Müllersches Volksbad

A painstakingly restored Art Nouveau dome soars majestically over one of Europe’s most beautiful swimming pools at Müllersches Volksbad, a bathing temple with an open-air courtyard that debuted on Munich’s Isar river in 1901. The 100-foot-long pool, heated to 80 degrees fahrenheit, was once for men only, while a smaller, slightly warmer pool was for women—both are co-ed now. Visit the Roman steam baths to discover Baroque touches such as murals, stucco, bronze statues and ornate iron bars. The true German experience lies in the Finnish sauna, where the aufguss (aromatic steam infusion) kicks off on the hour. In this slightly sadistic, merciless ritual—not for the faint at heart—an Aufgussmeister pours water on hot rocks and beats the heat your way with a towel. Meanwhile, colored lights roll through a soothing light show. The cafe offers coffee, a full-range of meal options, mocktails with romantic names like Coconut Kiss, and a full bar menu for once your detox is over. Bring your own towel to save four euros.