Inspiring Germany
The Bavarian metropolis at the foot of the Alps
The capital city of Bavaria has one of the best football clubs in the world, but its many sights, fascinating culture and simple pleasures make Munich even more exciting.
With record after record to its name, no football club has won as many national titles as FC Bayern Munich. Besides the home stadium, Allianz Arena, the City Hall balcony is the preferred gathering place for the footballers, where they can be seen waving to their fans during championship celebrations.
With 300,000 enthusiastic members, FC Bayern Munich is the largest sports club in the world. But Munich isn't only home to Bayern fans in red jerseys; you'll also see the white and blue of their rival, TSV 1860 Munich. The "Lions" have a large fan base, too.
From the Frauenkirche to the Marienplatz
The two nearly 100-metre-high towers of the Gothic Frauenkirche, one of the landmarks of Munich, are widely visible – mainly due to building restrictions on height in the city centre. The black tread at the entrance, called the "Devil's Footprint", is the subject of legends. Just 100 metres away is the Marienplatz and the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus, a hub of city life. The Mariensäule in the middle of the square is a popular meeting place for Munich locals and visitors alike.
Old masters and modern art
The museums around Munich can be explored over many days. The Deutsches Museum is a must for engineering fans, with its unique exhibits on engineering and science. Art lovers are drawn to the Alte Pinakothek, with works by the old masters, and the Neue Pinakothek, where they can marvel over the paintings of Goya and van Gogh. Contemporary art is housed in the Brandhorst Museum, with its bright façade resembling an oversized colour barcode.
High-contrast architecture
See how the kings and princes once travelled at the Marstallmuseum in Nymphenburg Palace, with its collection of magnificient coaches. The palace itself is a highlight: over 200 years, a small country estate became one of the most important Baroque and Rococo palaces in Germany. Calling all sports and architecture lovers! The Olympiapark, built in 1972, is a sight to see – or see through – with its transparent roof.
Beer gardens and weisswurst
Munich Schwabing, once an alternative hotspot, has become a classy district with high-end shops and restaurants. As in other areas of the city, you'll find many beer gardens here – the preferred locale for Munich residents. It doesn't have to be the world-renowned Oktoberfest. Be sure to order yourself a Weissbier! Along with a pretzel or – if it's before noon – a weisswurst. Just ask the locals to explain how to properly enjoy this specialty dish. There's even a beer garden at the famous Viktualienmarkt, where you can buy foods and items from all over the world. If you're in Munich in time for Fasching, take in the "Tanz der Marktfrauen" on Tuesdays.
Peak views of the Zugspitze
The areas surrounding Munich are just as beautiful as the city, and can be explored sustainably by bicycle. A unique experience is seeing the panoramic view from the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany. Less than 100 kilometres away is the Chiemseeand the Herreninsel, where visitors marvel at the Baroque-style Herrenchiemsee Palace – the "Bavarian Versailles."