Munich's new subway station highlight: Laim tree nursery is taking shape!

Munich's new subway station highlight: Laim tree nursery is taking shape!

The U5 extension in Munich is taking shape! On June 6, 2025, the first designs for the new “Baumschule Laim” subway station were presented. This important project is in focus as the breach of the subway line from Laimer Platz to Pasing is in full swing. The Laim district committee unanimously approved the design concept, and the building department is optimistic about the next steps.

What awaits us at the new train station? The Allmann Wappner architectural firm has developed a design that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The station will be 12 meters underground and extend over 120 meters, with a width of 7.80 meters. Access will be barrier-free with two exits leading to the Gotthardstrasse/Reutterstrasse intersection and Willibaldstrasse. Three elevators, four escalators and six staircases are also planned, which will be open to all uses.

Design and integration

The design of the subway station does justice to the traditions of the Laim tree nursery, which has shaped the cityscape for over 80 years. The walls of the barrier floor are designed with subtly structured ceramic elements, while the entrances are decorated in fresh green tones reminiscent of the leaves of young plants. A stylized canopy made of metal leaves will beautifully emphasize the impression of nature. Wall designs rich in motifs, which are applied to exposed concrete using special glazing techniques, ensure a bright and inviting room, complemented by well-thought-out lighting.

But the “Laim tree nursery” is not the only new point on the U5 extension. Another stop “Am Knie” will also be built 13 meters underground and offers similar infrastructure. This will not only provide Pasing with a connection to the new train station, but also to the S-Bahn - an important aspect for the connection to the new Freiham development area, which will offer space for around 25,000 residents and 15,000 jobs in the future.

Schedule and costs

Construction work has already begun on Gotthardstrasse, with a shell that is scheduled to be completed by 2028. The first subway rides are planned for mid-2031. The estimated costs for the entire project amount to an impressive 1.3 billion euros. The new route will cover a total of 3.8 kilometers and run under allotment gardens and sports facilities in the Westbad area.

In addition to these exciting plans, the city is also implementing various other projects to improve the subway network. Work is currently underway on the U9 relief bridge to relieve pressure on the subway network in the city center and the U4 is being extended towards Englschalking. Interested citizens will have the opportunity to view the documents on the architectural concept from June 25th in the U5 information center at Willibaldstrasse 70. The information center is open on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and can be easily reached by bus number 57.

With this extensive project, the city of Munich is once again showing that it has a good knack for improving the transport infrastructure. The U5 extension promises not only practical benefits, but also an attractive design that enriches the cityscape and paves the way for a dynamic future.