Munich's famous Glockenspiel chimes daily at 11 am (Taylor) |
Munich, or Munchen in German,
is the capital of Bavaria and its largest city. It is also the third largest
city in the country.
Munich derives its name from
the Benedictine order who ran a monastery at the site that later became the old
town. When translated from the old high German, Munchen means “by the monks.“
Munich is famous for beer (wikipedia) |
Allow at least two full days
to experience the charms of Munich which include architecture, history,
museums, parks and, of course, beer gardens.
Munich is known for its beer,
thanks in large part to the world famous Oktoberfest which was first held in
October of 1810 to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig. Oddly enough,
today the festival now takes place mostly in September and finishes on the
first Sunday in October. The only exception is when October 3rd, the national
holiday known as German Unity Day, falls on a Monday or Tuesday. When that
happens Oktoberfest is extended for those days.
Though Oktoberfest is a
magical time for Munich, it is possible to have a same type of experience any
time of year in one of the numerous beer gardens throughout the city.
Oktoberfest fairgrounds, the world's most famous beer festival (wikipedia) |
The Hofbrauhaus is a favorite attraction (Taylor) |
If beer is not your cup of
tea, a glass of “radler“ might be a good substitute. Radler is half beer and
half lemonade. The citrus addition cuts the beer taste enough to make a
refreshing alternative to its more hoppy cousin.
The pedestrian-only
Marienplatz is the heart of the city where locals and visitors alike gather for
shopping, eating and socializing. The main event takes place each day at 11
a.m. when the Glockenspiel chimes at the New Town Hall with its re-enactment of
two 16th century stories.
Depending upon which tune is
played performances last between 12 and
15 minutes. When the small golden rooster at the top of the Glockenspiel chirps
three times, the show is over.
Munich suffered massive
bombing damage during World War II, but it has been lovingly and meticulously
restored to its previous splendor. Nowhere is that better witnessed than
Marienplatz, or Mary’s Square, where it transforms at night into a fairy-tale
atmosphere with its softly glowing amber and lime colored lights.
Munich before and after rebuilding (wikipedia) |
The Olympic village and many
of the sports facilities remain active, and, have become a major attraction,
largely because they were the site of the Munich massacre when Palestinian
gunmen known as “Black September“ kidnapped and later assassinated 11 Israeli
athletes.
History comes alive in Munich
where much of the past blends with the present to create a living museum.
The majestic Schloss Nymphenburg, birthplace of "Mad" King Ludwig II (wikipedia) |
Ludwig II's fairy tale Castle of Neuschwanstein near Fussen (Taylor) |
King's Square in Munich with three Greek buildings (wikipedia) |
During the World War II era,
King’s Square was a major gathering spot for the mass rallies of the Nazi
Party, and the national headquarters of the party is located at Brienner
Strasse near the square.
Munich is also a city of
parks and museums. Among the best is the Alte
Pinakothek which is one of the oldest galleries in the world featuring a
vast collection of Old Master paintings.
The English Garden, one of
the world’s largest urban parks, is bigger than Central Park in New York.
Englishman Lancelot Brown, better known as “Capability“ Brown, had so much
input in the project that it made him world famous as a landscape architect.
Munich's English Garden is especially popular in warm weather (wikipedia) |
These are just a few of
Munich’s countless treasures. It’s charm is obvious. It is a city that beckons
travelers with its friendly ambiance, but it is also deceptive for it is a
place that must be absorbed through the pores.
Seek and discover the magic
of Munich and she will not disappoint.
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