Damische Ritter on February 8 and the famous Dance of the Market Women at Viktualienmarkt on Shrove Tuesday, February 17. The festivities conclude on February 18 with the Wallet Washing at the Fischbrunnen fountain, a humorous custom symbolizing the hope for filled purses in the coming year.

Beyond the city limits, February provides excellent conditions for winter sports. The Bavarian Alps are easily accessible for day trips, making it simple to combine a city break with outdoor activities. You can take a train or a dedicated ski bus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or a scenic snow hike. If you prefer to stay warm within the city, this is also the ideal season to explore Munich’s extensive theater scene or visit the world-class museums in the Kunstareal district.

Travelers in the city center should also be aware of the Munich Security Conference taking place from February 13 to 15 at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. This is a major political gathering of world leaders and is not open to the public. Please expect high security, temporary street closures, and pedestrian detours in parts of the Old Town around these dates.

Despite the cold, exploring on foot remains the most effective way to understand the city's history and layout. We run our tours daily, also throughout winter. To understand the darker chapters of 20th-century history, you can join our Hitler’s Third Reich: Exploring the “Capital of the Movement” tour, or for a comprehensive introduction to the city's culture and heritage, join us on the Welcome to Munich! Old Town Guided Walking Tour.

Date	Event	Category
February 8	Carnival procession of the „Damische Ritter“ Lively carnival parade with costumed groups and music through the city centre to Marienplatz.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 15-17	Main Carnival Festivities Main three-day part of Munich's street carnival in the city center with music, dance, colourful costumes and lively open-air celebrations on stages at Marienplatz and Karlsplatz.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 17	Dance of the Market Women at Viktualienmarkt Traditional Shrove Tuesday celebration at Viktualienmarkt, featuring festively dressed market stallholders performing humorous dances, marking the lively finale of Munich’s Carnival celebrations.	🎪 Festival	More details →
January 6 - February 17	Schäffler Dances (Schäfflertanz) all over Munich Traditional barrel-makers’ guild dance performed only every seven years, held at various squares in central Munich from January to mid‑February. Public, free performances are culturally unique and very accessible for visitors. Check our @walkative.munich Instagram account for the dates of the performances.	📅 Other	More details →
February 13-15	Munich Security Conference Internationally renowned and politically significant meeting of world leaders, taking place at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in the Old Town. Expect increased security and temporary street closures in parts of the Old Town. The event is not open to the public.	📅 Other	More details →
February 18	Wallet washing at the Fischbrunnen fountain on Marienplatz Humorous carnival custom in which empty wallets are ceremonially washed in the fountain, symbolizing hopes for financial luck in the coming year.	📅 Other	More details →