DK Travel : Munich

Of the city he lived in for many years, 20th-century writer Thomas Mann said that “Munich glows”. And indeed, the sky is often a brilliant blue dotted with puffy white clouds in “Italy’s northernmost city”, where the relaxed, often Baroque lifestyle gives it a southern flair. Englischer Garten and the Isar meadows are right in the middle of the city; Starnberger See and the mountains are virtually on the doorstep. But Munich is also a city of art and culture with an abundance of historic buildings, museum treasures, and a lively cultural scene. Fine art, leisure, and la dolce vita make this a unique city.

For Munich on the Internet, visit www.muenchen.de With 1.3 million inhabitants, Munich is Germany’s third-largest city.

1. Deutsches Museum

Renowned as the oldest and largest museum of science and technology in the world, the museum attracts more than 1.3 million visitors every year.
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2. Schloss Nymphenburg

Ludwig I’s Gallery of Beauties features portraits of noblewomen and famous beauties, such as the tailor’s daughter, Helene Sedlmayr.
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3. Museum District – Alte Pinakothek

Three Pinakotheken (picture galleries) now lie side by side in the Museum District. The oldest, the Alte Pinakothek in a reconstructed building from 1836, is devoted to historic European painting – its collection boasts priceless treasures including panels by Albrecht Dürer (see Museum District – Alte Pinakothek).
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4. Olympiapark

In 1972, a large park, including an artificial hill, was created from World War II rubble for the Summer Olympics. At the time, the distinctive tent roof was considered an architectural innovation (see Olympiapark).
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5. Residenz

Dating back to 1358, the Residenz has been expanded by various wings and courtyards over the centuries.
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6. Oktoberfest

First held to celebrate the wedding of Ludwig I (1810), this is the largest folk festival in the world. Some six million visitors flock to the fairgrounds every year.
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7. Beer Gardens

Locals are passionate about their beer garden tradition – bring your own food and pay only for a cool pint .
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8. Around Marienplatz

Site of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) Marienplatz is the main square. The historic carved figures of the Glockenspiel in the town hall tower come alive in a coopers’ dance three times a day.
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9. Neuschwanstein and Ludwig II

Ludwig II’s most famous castle was inspired by his admiration of Wagner’s operas (see Neuschwanstein and Ludwig II).
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10. Starnberger See

This lovely scenic lake on Munich’s doorstep is surrounded by picturesque towns, royal summer palaces, and the popular Buchheim Museum.
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