Munich is the capital and largest city of 1.3 million inhabitants, while the Free State of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. The city is one of the most important economic, transport and cultural centers of the Federal Republic and one of the most prosperous cities in Europe.
The city of Munich is located in the transitional zone between the wet Atlantic and the dry continental climate. Other key determining factors are the weather as a Central European Alps and the Danube as a regional weather divide.
Munich 1158 was first mentioned in documents as, after the Duke of Bavaria and Saxony, Henry the Lion, had been built near this monastic settlement around St Peter's a bridge over the Isar in place today at the Isar bridge Ludwig islands. Barely twenty years later, in 1175, Munich was granted city status and erected the first fortification.
Since 1314 Duke Louis IV was German king since 1328, the Emperor, and Munich, has been expanded considerably as his residence by a new second ring of walls. Since that time, the colors are the colors of the old Reich Munich: black and gold. Since the end of the 14th In 1468 the foundation stone for the new church was laid in St. Mary's Church woman, whose construction lasted only twenty years.
After largely on the historic townscape-oriented reconstruction, Munich developed after the Second World War to the high-tech industry, many companies also settled in the service industry, such as media, insurance companies and banks.
Tourism is also experienced in major museums in the range (eg old, new and modern Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum) and a boom town attractions. In 1972, Munich was the host of the XXth Olympic Games that were overshadowed by a Palestinian terrorist hostage taking in all the hostages, several Palestinians were killed and a policeman. For the Games of the Public Transport was massively expanded, with underground and suburban trains, which reach some far afield. The downtown has been transformed into a pedestrian zone this time. In 1992, situated on the outskirts of Munich's new airport was opened in Munich Franz Josef Strauss.
Today, Munich is famous for its interesting mix of traditional Bavarian culture, modern living, and high tech industries where contemporary architecture goes hand in hand with grand avenues, first-class museums, and baroque palaces.
Bavaria was ruled for more than 750 years by the kings of the Wittelsbach and Munich was last ruled by König Ludwig II. It is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg.
GO THERE FOR
The History: even though Munich was damaged in World War II, the Old Town of the city has been restored over the past decades, redefining its original splendor. The tower of the New Town Hall houses the Glockenspiel, a beautiful carillon that is over 100 years old.
The Beer: no trip to Munich is complete without a visit to the most famous beer hall in the world: the Hofbräuhaus. Built in 1589m, the Hofbräuhaus brewery serves beer is served in 1-liter steins, while Bavarian bands play the typical Oompah beat daily, setting a typically German mood.
The Food: Munich's cuisine is often encompassing the well loved stereotype of sausages and sauerkraut, all washed down with a handcrafted beer.
Munich is very popular for its delicacies that include Weisswurst - a white veal sausage with whole-grain sweet mustard - Schweinebraten with Knödel, or the legendary Leberkaes Semmel, a slice of meatloaf in a semmel, or bread roll.
Football: FC Bayern Munich is a German sports club based in Munich. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 German titles and 15 cups.
Attractions: the city of Munich has a wealth of attractions to offer for all ages and tastes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or art, enjoy strolling through parks, fancy attractions like a trip to the Bavaria film studios, guided tours or long for a visit to one of Munich's famous traditional beer gardens, you'll always find something exciting in this multi-faceted city.
DON’T MISS
Oktoberfest: when you hear the word ‘Oktoberfest’, it's almost certain that one thing comes to mind... a Bavarian Beer Festival! The truth is there is much more behind-the-scenes history lurking beneath the countless years of this world-renowned Bavarian tradition.
The Beer Gardens: you can find beer gardens all over Germany, but the most traditional and pleasant gardens remain to be found in Bavaria, where they have grown since the beginnings of the 19th century. Munich is proud to have close to 200 beer gardens – as the Bavarians would say ‘Oans zwoa gsuffa!’
The City Center: Maximilianstraße is a stylish fashion mile where supercars are spotted among actors and celebrities. Enjoy the atmosphere here, for it is unique: stop at a cool café, or have lunch at Brenner. Shopping is great in Maximilianstraße where all the top designer brands are to be found, visit the neighboring Fünf Höfe and at Theresa's in Maffeistraße.
Englischer Garten: the English Garden in Munich is one of the largest parks in the world, first established by physicist Benjamin Thompson. You can walk for hours along tree-lined paths and flowers. The park is also used for ice skating, sailing, rowing and cycling, depending on the time of year, while it’s most noted landmarks are the Japanese Tea House, the Chinese Tower and the Monopterus.
WHEN TO GO
September and October are lovely in Munich; though days draw shorter, the trees are changing their color to splendid yellow and red tones, and Oktoberfest and several other festivals are about to begin. You'll have the unique opportunity to catch people from all over Bavaria showing up with their Tracht (traditional clothing).
Munich also shines in the winter, when its famed Christmas markets come out to play, flush with hot spiced Glühwein – with mountains nearby, skiing is also viable from a Munich base.
May and June are the best months to visit Munich in the spring when the city becomes green and refreshed after the winter, the flowers blossom and the mood of Munich lightens up.
BASICS
Country Code: +49
City Code: 089
Currency: EURO (EUR)
Emergency Services: Police -110; Fire Brigade -112
Emergency Medical Services -112
Poison Emergency Telephone Service-+49 89-19240
VIP Service Munich Airport: +49 89 975-2 13 33
Information service Airport Munich: +49 89 975-00
GETTING AROUND
Train travel in Munich is simple and easy to understand, while buses and trams are the smartest and most efficient manner of getting around Munich. Arriving by train from elsewhere in Germany, you'll find yourself at Munich's main train station, the Haptbahnhof. For those flying into Munich, you are able to take the S bahn line S1 or S8 to the Hauptbahnhof.
U bahn trains are underground services, while S bahn are largely underground electric trains and buses will connect with trains where needed. Tickets must be validated in a blue clock/machine before getting on the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram or Bus, otherwise you run the risk of a heft fine from plain clothed conductors.
WHERE TO SHOP
Maximillianstasse: named after Max II (Maximilian II Joseph) King of Bavaria, this is the noble mile of Munich. High-carat retail trade and service providers appear side by side in Maximilianstrasse, offering everything from art and culture to culinary goods and clothes – expect the finest of finest from designer brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Daks, Versace, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Bottega Venetta, Cartier,Valentino, Gucci, Armani and Jimmy Choo.
Marienplatz: Marienplatz is the real heart of Munich, named according to the protective patroness of Bavaria and the Marine column that stands firm here, spared destruction in the Thirty Years' War. Shops here include the Swarovski Store, Lacoste and Benneton, as well as Lederhosen/Dirndl, perfect for traditional dress for Oktoberfest.
Residenzstraße: parallel to the Theatinerstrasse, Residenzstrasse offers shoppers delights from stores including Pal Zileri, Prada, Diesel, Bogner and Tiffany & Co, among others.
Theatinerstraße and Fünf Höfe: this street connects the central square Marienplatz with Odeonsplatz and Ludwigstraße and is a primary address for luxurious shopping. With 14,000 sqm, 54 retail shops and 2,500 sqm of cafés and restaurants, this area is home to Dolce & Gabbana, Marc O Polo, Emporio Armani, I Pinco Pallino and Patrizia Pepe.
Riem Arcarden: the Riem Arcaden is the third-largest shopping centre in Munich. Within the scope of a 119,000 sqm, the complex houses around 120 shops that include Benneton, H&M, Levis, Mango, Zara, Palmers, Tommy Hilfiger and Jack Wolfskin.
OEZ, Olympic Shopping Center: shopping for the whole family is found here, with many events and activities taking place that attracts the inhabitants of Munich, aswell as visitors to the city. Shops here include Gerry Weber, Mustang Jeans, More & More, City 22, S. Oliver, Bartu Shoes, Villeroy & Boch, among others.
Markets
Viktualienmarkt Am Viktualienmarkt 6, 80331 München
Only a few steps from the Marienplatz, The Viktualien Market is Munich's most popular open air market, and a sensual revelation; stalls not only offer the freshest fruits and vegetables in Munich, but also traditional Bavarian Schweinshax'n and Speck, sea food, delicious cheeses from all over Europe, herbs, honey products and sushi. Or would you prefer a freshly squeezed apple-carrot-ginger juice? For all those who appreciate culinary seduction of the senses, this is the perfect place to spend your lunch break, get inspired for new creations and buy those rare and special herbs and spices that can't be found anywhere else in the region.
Munich Christmas Market (usually from November 26 – December 24) Directly by the Marienplatz
Undoubtedly the best way in which to indulge in the spirit of Christmas is by taking a stroll through this famed and cheerful market. Baked apples, roasted almonds, pepper nuts and other Bavarian culinary delights are to a Christmas Market as snow is to a skiing resort. No trip to Munich would be complete without a taste of the infamous Lebkuchen, Springerle (aniseed-flavoured biscuits) Fruechtebrot (loaves with dried fruit), Schmalzgebaeck (deep-fried cakes), hot chestnuts and figurines made from plum. Other local specialties include pork sausages, cheeses and potato pancakes (Reiber-datschi) that are also available as free-range products. Been on your feet too long? Why not visit one of the numerous stalls and let a nice cup of Glühwein warm your chilly fingers?
Tollwood Festival Thereseienwiese (U-Bahn U5 or U-Bahn U4)
This tent spectacle at the Theresienwiese (winter) or Olympiapark (summer) offers an exciting mix of international musicians and drama groups, performances and live music. Art and culture, as well as the popular Market of Ideas with handicrafts and cuisine from all over the world, turn a visit to Tollwood into a very special experience.
The Winter Festival starts on November 24th until December 31st (market only until Dec 23rd). The Summer Festival starts on June 22nd until July 17th Dates are subject to change.
WHAT TO SEE
The Museums Ensemble Barer Str. 27, 80799 München
On the Westside of the English Garden is a unique ensemble of three museums, each of them highlighting a different period in European art.
The Pinakothek der Moderne is the largest museum for modern art in Germany and spotlights art of the 20th century, including photography and video.
The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest art galleries in the world, home to over 800 European masterpieces from the middle Ages to the end of the Rococo. You can see one of the biggest Rubens collections here.
The Neue Pinakothek features art and sculpture from the late 18th to the beginning of the 20th century. Highlights include German art of the 19th century, such as paintings from Caspar David Friedrich, and a wonderful collection of French Impressionists.
Deutsches Museum Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munchen
Sailing ships, models of atoms, windmills, space probes, diesel locomotives, industrial robots, organs, lifeboats: an unbelievable abundance of technical achievement - and lots more - can be found in the Deutsche Museum. A house of superlatives.
Allianz Arena München Stadion GmbH Werner Heisenberg Allee 25, 80939 München
This project was financed equally by the Bavarian capital’s two soccer clubs, TSV 1860 München and FC Bayern München. The three-tiered arena has a capacity of 69,900 seats. The playing field has a surface of 8,000 sqm while a total of 2,874 inflated foil panels form the 64,000 sqm roof and façade: the biggest membrane shell in the world. Huge fans inside the stadium keep the panels inflated at a constant pressure.
Neuschwanstein Palace Schlossverwaltung Neuschwanstein, Neuschwansteinstr. 20, 87645 Schwangau
The ‘fairytale castle’ of King Ludwig II receives over 1 million visitors a year. Kind Ludwig II commissioned the castle to be built in 1868 with the desire to turn the operas of his friend Richard Wagner into a dreamy reality. The architectural plans were drawn up by Eduard Riedel, and building began in 1869. In 1874, George Dollmann took over the construction. The interior decoration was almost finished at the time of Ludwig II's death in 1886 and the castle itself was not completed by Julius Hoffmann until 1892.
Olympic Park Olympiapark München GmbH, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, D-80809 München
The site of the 1972 Olympics, this landscaped park contains sport facilities, lakes, bicycle paths, concert venues, restaurants and a football stadium, as well as its landmark ‘tent-style’ roofs. Don´t miss the fascinating BMW Museum across the street, right next to the company’s headquarters which was constructed in the shape of a four-cylinder engine.
Nymphenburg Palace Schloss- und Gartenverwaltung Nymphenburg, Eingang 19, 80638 München
This baroque palace in the west of Munich was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs. Five generations of Wittelsbach rulers were involved in the construction of this stately ensemble, which houses several outstanding collections. With its lavishly decorated interior and the famous ‘Gallery of Beauties’ commissioned by Ludwig I, the palace is one of Munich's favorite attractions. While you're there, be sure not to miss the Marstallmuseum and the Porcelain Museum, the Museum Mensch und Natur and the Botanical Garden.
Neues Rathaus Marienplatz 8, 80331 München
The new Town Hall was built around 1867 - 1909 in Flanders Gothic style; its facade, over 300 feet in length, features strikingly elaborate stone ornamentation. Its 260-foot tower with carillon is - with St. Peter's Church and the twin towers of the Cathedral - one of the most distinctive features of the city's skyline.
