Summer in Munich means cold beers by the Isar, picnics in Englischer Garten and many a scoop of ice cream. Thanks to Germany’s love of this frozen treat, you’ll have no problem finding shops and parlours, but here’s where to go first.

Bartu Bio-Eis

Munich’s first organic ice cream brand, BARTU is available in a number of locations in town, including the Käfer headquarters on Prinzregentenstraße. Their original shop is located on a beautiful street in the district of Schwabing, and serves pizza and coffee too. Look for a queue of people trailing around the corner.

Try: Mango

True & 12

Using natural ingredients and milk from local grass-fed cows, this Haidhausen establishment makes all their ice cream (and cinnamon wafers) from scratch. With a focus on fair prices for farmers and sustainable production, True & 12 also aims to raise awareness of issues facing our food system. The result is perfection.

Try: Lavender with black currant swirl

Patagon Helados

Transport yourself to the streets of Buenos Aires with this excellent Argentinian ice cream. Patagon Helados offers high quality scoops based on local recipes as well as jars of delicious dulce de leche and mate tea. You’ll find one shop close to Nymphenburg Palace and the other near Olympiapark. There portable ice cream cart is normally parked next to the river (just beyond Reichenbachbrücke).

Try: Dulce de Leche

Ballabeni

Run by the Ballabeni family, with dad Giorgio at the helm, this brand has two locations in Munich: one opposite the Brandhorst Museum and one close to the central station. Combining innovation with tradition, Ballabeni offers creative flavours alongside the classics. If you want to learn more, you could try one of their ice cream making courses.

Try: Malaga with cayenne pepper or the spicy ginger and chocolate

Der verrückte Eismacher

Der verrückte Eismacher means “the crazy ice cream maker” and this top-hat wearing producer is certainly experimental. Expect schnitzel ice cream, wheat beer ice cream or even South Tirolean bacon. There are also less-wacky flavours, but you’d be missing out on the full experience.

Try: Depends how brave you’re feeling!

Other places not to miss…

For vegan ice cream head to iceDate in Maxvorstadt or plant-based creamery eisbrunnen in Lenbachplatz. Alternatively, for a serving of history, try Sarcletti in Rotkreuzplatz. This traditional ice cream parlour is said to be the oldest in town and has over 60 flavours to choose from.

Five really good ice cream shops to try in the city