When in Munich
Munich fulfils many people's picture postcard idea of Germany, with its combination of romantic gothic charm and plentiful supply of beer winning over visitors every year. Second only to Berlin as Germany's most popular tourist destination, Munich is a sophisticated modern city, but one which has retained many of its Germanic folksy roots, making it an ideal destination for travellers keen to see the "real" Germany without overly embracing the lederhosen.
Now the capital of Bavaria, Munich began to establish itself as an important centre in the 8th century when it was founded by Benedictine monks, with Munich translating as monks' settlement. Over the years, the city grew into an important and wealthy trading city, exploding in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway and university. By the 20th century it was home to artistic types such as Ibsen, Marc, Mann, Strauss, Klee and Kandinsky, who settled in the bohemian suburb of Schwabing. Like many German cities, Munich suffered heavy bombing during World War Two and around half of its buildings were destroyed. However, the city benefited from sympathetic restoration following the war and its historic centre was rebuilt.
Munich is now regarded as having the highest quality of life of any German city, the benefits of which can be felt by tourists as well as residents. Munich has been described as a cultural haven, offering a wealth of museums as well as a vibrant arts scene, with opera, avant-garde theatre and classical music all popular. Those hoping for a less intellectually stimulating holiday will also be satisfied by the vast number of pubs and beer halls throughout the city, for some traditional beer-swelling Bavarian nightlife. This comes to a head in the annual Oktoberfest, for which the city is most famous, with the normally refined city descending into beer-fuelled mayhem.
Most visitors head to Munich from May to September when the weather is at its best. However, this means that the city can become extremely crowded, so savvy travellers may be better off visiting in April-May or September-October, when the weather is still temperate but the streets a little clearer. Accommodation is also cheaper outside the peak period, although predictably prices rocket during Oktoberfest in September. The crowds disappear completely from November to March, although this is because of Munich's freezing winters. Heavy rain can be expected throughout the year, unfortunately, while locals speak of the Fohn, a hot, dry wind which is blamed for any moodiness.
Munich is also noted for having one of the most vibrant gay and lesbian scenes in Germany and certainly the best in Bavaria. Women travellers also speak positively of Munich, while disabled people are well accommodated in the city's attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Munich's Franz-Josef-Strauss airport is well served by domestic and international flights, with travellers also able to make easy connections at Frankfurt. There are fast and frequent train connections to all major German cities, while trains also serve Munich from other European cities such as Vienna, Prague, Zurich, Rome and Paris. Motorways in Germany are second to none, making driving to Munich a feasible option, while ferries are also a possibility for those on a budget.
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Introduction
