Munich, Germany’s secret capital city…
Skipping Bavaria while in Germany should actually be illegal! It is literally a crime…depriving yourself of the splendours you could encounter while travelling south by train to Munich. No exaggeration…that image of Germany will be burnt onto your memory wall forever. Nature flaunts its full glory through endlessly luscious grass-carpeted meadows and forests so thick, they close in upon the train tracks at some points. Tunnel after tunnel zip past, and you zigzag over the landscape crossing one hill after the other. Hypnotised, head turned towards the constant cinemascope, your eyes scan the landscape without a break, thirsty for more. Could the introduction to Germany’s secret capital city be any more enticing?
Pick Cortiina Hotel on Ledererstrasse for its sleek minimalist interiors and central location within a stone’s throw of the old town (Alstadt). Cozy up in front of the hip, electric fireplace before you tackle the grey skies and a possible downpour. Munich is waiting!
Step into the past
Pause under the austere stone tower of the gothic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and reflect on its third restoration after two major destructions, first from lighting and then from war. Not a stone out of place! Gloat at the sunrise-washed vision of the ancient St Peters Church before you take a few steps through this historic gateway, and you are in Marienplatz, the heart of the medieval walled city of Munich since 1158. Heritage buildings mix harmoniously with modern day architecture. The ancient Marienpillar column adorned by a gold-plated statue of Mary reminds that the small, irregular shaped piazza still continues to be the pulsing centre of the old city. Spend a few hours soaking in the peace…till the outdoor cafes open and buzzing throngs alter the scene.
Take time to study the indisputable star of this space…the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Its 300-feet long Gothic-style facade, graced with ornate stone ornamentation, hundreds of statues, turrets, arches and a 260-foot tower rising to the skies, declares it a work of art. The solemn grey exterior is unexpectedly softened by bunches of pink flowers bursting from its balconies. What’s even better? The tower houses Europe’s largest, most famous Glockenspiel, where 32 life-size dukes, ladies and knights, dance around, telling the story of a royal wedding from the 16th century to the tune of 42 chiming bells everyday. The dance of the figurines synchronised with the musical chiming bells makes for a pretty unusual concert, at 11am, 12pm and 5pm. (Read my post) Everything so painstakingly re-created! Only now, 65 years after the last bombs had fallen, are the restorations finally being wrapped up. That thought alone, is enough to make you stare a few seconds longer.
Say a little prayer
Beyond and above, catch the familiar glimpse of twin green onion domes of the Frauenkirche, the city’s iconic church. The twin domes, said to be inspired by the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, are different from their Russian cousins…which are usually gold plated or colored in beautiful designs. Here the domes are simple half-rounds in green copper, each decorated with a small gold globe on top. Apparently, domes represented the Holy Roman Empire and are found on Catholic churches all over Southern Germany. Divergent thinking? Maybe the sensual curves of the domes are a symbolic celebration of life after a series of invasions, fires, plagues and wars?
Classic Gothic style and plain brick simplicity of Frauenkirche’s facade is a contrast to the whitewashed beauty inside. Look for an especially interesting element…the devil’s footprint by the door. Legend has it that the devil stamped his foot in rage when coming into the church to steal souls. Take a seat and reflect on the lovely, delicate decorative lamps suspended from the ceiling. Octagonal pillars create the illusion of white walls on on either side of the 31-metre long nave. Large, yet surprisingly intimate. Most of this was destroyed during World War II, except the towers, and the rest has been gloriously restored. Even today, the stature of the Frauenkirche spires continues to be highest…no building in Munich can be taller!
Shop till you drop
Move east from Marienplatz onto the broad boulevard of Kaufingerstrasse that leads to Karlsplatz, where the medieval city gate Karlstor stands. This is Munich’s busiest shopping area, filled with well-known department stores, international chains as well as smaller shops selling umbrellas, gloves, candles and wood carvings. Criss-crossing the main street run passages, alleyways, arcades and courtyards with exclusive boutiques with exquisite German crafts made of porcelain. Dissolve into some mindful and some mindless retail therapy.
Store windows display traditional costumes like Dirndl and Lederhosen…very popular buys during Oktoberfest. Analyse the three separate pieces of the Dirndl: dress (das Kleid), blouse (die Bluse) and purely decorative apron (die Schurze). Women sport a short hiking boots in light brown suede with thick, folded knit socks. Men wear Lederhosen (or leather pants), which are either shorts or three quarter length pants, with by a special cotton shirt, long knit socks and mountain-climbing boots. Visualise hordes of men and women wearing traditional attire, beer mugs in their hands, singing and dancing all over the place. What frenzy and merrymaking!
The entire area comes alive at night, the lights adding a new sparkle to the aristocratic buildings, compelling you to linger on like kids unwilling to go home after a day at Disneyland. At Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus makes for a radiant centrepiece washed in golden glow against the electric blue of the sky above. Timeless.
Eat, drink and be merry
Indulge in a necessary currywurst snack and a much-needed coffee break with gingerbread cookies. Pay homage to Dallmayr, the oldest luxury delicatessen in Munich established in 1700, just behind New Town Hall. Gape over the exquisite Bavarian and international gourmet goodies that attract 1.5 million visitors every year. Prep up your tastebuds with sights of freshly prepared delicatessen dishes, to delectable desserts, fine wines, exquisite chocolate, and even live crayfish swimming in a fountain. And when hunger pangs call, extract yourself from the stupor and start a trek in search of Bavarian food.
Check out nightlife in nearby Platzl, a little square which used to be a small market place back in time. Nowadays its is a place of great contrasts…traditional architecture, a Michelin Star restaurant, souvenir shops, a Hard Rock Café and the historical beer hall, HofBrauhaus, where Hitler gave his first speech to his Nazi Party. Over a hearty Eintopf, a one-pot meal made of vegetables, potatoes or pulses and meat, let your mind wander to the past when Irish Benedict monks founded Munchen at Marienplatz.
Little did they know that someday, their tradition of brewing beer would grow into the world’s biggest funfair, the 16-day long Oktoberfest. Of course, the credit for the tradition actually goes to King Ludwig I. Had he not invited the citizens to celebrate his wedding to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in October 1810, beer may not have morphed into Germany’s national passion. In fact, here in Bavaria, beer is officially considered to be a food. So, have you eaten yet?
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Munich looks so pretty. Love the flowers on the outside of the older buildings. I was just in Berlin and didn’t find it as pretty as this.
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Berlin is a very different story. You may enjoy my post https://100cobbledroads.com/2017/03/23/10-tragic-berlin-landmarks-that-will-melt-your-heart/
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What lovely architecture! So pleasing to the eyes.
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Yes, Munich has many startling gems.
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“Skipping Bavaria while in Germany should actually be illegal!”
Haw! Haw! Very, very true!
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🙂 Really, I’m serious
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A luxury delicatessen? That sounds interesting. Is HofBrauhaus much of a tourist attraction?
Bavaria has ALWAYS been on my short-list of places to visit. We hope to make it there one day. Getting around by train must be an amazing way to zip through Germany.
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Amongst all our train journeys in Europe, Germany’s has been the most memorable.
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I haven’t visited Germany since i was a teenager. Your article sure does make me miss the great architecture and delicious food.
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Architecture is certainly a highlight, but I would root more for the natural beauty of the region.
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We’ve visited Germany in the past but only Hamburg and Berlin. However Bavaria is somewhere we really do want to visit. I just love that architecture and the unique culture down there too.
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Bavaria is really underrated. Surprising, considering all that it has to offer.
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I love the “eat, drink and be merry!” We hope to bike the Rhine River, visit Munich and so many other things in Germany. I cannot wait and reading about your adventures is getting me even more excited!
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Biking the Rhine river would be fascinating. Would love to read about your Germany experiences.
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I’ve never been to Germany, unless you count a brief bus stop on the way to the Czech Republic. 😉 It’s one of the Western European countries that I most want to visit, and this post convinced me to put Munich on the list. Love all of that Gothic architecture!
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Germany is a blend of fabulous architecture and stunning natural beauty. And Munich is also the gateway to the best palaces in Bavaria.
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I have been to Munich a few times for various things and I just love the city and everything about it. Especially the history, culture and food 🙂 Lol, I so agree with you Skipping Bavaria while in Germany should actually be illegal true that!!!!!! Great comment. I never stood under the austere stone tower of the gothic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) , something I am adding to my next trip there.
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Every inch of the old town of Munich oozes history.
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I’ve traveled to Germany before, but not to Munich yet. I love the architecture in your pictures! I think it would be fun to sample the Bavarian food!
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So is Munich on your list now?
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That’s it, the Glockenspiel juste stole my heart. I just have to see that!
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And you will enjoy the show!
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I visited Munich when I was a kid (to visit relatives more than the city! haha…), but haven’t been back to explore the city since then. It’s on our list since for ever, but Munich is not that far away from home we always say that we can still go there “later”. I guess that “later” should be “soon”! The architectural wonders of the city centre are quite charming, especially the Neues Rathaus. I don’t drink alcohol, but Kerstin would be happy to drink some beer there (even if she prefers Belgian beer! haha) Thanks for inspiring us to visit Munich soon!
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I am sure you will find tons to enjoy in the city. The old town is just one of the many places to soak in Munich’s lovely atmosphere.
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Your writing is so bubbly, enchanting and absolutely delightful to read! The descriptions of Munich make me want to book a trip right now!
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Thanks a million, Valentina. Such a pleasure to know you enjoyed the read 🙂
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