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Munich

Munich: The proud capital of the Free State of Bavaria

Munich is the Capital of the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern). It is a metropolis with more than 1.5 Million people living in Munich. Munich has a very big variety of public transportation such as metro (U-bahn), extensive suburban train system (S-Bahn), buses and trams.

Bavaria is the state in Germany with the smallest rate of unemployment and one of the cities with the best infastructure and services in Germany.

In the city each October is held the Oktoberfest (or Wiesn in Bavarian language) that attracts many tourists around the world. The festival takes place in the two last weeks of September until the first 2-3 days of October depending in the Day of reunification of Germany (3 October).

History of Munich

The founding of the city of Munich dates back to 1158. The most important product of that time was salt. The salt from the Salzkammergut had to cross the Isar river near Oberfoehring on its way to west.

The Bishop of Freising received considerable customs revenue from bridge crossings over Isar river.
A rumor says that Henry der Loewe, Duke of Saxony and Bavaria, burned the bridge and replace it with his own bridge inside his territory, near a monks' settlement.

In 1158, Munich received market rights from Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa.

Lange vor der Stadtgründung soll das „Petersbergl“ von Mönchen besiedelt gewesen sein. Diesem Umstand ist es zu verdanken, dass man diesen Ort „ad munichen“, also bei den Mönchen nennt.

Before the establishment of the city, the area "Petersbergl" was inhabited by monks. The area was called "ad munichen" because monks were living there.

The city acquired central importance thanks to Emperor Ludwig den Bayern, who had his seat in Munich (1314-1347). In 1369 Munich already had over 10.000 inhabitants.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Munich became the residential and state capital.

After the First World War, Munich experienced an unprecedented decline. Poverty, housing shortages and unemployment were a good breeding ground for the ideas of the Nationalists. Munich became the center of the Nationalist movement between 1933 and the end of the so-called "Third Reich".

Munich was also a center of resistance during this time. One of the best-known resistance groups was the "White Rose (Weisse Rose)". This group has been fighting against the inhumanity of the  regime since 1942 and, among other things, called for passive resistance through leaflets. In 1943 the members of the "White Rose" were executed. 

During the Second World War, around 45% of all buildings in Munich were damaged or destroyed.

Reconstruction, which was primarily based on the historical model, and the economic miracle allowed Munich to grow into a city of millions in the 1950s and 1960s.

Other important events for Munich were the 1972 Olympic Games, the 1974 Soccer World Cup, the construction of the new Munich Airport "Franz-Josef-Strauß" and the 2006 Soccer World Cup.

Munich is characterized by strong economic power and an associated construction boom and now has over 1.5 million inhabitants.

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What to do there

There are a lot of things you can see in the city of Munich. This really big metropolis offers something for everyone.

  • Munich Airport: Munich Airport is a sightseeing from its self. It has two terminals, many shops, restaurants and between the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the Airport there is a big open space that are held events almost the whole year
  • Marienplatz / Rathaus: The most well known square and the heart of Munich is Marienplatz (Mary’s square). The most crowded square in Munich. Marienplatz was named after the Mariensaeule, a Marian column erected in its centre in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation. Today the Marienplatz is dominated by the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) on the north side, and the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus, a reconstructed gothic council hall with a ballroom and tower) on the east side.The Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall was inspired by the tournaments that were held in the square during the Middle Ages, and draws millions of tourists a year. Furthermore, the pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz is a crowded area with numerous shops and restaurants.
  • Karlsplatz/Stachus: In the west side of the Old city (Altstadt) is the famous square of Kalrsplatz. The square is connected with Marienplatz via the Kaufingerstrasse the most central street in Munich with many shops and restaurants. The fountain in the square operates also the summer months.
  • Christkindlmarkt: Chrismas market between end of November and 24.12. The biggest and most famous Christkindlmarkt is in the section between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz. There are however and other Christmas Markets in other suburbs of the city such as in Muenchner Freiheit and Sendlinger Tor.
  • Olympiapark / Olympiastadion: The Olympic Park in Munich is located in the North/West part of the city. It is one of the biggest parks in Munich. In the Olympiastadion was held the Olympic games.
  • Isar / Englischer Garten: A very big park in the heart of Munich beginning from the north part of the old city and goes up to the northeastern limits of the city.

What to eat there

Ahh what we can say for the food in Munich. It’s full of tradition, full of memories and full of taste.

You should absolutely try the Bavarian version of the prezel, a type of bread that is crisp and salty on the outside, soft and doughy within, they complement every Bavarian meal.

Another well known food is Leberkaese it consists of beef, pork and bacon and is made by grinding the ingredients very finely and then baking it as a loaf in a bread pan until it has a crunchy brown crust.

There is a huge and we mean really huge selection of Beers. Helles, Dunkel, Radler with alcohol, without alcohol. Just perfect for the summer months a really nice cold Beer.

Weisswurst: The white sausages are going always together with a prezel and of course the traditional sweet mustard.

Where to stay there

Prices in Munich vary a lot if there are held that time events or not. During Oktoberfest the prices are two or three times more expensive as on other periods of time.

There is a very big variety from Hostels, Appartments and Hotels.

Take a look at the booking.com Website and find the right Hotel for you.

How to get there

There is practically no limitation to reach Munich. Munich is excellent located between many countries and close to many Highways (Autobahn).

You can reach there either by car selecting one of the numerous Highways that are connected with the city.

A very big and extensive rail network connects Munich with domestic and international destinations.

Last but not list the Munich “Franz Josef Strauss” Airport 15th busiest airport in the World, located approx. 28km from the city center. With the airport are connected two S-Bahn (suburban train) lines:

Arrivals inside the last hour in Munich Airport

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