Munich Germany.
A City Guide To Munich.
Berlin Tourist Information: www.germany-tourism.de
Munich: The city for all seasons and Bavaria's capital. This 800 year old city is renowned for its numerous interesting museums & art galleries and for fine Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Although the city was extensively bombed during WW2 its reconstruction managed to preserve much of its original appearance. Munich is truly one of Europe's most beautiful cities
and one of the country's favorite tourist destinations
.
The city of Munich was founded in 1158 on the River Isar, it was then named Munchen (home of the monks) due to its first monastery. The monks first started the beer brewing tradition for which the city is now world famous, the celebrated annual beer festival first took place here in 1810. Today approximately six million people visit the Oktoberfest every year and consume more than 5.5 million liters of beer during its two-week celebration.
Places of interest in Munich: Your exploration will start in the lively pedestrianised Marienplatz Square in the centre of the city, with its impressive Gothic New Town Hall and famous Glockenspiel (Bellchimes) which dominates the skyline. Visit the Neue Pinakothek art gallery (see details below) with paintings and works by Goya & Renoir. Also worth a visit is The Residenz, partial home of Bavaria's rulers, with its traditional courtyards and fountains. Visit the Deutsches museum, the largest science museum in the world. Explore the Englischer Garten (English Garden) one of the largest municipal parks in Europe with its plenty of sunbathing and picnic spots, you can also swim, jog, play soccer, ride horses and even play cricket in the park. Munich has become the most visited city in Germany, eclipsing both Berlin and Hamburg.
The Alte Pinakothek (Art Museum). A 'must see' for art lovers is Munich's art museum. The museum houses one of the most important art collections in Europe. This huge museum spreads across two floors of a large neo-classical building, spend your time wisely as there is lots to see and take in. Nearly 1,000 paintings are on display featuring the works of Europe's greatest artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Highlights include works by Dutch and Flemish masters, as well as the Italian masters such as Botticelli and Titian.
Website: www.pinakothek.de
Tourist excursions in Munich:
Neuschwanstein (Fairytale Castle). The castle was built by King Ludwig II (known as 'Mad King Ludwig'). The impressive Gothic monument is Bavaria's most famous landmark. A guided tour of the castle is recommended to experience its lavish and art filled interior, of particular note is the Kings apartments which are decorated entirely with hand-embroidered silk. Day Excursions can be booked from Munich or self drive options are available with free parking at the castle. Visit the
Neuschwanstein website: www.neuschwanstein.com
The Romantic Road. One of the most fulfilling excursions in Germany is the 180 mile medieval Romantic Road. Thousands of visitors drive along this (290km) route between Munich and Frankfurt to see and explore the many medieval and well-preserved walled towns dating back thousands of years. The most popular towns along the Romantic Road are Rothenburg in the Tauber River Valley, the towns of Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen. Visit the Romantic Roar website at:
www.romantischestrasse.de
Beyond Munich: Munich is a good base for touring surrounding Bavaria, with numerous lakes, castles and delightful traditional country villages & scenery.
It is also the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, drawing winter sports enthusiasts from near and far.
Events in Munich: The Oktoberfest at the beginning of October dominates events, when the world's beer lovers descend on the city. Other festivals include the Tollwood Summer Festival in June & July and the Stadtgrundungfest (City birthday) in June. Don't forget the famous Christmas Markets which start early December.
Local transport in Munich: Most of Munich's city centre is a pedestrian zone bringing lots of attractions within easy reach on foot. Munich has a very clean and efficient public transport system consisting of buses, trams, the U-bahn (subway) and the S-bahn (suburban train). Tickets and fares are zone based and must be validated on entering stations or on boarding. The München Welcome Card covers all transport within the city and includes discounts to the main attractions. Taxis are safe, plentiful but can be expensive.
Nightlife in Munich: For centuries Munich has brewed excellent beers such as Lowenbrau, they can be enjoyed in the many brewery halls such as the Hofbrauhaus. The Bohemian Schwabing is the Latin Quarter of the city and the small streets leading off the Leopoldstrasse are all full of lively atmospheric cafes, bars and restaurants.
Eating out in Munich: Popular dishes are Veal & Pork and for dessert - Apfelstrudel, plum cake and cherry gateau.
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