Munich – Dog owners in the southern district of Obergiesing-Fasangarten have a reason to celebrate. The city’s Department of Construction (Baureferat) has officially approved a new leash-free area for dogs near Walchenseeplatz, allowing pets to roam freely on the Buberlbrunnen meadow.
The decision follows months of local discussion and community input. Until recently, green bollards marked with a crossed-out dachshund symbol prohibited dogs from entering the area — those signs have now been removed.
A success for local advocates
The move comes after the Obergiesing district committee lobbied before the summer holidays to create a designated area where dogs could run without leashes. Following an on-site visit that included representatives from the Baureferat’s horticultural division, officials agreed that the space was suitable and would not interfere with other park users.
“Negative effects on other visitors are not expected,” a city spokesperson confirmed. “The site provides clear spatial separation and sufficient distance from the playground on the other side of Walchenseeplatz.”
Where dogs are still restricted
The newly designated area is located near the Buberlbrunnen fountain, while other parts of the surrounding green space remain off-limits to pets. The large play and sunbathing lawn, still marked by green bollards, continues to be a dog-free zone, as does the playground area.
Residents had long argued that Giesing lacked accessible open spaces for dogs, forcing owners to travel to other neighborhoods for exercise. The new area is expected to relieve that pressure and improve coexistence between pet owners and families in the district.
A growing trend in Munich
Munich has been gradually expanding its network of “Hundefreilaufflächen” (off-leash zones) in recent years. City officials say the goal is to balance the needs of dog owners with public safety and cleanliness, especially in densely populated residential areas.
The Obergiesing meadow joins a list of similar spaces across the city — part of Munich’s commitment to providing more pet-friendly environments within its urban green network.
