Munich

Munich, Germany: detailed information about the city of Munich, main attractions with photos and descriptions, location on the map.

The city of Munich (Germany)

Munich (German: München, Bavarian: Minga) is a city in the southern part of Germany on the banks of the Isar River, the capital of Bavaria and the third largest city after Berlin and Hamburg. There are several large lakes and ski resorts within a two-hour drive from the city, which has created a temperate climate in the region, with a transition from maritime to continental. Snowy winters and mild summers have largely contributed to the fact that sightseeing holidays in Munich are relevant all year round. However, there are exceptions when the thermometer can drop to -30 C° in winter.

History and interesting facts

The history of the city dates back to the eighth century, when a small settlement of monks appeared here, which later became a city. After some time, the land passed into the possession of the Wittelsbach dynasty, which ruled Bavaria until it was divided in 1255, but the city remained their residence until 1918. Today, the Wittelsbach Palace operates as a museum and is open to tourists throughout the year.

During the First World War, Munich was heavily damaged by air raids organized by French forces. In 1918, the November Revolution brought the Social Democrats to power. King Ludwig III and his family had to flee the city. In 1919, the Bavarian Soviet Republic was proclaimed in April, but a month later it was liquidated by government forces.

The Second World War also left its mark on the city. Munich suffered to a greater extent from the bombing by Allied aircraft. Seventy raids on the city resulted in the almost complete destruction of its historical part, and Munich itself was half in ruins.

In the post-war period, the city recovered quickly and in 1972 hosted the Olympic Games. The Olympic Park, built specifically for this event, is still a place of pilgrimage for tourists.

Useful information for tourists

Getting around the city is much more convenient by public transport than by taxi. Firstly, taxis are expensive, and secondly, it is not easy to find a car, only at special parking lots. Moreover, not every local resident will be able to give you a taxi service number, as they rarely use this service. Everyone has heard of German meticulousness, and the organization of public transport is the best way to see it.

Munich is connected by a large and well-developed network of trams, buses, subways, and even city trains. All of them run on schedule, to the minute. Rare are the cases when transportation is delayed – rare enough that it becomes an event of the day.

To get around the city comfortably, you just need to choose the right ticket. At first glance, this may seem like a difficult task, but if you plan your tourist route in advance and understand a little bit of German, everything is quite simple. Munich’s transportation system is divided into 4 zones: inner, white and green (XXL), and general. The cost of tickets depends not on the distance you need to travel, and not even on the type of transport, but on the zone. For a tourist, the most optimal ticket will be a day or three-day Single-Tageskarte (for one person) or Partner-Tageskarte (up to 5 people).

Getting to Munich

To get to Munich, you have several transportation options depending on your starting location. Here are some common methods of reaching Munich:

• By Plane: Munich is served by the Munich Airport (MUC), which is located about 28 kilometers northeast of the city center. You can book a flight to Munich from major international airports worldwide. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or the S-Bahn (suburban train) to reach the city center.
• By Train: Munich has excellent rail connections with other major European cities. If you are in Europe, you can check for train connections to Munich at your nearest train station or use online platforms like Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) or Eurail to plan your journey. Munich’s central train station, Hauptbahnhof, is a major transportation hub and is located in the heart of the city.
• By Bus: Several bus companies provide services to Munich from various European cities. Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines operate frequent routes to Munich. You can check their websites or use online platforms to find available routes and book your tickets.
• By Car: If you prefer to drive, Munich is well-connected by a network of highways. You can use GPS or navigation apps to plan your route. However, keep in mind that traffic and parking can be challenging in the city center. It’s recommended to park your car at a Park & Ride facility and use public transportation to explore Munich.
• By Bike: Munich is a bike-friendly city, and if you enjoy cycling, you can plan a bike trip to Munich. The city has a well-developed network of cycling paths and bike lanes. You can bring your bike on trains or buses or rent a bike once you arrive in Munich.

Accommodation

Munich offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The best area to stay in Munich depends on your interests, proximity to attractions, and the atmosphere you are seeking. Here are a few popular areas to consider:

1. Munich City Center (Altstadt): This area is the historic heart of Munich and a great choice if you want to be close to major attractions like Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Viktualienmarkt. You’ll find a mix of luxury hotels, boutique accommodations, and budget-friendly options here. It’s a bustling area with excellent public transportation connections.
2. Schwabing: Located north of the city center, Schwabing is known for its bohemian atmosphere, trendy cafes, bars, and boutiques. This area appeals to a younger crowd and offers a lively nightlife. Schwabing has a range of accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses.
3. Glockenbachviertel: Situated south of the city center, Glockenbachviertel is a vibrant neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ scene, art galleries, and hip bars and restaurants. It has a lively and diverse atmosphere with a mix of boutique hotels and budget accommodations.
4. Haidhausen: Located east of the city center, Haidhausen is a charming neighborhood with beautiful streets, traditional beer gardens, and a relaxed atmosphere. It offers a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. It’s well-connected to the city center by public transportation.
5. Nymphenburg: If you prefer a quieter area, consider Nymphenburg. It is home to the Nymphenburg Palace and its beautiful gardens. This neighborhood offers a more residential feel with a range of accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses. It’s a bit farther from the city center but offers a peaceful environment.

These are just a few examples, and Munich has many other neighborhoods and districts with their own unique charm. Consider your preferences, budget, and the proximity to attractions when choosing your accommodation in Munich.

Shopping and shopping

The capital of Bavaria will enchant shopping enthusiasts. In Munich, in addition to large shopping centers, where time flies by, you can find boutiques of famous brands, souvenir shops and various shops offering to buy anything on almost every street. However, it is worth noting that boutiques and small shops are mostly open until 18:00 and only from Monday to Saturday.

Seasonal markets and fairs

• Antique market – you can get there only on the first Saturday of the month. Here you can buy antique jewelry, furniture, accessories, postcards, and stamps.
• BRK-Flohmark is a grand fair that takes place at the end of April. Here you can buy children’s clothes and toys, including antiques, at a much lower price than in local shops.
• Riem Market is the largest Bavarian market. Most people come here to sell old things, but it’s hard to call them old, rather new things that have not found use in everyday life.
• Viktualienmarkt is a flea market. Contrary to popular stereotypes, for over 200 years it has not been selling unnecessary things, but all kinds of products, including delicacies. By the way, farm products are constantly brought here, and there are also bakeries on the market.

Sights and attractions in Munich

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Munich, feel the atmosphere of the Bavarian capital, visit its main attractions: Frauenkirche, Nymphenburg Palace, St. Peter’s Church, Residence, Old Town Hall. No less interesting will be a visit to the BMW Museum, Karlplatz. And, of course, do not forget to visit the English Garden and the Olympic Park.

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady)

The Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) is a Gothic cathedral built in the 15th century, one of the symbols of Munich. The cathedral is 109 meters long, 40 meters wide and 37 meters high and can accommodate 20,000 people. Two towers stand out in the architecture of the cathedral, almost 100 meters high with stunning views of the city. The Frauenkirche is a late Gothic masterpiece. It is a strict three-nave brick church with simple interior decoration. The footprint in the church’s hallway is called the Devil’s footprint. According to legend, the evil one argued with the architect of the cathedral, but lost the bet. In his rage, he turned into the wind and tried to destroy the temple. That is why you can always feel a light breeze here.

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace — is one of the main attractions of Munich, a luxurious palace with a picturesque garden and canal. Built as a summer residence for kings, the palace impresses with its luxury and austerity of form. The construction of Nymphenburg dates back to the 17th century. The architect was the Italian Barelli. Inside, you can appreciate the life of the monarchs, see objects of art and history. No less famous is the palace park – 229 hectares of English-style parkland. You can take a gondola ride along the palace canal.

Marienplatz

Munich’s Marienplatz square with its new and old town halls is the world-famous center of the Bavarian capital. It is a real place of attraction for visitors and residents of the city, a venue for major cultural events and fairs.

The New Town Hall, a grandiose neo-Gothic building built in the early 20th century, stands out in the square’s architecture. Now the Munich City Council meets here. The tower of the New Town Hall offers a great view of the old town. It can be reached by elevator.

In the center of the square there is an 11-meter high Marian Column of the late 16th century with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary with Christ.

Old Town Hall

In the eastern part of Marienplatz, you can see two interesting buildings at once. The Old Town Hall is an old 14th-century Gothic-style building restored after the destruction of World War II. The tower houses a toy museum.

Next to the old town hall is St. Peter’s Cathedral, the oldest parish church in Munich, with a history of more than 8 centuries. The building combines the features of many architectural styles, and inside there is a beautiful Baroque altar. The cathedral’s architecture is highlighted by a 91-meter tower, which can offer one of the most beautiful views of Munich. To reach it, you need to overcome more than 300 steps.

Allianz Arena

The Allianz Arena is the home stadium of FC Bayern Munich, one of the most famous and comfortable stadiums in the world.

Karlplatz (Charles Square)

Karlplatz (Charles Square) is one of the main squares of the historic center with beautiful architecture. The square is named in honor of Charles IV Theodore, although the Germans themselves simply call it Stachus. It is named after an old beer house that existed before it was formed. The main architectural landmark is the Charles Gate, an old Gothic gate dating back to the early 14th century that used to be part of the city fortifications. Opposite it is the Neo-Baroque Palace of Justice and the Kaufhof Gallery shopping complex. The main pedestrian street connects Karlplatz with another central square, Marienplatz.

Odeonplatz

Odeonplatz is an Italian-style square in the northern part of Munich’s historic center near Ludwigstrasse. Here you can admire a beautiful 17th-century late Baroque church with two powerful towers and a dome, a loggia similar to the building in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, the royal residence and the Hofgarten garden.

The residence is one of the largest palace complexes in Germany, located near the Odeonplatz on Max-Joseph-Platz. It is an amazing building with an area of over 23,000 square meters with luxurious halls in the classicist, baroque and rococo styles, decorated with cultural and artistic objects. The history of the Residence is more than 600 years old. More than 40 original bronze sculptures of the 16th and 17th centuries are exhibited in the bronze halls of the palace, and the treasury contains royal regalia and other valuable items.

Olympic Park

The Olympic Park is one of the most beautiful and popular places in Munich. It was built on the occasion of the 1972 Olympic Games. Several famous places of Bavaria are located here: the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Towers. In addition, it is home to the largest amusement park in Bavaria, and hosts concerts, entertainment and cultural events, festivals and various sporting events.

Other sights in Munich

BMW Welt – Museum of the world-famous BMW brand. It hosts exhibitions and events, as well as tours of the museum and the plant.

Pinakothek — is an art gallery in Munich. The old Pinakothek exhibits European paintings of the 14th-18th centuries, while the new and modern Pinakothek displays about 400 works of art of the 18th-20th centuries.

Bavarian State Opera — is one of the largest operas in the world, giving 450 performances annually.

Hofbräuhaus — an old beer house. Here you can learn about the secrets and traditions of Bavarian brewing, enjoy regional cuisine, beer, music and folk dances that convey the historical atmosphere of Munich.

Stary Dvor — is an old imperial residence located on the road from Marienplatz. This is Munich’s Kaiserburg, which houses the museum.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a legendary beer festival in Germany that takes place annually in Munich in the fall from mid-September to early October. It is the largest beer festival in the world and is visited by more than 6 million tourists. During this time, millions of liters of beer are drunk here. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, and its roots date back to the Middle Ages.
Official website – http://www.oktoberfest.de

Video – Munich