Munich, Bavaria

WELCOME!! To Munich, Germany

Home of the World Famous

in München steht ein Hofbråuhaus eins zwei Sufa!! ~~ "herzlich Willkommen in München und zum Oktoberfest"

"Grüß Gott"

that is the greeting you will hear wherever you go when you visit the fascinating city of "MUNICH" (München). So, kick off your shoes, grab a krug of beer (maybe a keg,if you're in for the long haul :-)) and make yourself comfy to enjoy your trip through München.

The town situated on the River Isar against the backdrop of the Alps was and still is a popular destination for kings, state presidents, popes, old primadonnas, great writers and composers.

The city is named after the Munichen Monks, who settled near the banks of the Isar River more than 1200 years ago. Munich is the capital of Bavaria and a sprawling city of about 1.3 million of which approximately 20.5% are foreigners. Munich is the third largest city in Germany, and is an important center of trade, manufacture and fashion. You will find such industrial giants as BMW and Siemens residing here.

Munich is a striking city, largely the product of the exuberant imagination and aspirations of past Bavarian kings and rulers. Royal residences, majestic museums, steepled churches, and ornate monuments celebrate architectural styles from baroque and gothic to neoclassical and postmodern. Add wide boulevards, spacious parks, thriving nightlife, and at least six breweries and you have what amounts to one of Germany's most interesting, exciting, and festive cities in the world.

Munich's most famous event is the "OKTOBERFEST", held from the middle of September to the first Sunday in October. The celebration began in 1810 to honor King Ludwig I's marriage, this was when the main event was a horse race in a field called "Theresienwiese". The locals refer to it as the "Wies'n". Everyone had so much fun that they had it over and over again, and today "Oktoberfest" has become the largest festival in the world. In 1998 "Oktoberfest" will be celebrated for the 165th time. Every year the festivities get under way with a parade on the first Oktoberfest Sunday, with almost 7000 participants marching through the streets in folk costumes. Most activities, however, are at the "Wies'n", where huge beer tents are set up, which are sponsored by the local Munich breweries who dispense both beer and merriment, complete with Bavarian bands and lots of singing. Each tent holds about 6,000 people, which should give you an idea how rowdy things can get. During the 16-day period of the "Oktoberfest", an estimated 6 million visitors guzzel over a million gallons of beer, eat about 700,000 broiled chickens, and about another 200,000 pair of pork sausages. Pure gluttony, but, sure alot of fun. I remember my first "Oktoberfest", well, maybe we shouldn't mention that :-). In addition to the beer tents, there are carnival attractions and alot of amusement rides.

Now, let us take a trip through Munich, where I will tell you of some of the famous attractions you will find here and where you will find them. Ready!

"ATTRACTIONS"

There are about 70 theaters, 50 museums, 25 tradefairs and 10 universities in Munich, not to mention the European Patent Office, the German Fiscal Court and the Goethe Institute, take a walk through this attractive town which is referred to as the "Village with a Population of a Million" and the "Metropolis with a Warm Heart", and having been there numerous times myself, it is true, it is a city with a warm heart.

One of the largest museums in Europe is the "Alte Pinakothek" which houses one of the greatest painting collections in the world. Here you will find pictures from the 14th to 18th century, it would be a shame to miss this when visiting Munich, it is located on Barer Strasse 27. It began as the private collection of the Wittelsbach family in the early 1500's. It has one of the largest collections of Rubens, (61 works), not to mention galleries filled with German, Dutch, Flemish, Italian, Spanish and French Masterpieces. Represented here are Dürer, Rembrandt, Raphael, Leonardo just to mention a few. Although, it is very difficult to pick out the stars here, but, Dürer's "Four Apostles" and Rembrandts "Birth of Christ" are just a few of the things you will find here.

On to the "Neue Pinakothek". Munich's museum of the 19th century, with it's paintings and sculptures in a sort of modern Merlin's Castle. It is located right across the street from the "Alte Pinakothek". You will find a collection strong in German Romantics and French Impressionists such as: Goya, Manet, Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, Cezane and many more.

The largest and oldest technological museum in the world is the "Deutsches Museum" on Museuminsel 1 (Ludwigsbrücke). The museum is divided into 30 departments, including those relating to physics, shipping, rocks and minerals, vehicles, musical instruments, glass technology, writing and printing, photography, textiles, weights and measurements. There is also a planetarium here. If you followed the guideline that runs through the museum, you would walk about 10 miles, so if you go there, which you really should, wear comfortable shoes. What makes this museum so fascinating for young and old alike is that there are buttons to push, gears to crank, and levers to pull. You will also be able to see the first Benz ever built in 1886.

Some of the other attractions are: "Nymphenburg Palace" and "Marstallmuseum", "Amalienburg", and the "Royal Pavilions" located at Schloss Nymphenburg 1. "Nymphenburg Palace" is the largest baroque palace in Germany, it is the former residency of the Wittelsbach Family. You could spend a whole day in just the sculptured garden, with its statues, lakes, and waterfalls not to forget its parks pavilions, each a miniture palace in itself. Outside the main palace is the "Marstallmuseum" with it's splendid collection of state coaches, carriages, and sleds used for weddings, coronations and special events. Then there is the "Amielienburg", a delightful small pink hunting lodge unlike anything you have ever seen. The first few rooms are simple, but, then the rooms take off in a flight of fantasy, with an amazing amount of decorative silver, which cover the walls with vines, grapes and cherubs. Its "Hall of Mirrors" is as splendid a room as you're likely to find anywhere, far surpassing anything in the main palace. There are also three pavilions in the park, the "Magdalenenklause", which is designed as a meditation retreat, the "Pagodenburg", an elegant two-story tea pavilion, and the "Badenburg", this qualifies as Europe's first indoor pool.

The "Glypthotek" located am Koenigsplatz 3, resembles a Greek Temple, the story behind that was that King Ludwig I's dream was to transform Munich into another Athens and that is why the resemblance.

Other attractions are the "Bayerisches Nationalmuseum" (National Museum of Bavaria) on Prinzregentenstrasse 3, the "BMW Museum" on Petueilring 130, "Münchener Stadtmuseum" on St. Jakobsplatz 1, and who can forget the "Munich Zoo" on Siebenbrunner Strasse 6, which is the home to about 5,000 animals, which includes the Elephant House, built in 1913, an aviary, (building where they keep birds) and an aquarium. This is a great place to take the kids, for it also has a petting zoo and playgrounds. "State Gallery of Modern Art" on Prinzregentenstrasse 1. is in the west end of the massive columned "Haus der Kunst" (House of Art, 1937). The building is the product of Hitler's Regime and now displays much of the modern art Hitler tried to suppress. It is devoted to the art of the 20th century. Some of the artists who have their work on display there are: Dali, Kandinsky, Picasso (14 works), Warhol and many more.

"PARKS and GARDENS"

The "English Garden" is one of the largest parks in Europe. Despite the name, it actually owes its existence to an American rather than an Englishman. Benjamin Thompson, was instrumental in the park's creation and landscaping. It stretches 3 miles along the Isar River right in the heart of the city, it offers 4 large beer gardens, sunbathing (don't get shocked, but, this includes nude sunbathing, which believe it or not, you will find in alot of states in Europe) and recreation, and unlimited space to walk.

The "Hofgarten" located right off Odeonsplatz, with its arcades, fountains, gardens and a magnificent view of the Theatinerkirche (Theatiner Church) is a must sight to see.

"Nymphenburg Park" located by the "Nymphenburg Palace", the park consists of 500 acres and is adjacent to the "Botanical Garden", which is one of the largest botanical gardens in Germany with plants from all over the world in outdoor displays and hothouses.

The "River Isar" with its deliciously cold green water which flows down from the mountain and divides Munich into east and west. The Isar is famous for its color which, depending on the weather and rainfall, varies from smokey Pernod-with-water to the deepest emerald. It really is very beautiful.

"GOING OUT IN MUNICH"

Schwabing is one of the places to go out. It is Munich's "Latin Quarter" it's kinda like a combination of Greenwich Village and Soho. Nevertheless, Schwabing, by day or night, has an atmosphere all its own. Schwabing begins north of the "Siegestor" (Victory Gate). Its main boulevard is the tree-lined Leopoldstraße. Here and on the small streets branching off to both sides, you will find amusement and night-life, cafes, bars, restaurants, jazz spots, discos (yes, they still have them), and artists selling their work from improvised stands, and most of all lots and lots of people. Without a doubt, the "Hofbråuhaus" on Platzl 9, is the world's most famous beer hall, as a matter of fact in 1989 it celebrated its 400th birthday. I think, anyone that has ever been to Munich has been there, I know I have and it is alot of fun. There are several floors in this huge place (and I mean huge), but the main hall is the Schwemme located on the ground floor, which features your typical Bavarian brass band, and waitresses wearing dirndls. The tables are usually packed with friendly Germans singing and with linked arms swaying back and forth, and you know, it doesn't matter if you speak the language or can sing along, no one cares it's just a great place to be and have fun. If you haven't been to "Oktoberfest", because you were not able to make it during that time, well let me tell you, you will get a taste of it here.

The "Mathåser Bierstadt, on Bayerstraße 5, is massive with various rooms, but, just follow the oompahpah music, this I must tell you though, it caters more to the locals than to tourists, but, don't let that stop you, carry along your little dictionary. You should also try to visit one of the dance clubs, but, whatever you do, do not go to this particular one on a weekend, you will probably have a hard time getting in, because most of the time it gets so crowded that they only let the regulars in, the name is "Far Out", located Am Kosstor 2, it's close to the "Hofbråuhaus", you more than likely will be unable to find a place to sit, there are very few chairs or bar stools here because it is a dance hall. One other place that I know of is the "Sunset" on Leopoldstraße 69, they let in who ever can shove their way through the door, this happens to be a small basement establishment.

"SHOPPING"

As Germany's fashion Center, Munich has many upscale boutiques, department stores and designer names, these are primarily located in the pedestrian-zoned "Alt Stadt" (Old Town). If you're interested in souvenirs, like beer mugs, the blue and white simple pottery of Bavaria, porcelain, your best bet in terms of price are the department stores such as: "Hertie" across from the train station, "Karstadt" (it's something like a Kohl's Dept. Store) on Karlstor or maybe the "Kaufhof", Karlsplatz 21-24. Another good place to hunt for German and Bavarian souvenirs is along Orlandostraße, that is located near the "Hofbråuhaus", that way you can shop and have a beer too :-). This is a small pedistrian area where you will find things such as T-shirts, beer steins (a must to bring back home), dolls dressed in their native Bavarian costumes, pipes and of course we can't forget the postcards, so you can tell everyone at home what a great time you're having.

"MARKETS"

Munich's most famous market is the "Viktualienmarkt" (Victuals Market) dating back to the early 1800s. Here you can buy cheese, bread, honey, cakes and so much more. Then in the summer time students set up a market to sell their art work at the "Schabinger Art Market" located on the east side of Leopoldstraße, between the Münchener Freiheit and Siegestor. Should you happen to be visiting Munich around Christmas time you must go see the "Christkindlmarkt" on Marienplatz, a colorful hodgepodge of stalls selling everything from Bavarian foods to Christmas decorations. If you are into flea markets, this is a must, the "Auer Dult", this flea market lasts 8 days, can you imagine running around a flea market for 8 days, it is great. This flea market is held 3 times a year, April, July and October. This has been a tradition for over 600 years. Here you can buy everything from spices, leather goods, jewelry, antiques to kitchen gadgets, and if you have kids there is even an amusement park and rides for them. It is located at Mariahilfplatz.

"KARNIVAL or FASCHING"

"Karnival" or "Fasching" as it is called in Munich, is a time for real good ole German "Gemütlichkeit". It is a time of dancing and flirting, with original costumes and hot rhythms. When the senses are aroused and hearts are moved, you know that you are in a town that enjoys life. This isn't as celebrated as in my hometown of Aachen, but, it's still great and lots of fun.

"OTHER ATTRACTIONS WORTH SEEING"

"Peterskirche" (Church of St. Peter), on Rindermarkt 1. This is the oldest parish church in Munich; ornate interior decorated with old masters from the 6 centuries.

"Ludwigstraße" Magnificent "showpiece" of Munich, extending from the "Siegestor" (Triumphal Arch), to the "Feldherrnhalle" (Commanders' Hall), built under King Ludwig I in the first half of the 19th century, it marked the transformation of Munich from a medieval town to an imperial residence.

"Ruhmeshalle" (Hall of Fame), a memorial to distinguished figures of Bavarian history. There is a bronze statue in front of the hall, which represents the State of Bavaria. If you decide to go to the top, you will have a beautiful view of the city's skyline.

"Bavaria Film-Tour" on Bavariafilmplatz 7, is where such movies as "Das Boot" (The U-Boat), "Cabaret", "The Never Ending Story" and many German TV shows are filmed.

You know there are so many things to see, it would take me a long time to mention them all, my suggestion is when you get there go to the "Fremdenverkehrsamt" (Tourist Information Office) get yourself a map and some info and just go and enjoy yourself. I would, however, suggest taking a pocket dictionary with you, just in case, and if you can't pronounce something, just show them the word and all will be just fine. Now, I will come to my last little tidbits and that would be some side excursions, which I find are a must to see, and please don't forget your camera.

"SIDETRIPS"

About 12 miles from Munich is the site of Germany's first concentration camp "Dachau" under the Hitler Regime and now a memorial to those who died under the Nazis. Some 200,000 prisoners passed through the gates of Dachau and approximately 32,000 lost their lives. Visiting the Dachau concentration camp isn't pleasant, but, perhaps a necessary one to remind us that those who forgot the past, are destined to repeat it, and let us hope that something like this will NEVER EVER happen again.

Now to a brighter and happier sight. one which you should not miss, you absolutely must go to: "Neuschwanstein", where you will find the world-famous fairy-tale castle built by King Ludwig II. It is built on an imposing rock in the seclusions of the mountains, and for those who do not know, this castle served as the model for Walt Disney's Castle at Disneyland.

While there, you should also check out the old castle of "Hohenschwangau" and the crystal clear "Alpsee" lake. These sights are really a must and are only about a 2 hour drive from Munich.

Well, my friends, this takes us to the end of our tour through "München", I hope you enjoyed yourself, and that you will join me for the next tour that will take you to the Home of Mozart, "Salzburg", Austria. Go ahead and flip me!! Have a wonderful day and "Keep Smiling" :-), and thanks for joining me. Do check back every so often, because I know there are probably things I forgot, that when, I remember will add on. Please sign my guestbook and give me your opinion and suggestions. Thanks.