Isar

Isar is a river in southern Germany, flowing mainly through the state of Bavaria with its headwaters in the Karwendel range of the Austrian Alps. It runs generally northward, crossing alpine foothills and the Bavarian plain before joining the Danube in Lower Bavaria. The upper course is characterized by fast, mountain rivers, while the lower reaches widen into a calmer, more urbanized river corridor.

In its course through Bavaria, the Isar passes near several settlements and is best known for its stretch through Munich, where the river runs through the city center and along its parks and riverbanks. The Isar is a prominent feature of Munich’s landscape, contributing to local recreation, water supply, and the city’s identity. The Isarauen (Isar meadows) area and other riverfront zones are popular for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities.

The Isar is a right-side tributary of the Danube, and it drains a portion of the Bavarian Alps before joining the Danube in Lower Bavaria. The river has been subject to hydrological regulation and infrastructure development since the 19th and 20th centuries to support Munich’s water supply and electricity generation. Notable features along the river include reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities that help manage flow and provide power, as well as protected sections of the Isar valley that support wildlife and biodiversity.

Ecologically, the Isar supports various aquatic and riparian habitats. In protected stretches, efforts focus on maintaining water quality and natural dynamics, while the urban sections require balancing recreation, flood control, and ongoing water management.