Moving up the cash ladder in fitness, one can choose from the trendier sports clubs throughout Munich and the surrounding region. The great advantage of fitness studios is their flexible schedules and ultra-modern equipment (sometimes including a swimming pool and sauna), although many studios are not open for early morning workouts. Most clubs require a minimum membership of six or even 12 months, though some will let you have a free trial before signing up. In addition, more and more fitness clubs offer “ladies-only” studios -- with free babysitting. Because Munich can be such a transient city, many fitness studios also offer day rates.

An abundance of blue sky in Bavaria has meant great successes for its large and thriving golfing community. More than 65 courses spread throughout the state make Bavaria a hotbed for golfing. Munich and its environs boast the highest number of courses and clubs, despite its hilly alpine terrain. Excellent courses can also be found in Allgäu, Bad Tölz, Donauwörth, Starnberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Tutzing. Each year the BMW International Open takes place in Munich. For more information about this European Tour event, visit www.bmw-golf.de. Northern Bavaria is not without its own bounty of cultivated greenery. There are about 20 golf courses in the greater Nuremburg region, while Regensburg has two golf courses and Würzburg has three. More courses can be found in Hof, Fürth, Bamberg and Augsburg. Another well-known golf resort is Hartl Resort in Bad Griesbach (about one hour from Munich) with six 18-hole courses, spa facilities and numerous hotels (www.hartl.de). The Bavarian Golf Com-pany offers a membership card for only 60 euros a year that entitles its holders to a 30 percent discount at more than 25 clubs across Bavaria. In-cluded are the clubs at Ascheim, Erding, Obing, Passau, Rottbach and Tegernbach, to name but a few. For more information visit:
www.bavarian-golf-company.de

In Munich there are several locations where you can test your volleyball skills while also enjoying sand between your toes. Your best choices are Roberto Beach, at the Aschheimer Lake, and Beach Arena. In the summer there are also tournaments. Check out Roberto Beach (www.robertobeach.de) and Beach Arena (www.beacharena.com)

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