7 Reasons Why Munich Is the Best City for Longevity
June 23, 2025
Clean air, strong community, and the habits that support a longer, healthier life
Longevity isn’t just about genetics or personal habits — it’s also about the environment. Where you live can dramatically influence how well (and how long) you live. And when it comes to building a life centered on health, balance, and science-backed habits, Munich is hard to beat.
Whether you’re a biohacker, health-conscious professional, or someone just beginning their wellness journey, here are 7 reasons why Munich is one of the best cities in the world for longevity.
1. Exceptional Air Quality
Clean air is the foundation of a healthy life. Munich consistently ranks among the top German cities for low pollution levels and high air quality. With all of its parks, emission controls, and plenty of trees, your lungs and brain benefit from every breath you take.
Studies have linked air pollution to shorter lifespan, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease, so living in a city with cleaner air can help you thrive.
2. Access to Organic, Whole Foods
Longevity starts with what’s on your plate. In Munich, organic food isn't a niche, it’s normal. The city is full of “bio” supermarkets, weekly farmer’s markets, and co-ops offering everything from pesticide-free vegetables to local, grass-fed meat.
Our favourite organic supermarkets in Munich are:
Every major neighbourhood will have its local farmer’s market. The most famous one is certainly Viktualienmarkt in the Old Town.
This vast array of choices makes it really easy to eat in a way that supports metabolic health, gut health, and long-term vitality.
3. A Deep Sauna Culture
Regular sauna use is one of the most accessible and research-backed tools for longevity. Studies, particularly from Finland, have shown that frequent sauna use is linked to reduced cardiovascular mortality, improved brain health, and lower inflammation.
In Munich, saunas are part of everyday wellness. From local spas to wellness centers and even gym saunas, heat therapy is widely available and culturally accepted as part of a balanced life.
4. A Growing Longevity Community
Munich is home to a fast-growing network of people passionate about healthspan, prevention, and biohacking. You’ll find three main communities, each addressing a slightly different audience, but a shared interest in longevity:
- Longevity Munich: this is our own community. Our official language is English and our group is quite international! Everyone is welcome to join.
- Vitality Club: led by doctor Alexander Auer, this is a German-speaking longevity club.
- MUN Centenarians: this is an officially accredited club at the Technical University of Munich.
Being surrounded by others who value healthy living makes it easier to stay motivated, discover new tools, and learn from experts and peers alike. But maybe most importantly, the feeling of belonging to a community, a healthy social circle, and connection is one of the most important pillars in longevity.
Whether it’s through Longevity Munich’s events, health tech startups, or wellness retreats in nearby nature, this city is a hub for people who care about living better for longer.
5. High-Quality Preventive Healthcare
Germany is known for its high standard of medical care, and Munich sits at the top. But what makes it even more longevity-friendly is the growing shift toward preventive health services. Many clinics and practitioners now focus on early detection, lifestyle medicine, and holistic treatments alongside conventional care.
Whether you’re getting a full-body MRI, testing biomarkers, or consulting with a nutrition-focused doctor, Munich makes it easier to be proactive with your health.
6. Nature & Outdoor Lifestyle
Hop on a train and within 45 minutes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the Alps! Or grab a bike and cycle to one of the many lakes around Muich.
Longevity thrives in motion and in Munich, the mountains, lakes, forests, and urban parks are all within reach. Whether you enjoy cycling along the Isar, hiking in the mountains, or swimming in the lakes, the city encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Spending time in nature is linked to reduced stress, improved immune function, and even increased lifespan. In Munich, that’s not a weekend luxury, it’s a way of life.
7. A Culture of Work-Life Balance
Unlike fast-paced, high-stress cities, Munich values balance, rest, and quality of life. Generous vacation policies, flexible working arrangements, and a slower pace of life compared to other urban centers mean people have more time to prioritize well-being.
Chronic stress is a well-documented risk factor for early aging, heart disease, and mental health issues — so living in a city where balance is built into the culture is a true longevity advantage.
Final Thoughts: Longevity Isn’t Just What You Do, it’s Where You Live
While healthy habits matter, the environment that surrounds you plays a crucial role in shaping your lifespan and healthspan. Munich’s unique combination of clean air, strong community, access to wellness, and connection to nature makes it an ideal city to live long and live well.
Our team is in the process of creating a “Longevity Map” as a guide to all the longevity spots around our city. If you’d like to recommend a place, we encourage you to submit it as a suggestion!
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or considering a move, there’s never been a better time to lean into Munich’s longevity-friendly lifestyle.