Munich

Overview

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, world famous for Oktoberfest, with Marienplatz and nearby Neuschwanstein Castle as essential stops.

History

Munich was founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria. The Wittelsbach dynasty ruled here for more than 700 years, building grand palaces and churches that made it the most important cultural centre in southern Germany. Nazi Germany rose here between 1933 and 1945, following the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. The city rebuilt rapidly after the war and hosted the 1972 Olympics, overshadowed by a terrorist attack. Today it is known for BMW, the Siemens headquarters and the world's largest beer festival.

Highlights

• •Oktoberfest, the world's biggest beer celebration
• •Sunny afternoons in the Englischer Garten beer garden
• •Automotive pilgrimage to the BMW Museum and BMW Welt
• •Traditional food at the Viktualienmarkt
• •Royal Bavarian palaces at Nymphenburg and the Residenz

Practical tips

• •Book hotels months ahead for Oktoberfest in October
• •Buy Neuschwanstein tickets online in advance

Practical information

Best time

Year-round

Tickets

Englischer Garten beer garden free; Deutsches Museum about EUR 15

Opening hours

City open all day; Oktoberfest usually 10:00 to 23:30

Local food

Weisswurst, pork knuckle, pretzels and beer

Getting around

The U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover the city; book hotels early during Oktoberfest

Visa

Germany is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Embassies scrutinise itineraries and financial documents closely, so apply one to two months ahead.

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