Allianz Arena
After its opening in 2005, the Allianz Arena quickly became a Munich landmark. The stadium north of Munich was designed to exclusively be a football arena. It offers seats for up to 70,000 visitors and serves as the venue for FC Bayern’s home matches. In addition to the football field, the Allianz Arena also houses a café, a cinema and an FC Bayern exhibition. Daily tours allow visitors to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the stadium and the FC Bayern museum. The Allianz Arena is also known for its characteristic façade made of foil air panels, which can be illuminated individually and in different colors, according to the occasion. A visit to the Allianz Arena is a must for any football fan!
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 699 312 22
Website:
allianz-arena.com/de
Alter Peter
Before the city of Munich was founded, there was already a small chapel on the "Petersbergl" (Peter's hill), which was replaced at the beginning of the 11th century by the romantic style Peterskirche (Peter's church). In the 13th century a new gothic church was built, which was constantly adapted and changed in style over the years. During World War II, the church was so badly damaged that the repair work lasted until 1975. The Renaissance tower "Alter Peter" (Old Peter) is, along with the towers of the "Frauenkirche" (Munich Cathedral) considered a Munich landmark. 302 wooden steps need to be climbed to reach the viewing platform and enjoy a wonderful view over Munich. This legendary church is home to many art treasures from various eras, such as the gothic altar by Schrenk, the baroque baptismal font by Kumpur, or the roccoco side altars by Ignatz Günther.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 210 23 776-21
Website:
www.alterpeter.de
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BAVARIA FILMTOUR
Discover the most exciting aspects of film making and visit original movie sets during this 1,5 hour guided tour. Crawl through the submarine of the world famous movie "Das Boot", visit Germany’s coolest classroom at the original scenery of the „Fack ju Göhte“-trilogy, the most successful movie series in Germany of all time. Or, if you want to be a movie star yourself, shoot your own short movie and get it as a souvenir.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 649 920 00
Website:
www.filmstadt.de
Bavaria und Ruhmeshalle
King Ludwig I commissioned the construction of the 18 meter tall, Roman style statue, which was meant to communicate Bavarian and German strength. Using a design by the sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler, it was cast by Ferdinand von Miller between 1844 - 1850 from 1500 hundredweight of bronze recovered from cannons sunk during sea battles. The result is a fine specimen of Germanic womanhood with a laurel wreath in her left hand and a lion on a leash in her right. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the top from where visitors have a wonderful view of the Wiesn (Octoberfest grounds) and the city. King Ludwig I also commissioned the U-shaped, marble, doric columned hall built by Leo von Klenze between 1843 and 1853, on a small hill by Theresienwiese. The Hall of Fame houses busts of important Bavarians and frames the statue of Bavaria.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 290 671
Website:
www.muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/orte/120453.html
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BMW Welt
BMW World opened its doors to the public in 2007. It is a customer experience facility and exhibition space, as well as a distribution center of the BMW group. In the sweeping exhibition areas the visitors can experience a large variety of different vehicles produced by BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce, and others first hand. Customers can pick up the car they ordered in the unique environment of the distribution center.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 125 016 001
Website:
www.bmw-welt.com/de.html
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Botanischer Garten
The old botanical garden, founded in 1809 in the city center, was no longer able to exist after having slowly given up much of its grounds. Hence, it was moved to the outskirts of town in 1914, next to the Nymphenburg palace grounds. It encompasses approx. 22 hectares, 4500 square meters of which are located under the glass roofs of its various greenhouses. The garden is especially beautiful in the spring, when the trees are in full bloom and tulips and daffodils adorn the borders of the lily ponds. Later followed by the flowers of the rose garden and the rhododendron grove. The Alpinum, where one can admire edelweiss and gentian, is also worth seeing. At the picturesque ponds squirrels cavort under the various, well-labeled trees.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 178 613 16
Website:
www.botmuc.org
Englischer Garten
History: In 1789, at the height of the French Revolution, the Electoral Prince Karl Theodor ordered the construction of a public park on the banks of the river Isar, in oder to reduce the dissatisfaction among the people. The people were enthusiastic about the spacious garden, laid out in the English style, imitating the natural flora without decorative plants and trimming. Today, covering approximately 4 km², it is one of the largest urban public parks in the world. From early morning until late at night, the park is filled with joggers, horse-back-riders, bikers, baby carriages, dogs, lovers and students. Especially on sunny days, the southern part of the garden is full of life: sunbathers make themselves comfortable on the meadows along the stream "Eisbach", or refresh themselves by taking a short swim. In the south, surfers practice on - and in - the cold water. One can watch the lively scene of musicians, ice-cream-vendors, ball- or frisbee players, Brazilian capoeira dancers and jugglers on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or on a rickshaw-tour. The small, round temple "Monopterus" stands out. Further to the north, one can join tourists and locals around the Chinese Tower, to enjoy a "Maß" of Bavarian beer to the sound of a traditional brass band. The northern part of the English Garden is more peaceful, making it ideal for those who prefer to simply take a quiet walk or relax on the grass.
Contact
Phone: +49 89 386 663 90
Address
Frauenkirche
"Cathedral of Our Dear Lady". The almost 100 meter tall towers of this late gothic brick building, erected between 1468 - 1488 by Jörg von Hasbach, are Munich's most famous landmark. Its mighty saddle roof towers above the rest of the old city. After being badly damaged and plundered during the war, the cathedral was renovated in several stages. The south tower, which is open to the public, has a wonderful view of the city with the Alps in the background. Inside the cathedral, there are many art treasures, such as the late 14th century choir windows, which were part of the original church, the Apostol and Prophet statues by Erasmus Grasser, or the 18th century gilded reliefs of scenes from the life of Mariens by Ignaz Günther. The crypt under the choir stalls houses the oldest graves of the Wittelsbach family, including that of Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian. Legend has it that the Devil demanded that the cathedral be built without windows. As he came to inspect the building, he left a footprint in the entrance. Through an architectural trick there are no windows visible from this "devils footprint", so that the devil was satisfied and left.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 290 08 20
Website:
www.muenchner-dom.de
Address
Kloster Andechs
The Monastery
The monks in Andechs have been brewing their own beer for over 500 years, more specifically since 1455. The traditional place of pilgrimage, located on the "holy mountain" on the eastern shore of Lake Ammersee, is a popular destination for tourists. Many of them also visit the beautiful rococo monastery church, which is the last resting place of the famous German composer Carl Orff.
The beer garden
The Andechser dark beer and the slightly stronger, so-called "Doppelbock" are legendary. Those who would like to try the "Animator", or "Salvator", the holy beers that used to help the monks through fasting, should visit during the week, as they are not served on weekends - the steep descent is best managed sober. Those not fond of strong beers, can enjoy a non-alcoholic beer with their Bavarian snack - Brotzeit - to mentally prepare for the way down.
Children can enjoy themselves on a large adventure playground, located approximately halfway up the mountain. Whether "junior" is capable of walking the rest of the way and climbing the 222 steps to the beer garden is questionable. Maybe it would be better to take the S-Bahn to Herrsching and then the bus to Andechs.
Contact
Phone:
+49 81 523 760
Website:
www.andechs.de
Address
Königsplatz
This neo-classical square was built by the architect Leo von Klenze between 1817 and 1862, on the orders of King Ludwig I. In the north, one can find the corinthian-style Glyptothek, to the south, there is the ionic-style building housing the State Collection of Antiques, and in the west, there is the doric-style Propyläen gateway, which is based on the gates of the Acropolis in Athens and serves as a memorial to the Greek war of independence. Together, they form the "Athens on the Isar", a wonderful temple for the arts. The Nazis paved the previously grass covered square to use it for parades and party meetings. A monument, which had been erected in the east commemorating the victims of the putsch in 1923, was destroyed in 1945. The square was then used as a parking space until it was finally grassed over again in 1988. Today, this grandiose square is used as a backdrop for open-air concerts, operas and movie showings during the summer months.
Address
KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau
In 1933, Heinrich Himmler established the first German concentration camp in Dachau. The rules and organisation, as well as the separation of high security prisoners and an SS-command area, set up by the first camp commander Theodor Eicke were later used as a model for all further German concentration camps. In the beginning, political opponents of the regime were imprisoned here, followed later by various groups such as Jews, homosexuals, Sinti and Roma, or clergymen, mainly from the occupied eastern countries. The camp, which was originally planned for only 5.000 prisoners, eventually held as many as 200.000 people over the 12 years that it was in use. The prisoners were forced to work - mostly in the German armaments industry - under barbaric conditions or were abused for experiments on humans. Well over 30.000 people were killed or died on transports, through epidemics, torture, or mass executions. On the 29th of April 1945, the Dachau concentration camp was liberated by units of the US Army. After the war, the camp was turned into a memorial. In addition to visiting the prisoners' quarters, the crematorium and the bunker, one can also see many pictures and film documentaries.
Specials
- Other memorials
- Camp cemetery "KZ-Friedhof auf der Leiten "
- SS-rifle range Hebertshausen where thousands of Soviet prisoners of war were executed
Contact
Phone:
+49 81 316 699 70
Website:
www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de
Address
Marienplatz und Rathaus
Marienplatz
This square, previously called Schrannenplatz, has been the heart of the city since Munich was founded. It was a salt- and grain market, a tournament arena, and a place of execution. A fish market was held near the Fischbrunnen (fish fountain), which is worth seeing. Nowadays, locals and tourists throng here to shop or take a stroll. The 11-meter Mariensäule (Mary's column) was built to fulfil a vow made by Electoral Prince Maximilian in 1638, after Munich and Landshut were saved from pillaging by the Swedish. It is considered to be the center of the city and is therefore not just a popular meeting place - all distances are measured from here.
Old Town Hall
In 1447, the Old Town Hall was built in gothic style, while the tower was built from one of the old city gates. Lovers still bring flowers to the charming statue of Juliet under the archway - a present from Munich's sister city of Verona.
New Town Hall
The Swiss architect Hauberisser built the monumental, neo-Gothic brick building between 1867 and 1908 with 6 inner courtyards. The interior of the building is just as magnificent as the facade. The stained glass window depicting the "Patrona Bavariae" (Mary as patron of Munich), the Law Library, and the "Kleine Sitzungssaal" (small council chamber) are well worth visiting.
Glockenspiel
Every day at 11.00 am and 12.00 am (between March and October also at 5.00 pm), the world famous Town Hall Glockenspiel shows scenes from Munich's history: on the upper level, the marriage of Duke Willhelm V to Renata of Lorraine (in 1558), complete with jousting tournament, is represented, while the lower level shows the Schäfflertanz (the coopers' dance) in memory of the plague of 1517.
Contact
Website: www.marienplatz.de
Address
Maximilianeum
King Maximilian II. created Maximilianstraße according to his vision, much like his father, Ludwig I, had done with Ludwigstraße. Today, the upper part of Maximilianstraße, from the National Theater to the Altstadtring, is Munich's poshest shopping street. The street's crowing glory is the Maximilianeum, located on the banks of the river Isar. It was built between 1857 and 1874 by architect Friedrich Bürklein, in a new style that combined elements of the English and Dutch Gothic and the Italian Renaissance styles. Since 1874, the building houses the Maximilianeum foundation that awards scholarships to gifted students. Since 1949, the front part of the building is the seat of the Bavarian Parliament. The collection of historical paintings in the Maximilianeum is also remarkable. Unfortunately, they are hung disorderly and sometimes poorly lit throughout the building.
Contact
Website: www.maximilianeum.de
Address
Odeonsplatz
This majestic square is located at one end of the splendid Ludwigstraße, built in 1816 by Leo von Klenze on the orders of King Ludwig I, as the "Street of the Sciences". The square, in which Hitler's putsch failed in 1923, is surrounded by important buildings in various styles; the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals' hall), the Theatinerkirche (Theatiner church), the Residenz (Munich Residence), the Odeon and the Leuchtenberg-Palais. The equestrian statue for Ludwig I was erected in 1848, after his abdication due to of the Lola-Montez-Affair.
Address
Olympiagelände
The 3 km² Olympic park was built for the Olympic Summer Games in 1972, on a former military drill ground called "Oberwiesenfeld" that had also been used as Munich's first civil airport. Over a four year period, thousands of craftsmen worked to turn the rubble left by the second world war into an attractive, hilly landscape with an artificial lake, paths, and impressive buildings, such as the delicate, light swung pavilion-roof, that spans the Olympic stadium, the Olympic hall, and the indoor pool. The idea that the area should be usable after the Olympic games, was well-implemented: the Olympic village is largely student housing, the stadium and the Olympic hall serve as event venues, and the park and the swimming pools are a popular recreational area for Munich's citizens. Plans to fully cover the Olympic stadium to meet the latest international standards for the Football World Cup in 2006 were dropped in favour of architectural aesthetics. Instead, a new stadium was built for Munich's famous football team "FC Bayern München". You can do a lot more than just take long walks in the Olympic park - rowing boats on the Olympic lake, concerts, sport events, conventions and balls in the Olympic hall, roller- and ice skating, free climbing, and the beautiful indoor pools with saunas, diving platform, five swimming pools and a large lawn for sun bathing, offer diverse recreational activities for young and old. Don't miss out on a visit to the 290m-tall Olympic tower. Two high-speed elevators take visitors to the viewing platform and the revolving restaurant, to enjoy the beautiful view - on nice days as far as the Alps - and the excellent cuisine.
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 306 70
Website:
www.olympiapark.de
Viktualienmarkt
In 1807 King Maximilian I moved the food market from Marienplatz, which had become too small, to the area between the Heilig-Geist-Kirche (Holy Ghost Church) and Frauenstraße. The marketplace was rebuilt after being badly damaged during the war. Gourmets can find a feast for the senses here every morning, with a wide selection of high-quality delicacies from all over the world. Whether it's meat, fish, cheese, honey, flowers, or organic fruit and vegetables, Viktualienmarkt has it all. Under the maypole, in the shade of the chestnut trees, there are cozy beer gardens, cafés and stalls where you can enjoy local delicacies such as Obazda (Bavarian cheese spread), Weißwürste (Bavarian white sausages) and Hendl (broiled chicken).
Contact
Phone:
+49 89 890 682 05
Website:
www.viktualienmarkt-muenchen.de
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