Munich, Bavaria's capital, sits on the Alpine Foreland at an average elevation of 520 meters above sea level – Germany's highest major city by far. The Isar River flows through the city at 490–520 m. On clear Föhn days, the Alpine range is plainly visible just 50 km to the south, a direct consequence of Munich's elevated position.
That works out to roughly 1706 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 205 m, putting Munich about 315 m higher.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 520 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48.1371° N, 11.5754° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | 171 | Austria |
| Stuttgart | 246 | Germany |
| Nuremberg | 301 | Germany |
| Frankfurt | 103 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Munich (520 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Augsburg | 490 | Germany |
| Ulm | 485 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Munich above sea level?
Munich averages 520 m above sea level, making it Germany's highest million-population city – nearly 500 m above Berlin (34 m).
Why is Munich so much higher than northern Germany?
Munich sits on the Munich Gravel Plain, built up by Ice Age glaciers that deposited Alpine material far into the foreland, creating a plateau far above the North German Plain.
Can you see the Alps from Munich?
Yes – on Föhn days the Alpine chain is clearly visible. The Zugspitze (2,962 m), Germany's highest peak, is only about 90 km south of Munich.