Munich is gearing up for the colder months with one of its largest winter service preparations in recent years. The city announced that it has stocked more than 13,600 tonnes of road salt and roughly 3,000 tonnes of grit, distributed across six storage halls throughout the municipal area. With over 600 vehicles and more than 1,000 workers on standby, officials insist that the city is well-positioned for snow and ice. Yet they also stress that even the most comprehensive winter service cannot eliminate all risks.
Authorities remind residents that icy conditions can develop at any time, particularly at night when roads remain untreated. The period between 22:00 and 07:00 is considered especially critical, as crews cannot maintain full operations during these hours. Munich, known as Germany’s snowiest major city, faces heightened challenges every winter, ranging from prolonged frost to sudden snow bursts that can overload clearing teams.
City urges drivers and pedestrians to prepare for winter conditions
The building department is calling on residents to take extra precautions. Drivers are advised to switch to winter tyres, carry appropriate equipment and allow more time for their daily commute. Pedestrians should choose sturdy shoes with good grip and be mindful of slippery pavements. The city also asks vehicle owners to park as close to the kerb as possible so that large clearing vehicles can pass along narrow streets. Any obstruction makes it significantly harder for crews to remove snow and apply grit in a timely manner.
Early-morning clearing shifts begin after three centimetres of snowfall
When snowfall reaches about three centimetres, winter crews typically start work around 2:00 a.m., though severe conditions can trigger even earlier deployment. In extreme cases, the city activates special emergency teams that operate continuously to keep the road network safe. Munich is connected to a dedicated road-weather monitoring service, which provides real-time data on frost, snow intensity and road surface temperatures. This allows operations teams to react pre-emptively rather than simply responding after conditions worsen.
Where winter service is prioritised across Munich
Roads, squares, pedestrian zones and cycle paths located within the “full service area” – roughly the region in and around the Mittlerer Ring – receive the highest level of attention. Priority is given to around 10,000 pedestrian crossings, 2,300 public transport stops and nearly 300 identified danger points such as steep slopes and railway crossings. These areas must be kept passable as consistently as possible during winter weather.
The city has published an overview of all routes, service zones and detailed information on winter maintenance, including cycle paths and pedestrian routes. Residents can access this material on the municipal website.
A demanding winter ahead, despite extensive preparation
Even with strong preparation, Munich’s officials emphasise that the city cannot guarantee perfect conditions during snowfall or freezing nights. Black ice, sudden weather shifts and heavy accumulation remain real risks. However, the extensive stockpiles, the broad fleet of vehicles and the thousands of workers on standby give Munich a robust foundation as winter approaches.
