Munich

THE TWIN TOWERS

It is worth seeing from above one of the most impressive German cities. We are in Munich, capital of historic Bavaria.

The third largest city in the country has a great offer in every way, also when choosing a height to enjoy the horizon.

Do you want to know the most emblematic panorama?

If the answer is yes, we invite you to experience the heights of one of the twin towers of the Cathedral. This undisputed icon.

The cathedral has centuries of history within its walls. Sigismund of Bavaria ordered that it be built, building it over an ancient Roman temple from the 12th century. It was the year 1468 when the works began, ending in 1488. They did it; It only took 20 years! It must be said that the towers weren´t part of that first construction, but considering that it was from the 15th century, that´s not bad! The 16th century had to arrive to see the cathedral crowned with those impressive towers that we can enjoy today. It was in 1525 when the two twin towers of 100 meters high were erected. A great architectural landmark for the time.

Interestingly, what is now one of the best known and most beloved landmarks in Munich, in its time did not have the recognition of the people, even putting its existence in danger. What was a temporary construction has become permanent.

Nowadays, nothing can overshadow these imposing towers. So much is the affection for them that it is not possible to build a taller building throughout the historic centre. This ensures that we have the best views of the city from the top of these brick masses. Towers that, by the way, were restored after World War II, finishing the work in 1994.

The views are truly spectacular, with all the historic buildings, rooftops and small squares of the centre in front of us. On sunny days, you can see the snowy Alps. Some wonderful peaks!

Entrance to the cathedral is free, while the south tower, the only accessible one, has to pay admission.

Don´t miss out and get a souvenir stamp!

Address: Frauenplatz 12, 80331 Munich.

THE RICH WHITE SAUSAGE!

Although German cuisine is not one of the most outstanding in the world, along our trip we will get to know the typical specialty of each place. One of the main features of German cuisine is protein. Germans need calories! We must not forget that we are in a country located in north-central Europe with very low temperatures during most of the year. Also, Munich is relatively close to the Alps, so during its long winters the cold is “cracking”.

To combat this cold, nothing better than the typical white sausages, known as Weißwurst and which originated in Munich in 1857. Along with sausages from Nuremberg, white sausages are among the most popular in all of Bavaria!

They are made from finely minced meat, lard and spices. They are light gray in colour due to non-salinization and resemble Wollwurst and Stockwurst. These sausages are traditionally cooked at dawn and consumed at any time of the day, either for breakfast, lunch or with food. They are usually accompanied by sweet mustard, bretzel and wheat beer. An irresistible combination!

We will have no excuse not to try this delicious sausage, as it can be found in many places. One of the most typical places to enjoy them is at the market just behind Marienplatz, we are talking about the Viktualienmarkt or food market. Buying or eating here is a delight! We say this because it is the most typical market in town. It is located in a square with several fountains, full of stalls, where you will find not only prepared food, but also local products, florists, bakeries... A succession of stimuli for our senses!

The visit to the market is a lot of fun and, with luck, it can coincide with one of the themed parties that take place on time every year, such as the herring (fish) or asparagus parties... They even have a party with well-known characters!!

We recommend that you go to the stalls that are in front of the famous “mast” located in the middle of the square. Let´s talk about the beautiful tradition of these decorated poles in a moment.

Enjoy it!

Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 Munich.

"FROM MARIENTPLATZ TO KARSPLATZ"

We are in one of the most prosperous cities in all of Germany. We may notice that prices in Munich are a little higher, although we will always find something that fits our budgets.

It´s time to talk about shopping and we can´t think of a better place for it than the great pedestrian boulevard Kaufingerstraße. It´s easy to locate it. If we stay in front of the imposing City Hall, it is the pedestrian avenue on our left. Will identify it thanks to the number of passers by who go from one place to another.

Along the pedestrian street, there are several shops where you can find popular brands present all over the world, but also small shops selling typical souvenirs. These souvenirs that we like to take as souvenirs, such as those fabulous beer mugs that adorn many shop windows, some of them are small works of art, in charge of telling the country´s culture, available in different sizes and materials such as ceramics, glass and tin.

In addition, you will certainly be able to see typical Bavarian costumes in some of the windows. And more... possibly come across a person from Munich wearing the regional attire. Bavaria is also known for having its traditions deeply ingrained, even in the younger population. An example of this is being able to see someone dressed in these beautiful clothes without needing to be a festive day. This typical outfit would be enough to talk about for a long time, but let´s tell you a curiosity... the typical male outfit is called Lederhosen and the female one Dirndl. Well, the latter has a very curious detail, and it refers to the way a ribbon is tied around the waist. Attention! If the knot is on the right side, we understand that the woman is married, engaged or dating. If the knot is on the left side, the woman is single and open to meeting someone and if she is in the center, it is understood that she does not want to show her marital status. Finally, if it appears at the back, it indicates that the woman is a widow. This last position is also seen in waitresses and children.

As you can see, a whole language based on traditional clothing.

Between shop and shop, you will find other points of interest. Like the bronze boar that is at the door of the Museum of Hunting and Fishing. Another of the typical photos of the city is the strict photo with this nice mammal.

You may also be surprised by the striking white and brown facade of the Saint Miguel Church, located on the right sidewalk.

We recommend that you go to Charles Square or Karlsplatz, located behind one of the entrance gates to the old wall. The door acts as a kind of "goal" of the shopping career.

Address: Kaufingerstraße, 80331 Munich

"THE NATIONAL BAVARIAN OPERA"

The Bavarian capital has many notable historic buildings. It should be in mind that many of them were rebuilt after World War II and that is not to say a little, as the city was one of the most affected by Allied bombing. Fortunately, the vast majority retain their original appearance, which we can see in all its splendor.

Among all of them, there is a fantastic place that every visitor must pass through. It is the fabulous building of the Bavarian National Opera. It´s worth going to Max-Joseph Square to take a photo with the building that presides over it. The great Bavarian Opera has a very varied and interesting history.

Looks like the opera is unlucky! You´ll see why:

Before its inauguration in 1818, it had already suffered the first fire. This, together with the lack of funding, delayed the inauguration of the fabulous building commissioned by the Bavarian king Maximiliano Joseph IV.

The first building was surprising for its capacity, as its interior had 2,400 seats. A milestone for that moment. It also had a new firefighting system, which consisted of large roof water tanks that would be tipped over in an emergency.

Just five years after the opening, there was another fire and this time the opera and other adjacent buildings were destroyed by flames. If you wonder if that water tank system worked, well... no! They didn´t work because they were empty!

Interestingly, Munich´s famous beer helped during the fire and its rebuilding afterwards. On the one hand, the brewers helped with hot water to put out the flames and, on the other hand, after the fire, the beer was taxed with a tax to raise funds for the reconstruction works. Beer saved the opera!

Already in the 20th century it suffered significant damage again, in this case, by bombing during World War II. Due to the very close relationship between Munich and Hitler, much of the city ended up under the rubble.

Thanks to the pressure and collaboration of the “Friends of the Opera” association, the building was reopened on November 21, 1963, to the pride of the entire population of Munich.

Notice how the opera has been damaged over the years, that every time then hear the firefighters, they think they´re going to the opera.

The photo in front of this monument can also include the imposing statue of Maximilian Joseph I that stands in the centre of the square.

Address: Bavarian National Opera,
Max-Joseph-Platz 2, 80539 Munich.

THE ROCOCO CHURCH

We will recommend you a real treasure in the city centre. It is the most important Rococo church in all of Bavaria.

It is a small church that is integrated between the facades of the street stores, so much so that it almost goes unnoticed, so we will have to pay attention to locate it and enjoy its magnificent interior.

We are talking about Asamkirke, or Asam church. A church dating from the 18th century and was built by the Asam brothers. Edid Quirin and Cosmas Damian planned it to be their private chapel, but due to pressure from the people, they had to open it to the public.

For its construction they had to buy four adjoining houses, one of which was their own house, two others were demolished to build the church, and the fourth house was used as a parish house. The latter also received a rococo touch on the facade.

Being a private temple, its construction captured a peculiar mix between late baroque and rococo. The founding brothers were architects and painters! The neat details with which its interior was decorated are diverse, for example, they created a window that gave a direct view from the creators´ house to the main altar, as well as a direct entrance of the house, to the top of the church.

The interior is a real treat. There is no square inch that is not decorated. Frescos, stuccoes, fabulous wood carvings covered with golden paint in short, an impressive collection of opulent ornaments. And all this in a very small space, as it occupies only 22 meters long and 8 meters wide.

It is worth visiting this small Catholic centre (remember that we are in Bavaria, considered the Catholic stronghold of Germany), dedicated to the beloved Saint John Nepomucene.

The church is located at 32 Sendlinger street. It is just over 300 metres from Marienplatz and admission is free, which is very appreciated because we are in one of the most expensive German cities.

Address:

32 Sendlinger Street, 80331
Munich.

BEER, GIFTS AND PHOTO!

We challenged you to visit one of the most emblematic places in Munich, which doesn´t seem difficult to do, but some of the things that can be done in these places, we can consider a challenge. When passing through the Bavarian capital, it seems necessary to go, for various reasons, to some of the most famous breweries, as many of them are historic breweries and also all are fabulous. Some of the most famous are: Hofbrauhaus, Paulaner bräuhaus, Löwenbräukeller, Agustiner, there are also smaller but equally pleasant taverns.

The Hofbrauhaus brewery is the most famous of all and one of the best known in the world. Its history dates back to 1589, when it was the brewery that supplied the Wittelsbach family. In the 19th century, the brewery was moved and opened to the public, quickly becoming a nerve centre of local social life.

A visit to a large brewery is a must as we are in the beer capital of the world. Oktoberfest doesn´t come to mind? The famous October festival has been celebrated in Munich since 1810 and is Germany´s largest popular festival. It appeared in Munich as a result of a royal wedding and is now celebrated on half the planet. Every year, the city receives more than six million visitors during Oktoberfest days.

Beer is the queen of the party and breweries are one of the nerves during these party days. Only serve beer that complies with the German Purity Law and also beer produced within the city limits.

And how do you drink beer in these gastronomic temples... well, sharing a table. And what is this? These fun places are also places to share, meaning these breweries have very large long tables where you can sit without having to meet the person sitting next to you. On many occasions, this situation generates a feeling of brotherhood and conversations, laughter, jokes and gifts end up being shared.

Can you imagine what we are going to propose? Don´t worry, because we´re not going to suggest that you drink a pint of beer in one gulp, but that when you go to a brewery, sit at one of these huge tables, share a little with others there and take a photo of everyone toasting. It´s a very pleasant and accessible challenge that, in turn, will be a souvenir to put on a board.

We look forward to receiving your freebie photos!

Address:

Platzl 9, 80331 Munich.

"SAINT MUNDITIA"

When it comes to Munich, it´s hard to pick a story related to a historic building as there are so many. Although, to be honest, there is one story that we think stands out from the other.

To get to know it, we have to go to one of the oldest Christian temples in Germany. Have we already said that we are in the heart of Catholic Germany? We are referring to the Peterskirche or St. Peter´s Church, which is very close to the Marienplatz and is easily recognizable thanks to its slender tower with a lantern-shaped dome.

The majestic temple, a mixture of different styles such as Gothic, Baroque and Rococo, presents inside a piece of the most peculiar. It has an attraction point for the curious. We´re talking about a relic, but… the most private! The relic of Saint Munditia.

The mortal remains of this saint, with an unusual name, rest in a glass coffin in a small chapel located on the left side of the central nave.

History tells us that the beautiful Munditia was a Christian persecuted and martyred, being decapitated with an axe. Her remains were transferred from the Roman catacombs from Cyriaca to Munich in 1675. The relics consist of the lying skeleton of the saint with crystal eyes and the body covered in gold and jewels. The saint holds a cup filled with dried blood from her martyrdom.

Despite her somewhat macabre appearance, she is very popular in the city. Santa Munditia is the patron saint of unmarried women. The festivities in her honor take place every November 17th. The celebrations revolve around a mass and a curious procession by candlelight. A great party where single women will ask for a kind of “divine intervention” to find a good partner.

If you want to complete your visit to this amazing place, you can climb the tower to have another view of the city. But beware…you have to climb 305 steps, as the lookout is over 50 metres high.

Address:

Rindermarkt 1, 80331 Munich.

THE OLYMPIC VILLA

One of the most famous Olympics of the 20th century was Munich in 1972. An event that left half the planet in suspense. Remember the kidnapping of some athletes during the competition? This tragic televised event marked a before and after the biggest competition in the world.

To host the popular games, Munich built an impressive Olympic Park that housed numerous facilities. It was a real milestone for the city´s history and for the country itself. The previous one took place in Berlin, Nazi Germany, in 1936. Imagine the difference!

The Olympic Park was built on the former training ground of the Bavarian army, where it later had mountains of rubble from the destruction of World War II.

Among the sports facilities, the Olympic Stadium stands out, with a maximum height of 81 meters, whose pointed shapes resemble the nearby alpine peaks. Next to this, we find the place that served for cycling competitions, the multi-sports centre for football and athletics, with a capacity of 75,000 spectators, we refer to the Olympiahalle, which has been converted into a venue for concerts and other events.

Nowadays, the residences built for athletes are private and student residences.

It has long since become a very lively and dedicated place for leisure. The space has an outdoor theatre and, above all, a spectacular lake that winds through the entire place. Strolling along its banks is very pleasant, in addition, you can take a small rowing boat or pedal boat and enjoy the surroundings even more.

If you want to have a fantastic view of the entire enclosure, you can go up to the TV tower. From its 290 meters high, you will be able to contemplate the entire Olympiapark and will certainly see the skyscraper of the BMW headquarters that is at one end of the park, right next to the tube (subway).

The best way to get to Olympiapark is by subway. From the centre there is the U3 line, direct line to the Olympiazentrum
stop.

Address:

Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 Munich.

"THE ENGLISHER GARTEN"

One of the most suitable places to disconnect in Munich is the pleasant English Garden. It is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, as it exceeds 400 hectares.

The site was created at the end of the 18th century and consisted of two parts: a military garden and the city´s first public park. The two parts merged in 1792.

Today it is a huge park with more than 78 kilometres of paths, but… you don´t have to walk them all!

The idea is to arrive at a curious construction, known as "La Pagoda", a fantastic building in an oriental style 35 meters high. Due to its striking architecture and the environment in which it is located, we consider it the most pleasant place to rest and watch the local people pass by. They take advantage of the slightest ray of sunlight to walk or lie down in one of the large green meadows that shape the park.

If the building doesn´t seduce them at all, they also have other very nice places to pass the time, like the traditional Japanese teahouse located on a small island in the middle of the Eisbach canal. A very picturesque corner.

And if you haven´t had enough, you might be surprised to see a permanent wave of waves in the middle of the park. How is that possible? Do you imagine that? Yes, the park has an impressive artificial wave that many young people surf. They are there at any time of the day and it is very curious to see how they surf at this point on the channel. That’s impressive!

Surely one of these points entices you to relax in this haven of peace. Enjoy and have a drink on the lawn! There is nothing more attractive than having a small picnic and sharing your impressions of the city, resting in one of its pleasant meadows. If you arrive here without some kind of provision, it will be easy to get something to put in your mouth, because the garden has two impressive biergarten (breweries) the typical outdoor terraces of Germany.

Enjoy the moment!

Address:

Prinzregentenstraße 1, 80538
Munich.