Munich, Germany Attractions And Things To Do
Ankit Maratha, Munich
The capital of Bavaria and a metropolitan metropolis in western Germany, is situated. There are numerous sights to see there, making it a well-liked tourist destination. The renowned Oktoberfest, the biggest festival in Germany, is also held in Munich.
Additionally, there are lots of galleries and museums where you can find works of art. Here are a few of the top sights you really must see when in Munich. The Bavarian National Museum, a significant tourist destination in Munich, is located there.
Artworks from antiquity to Art Nouveau are on display at the museum. The museum also has a substantial collection of ornamental artifacts, including everything from dinnerware to costumes. A selection of paintings by German romantic artists like Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Caspar David Friedrich is also available.
Karl Schwanzer created the museum’s structure. An observation deck that is 85 meters high and a 100-meter-long facade make up the building’s exterior. The inside is designed with Gothic Revival elements and contains a few statues of the first four Bavarian kings.
The museum displays artwork from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries. A collection of Roman and Greek sculptures is also available. Additionally, there are a number of pieces by French Realists such as Delacroix, Courbet, and Munch.
The museum also features a stunning collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles. Amazing displays of engines and aircraft are also available.
The Neues Rathaus #1
The Neues Rathaus, which is in the center of Munich, rules Marienplatz and the city’s skyline. The Wittelsbach house in Bavaria’s history is depicted on the building’s Neo-Gothic front.
The famed Glockenspiel, a two-level mechanical carillon that chimes twice daily at 11 am and 12 pm, is also housed in the tower. The carillon, which has 32 life-size characters, recreates historical events from the city. The “Schafflertanz” is a traditional dance that is played on the carillon’s lowest level. In 1515, this dance was used to fend off the disease.
One of Munich’s most popular tourist destinations is the Glockenspiel. Visitors from all over the world pause to observe this melodious clock. The clock is made up of 43 mechanical figurines that portray two stories from the 16th century and 43 bells.
The 85-meter-tall main tower of the structure has exquisite carvings on the front. It offers a panoramic view of the city and features a lift for guests.
A restaurant and a number of stores are also located inside Rathaus. Its spacious courtyard is used frequently for gatherings. In the basement, there is a beer hall as well. An Italian piazza was intended to represent the courtyard.
One of the most visited sights in Munich is the Glockenspiel, which is housed in the tower of the Neues Rathaus. The figurines portray the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine as the clock plays four distinct songs.
The Munchner Kindl, a mechanical representation of the knights’ tournament at Duke William V and Renata of Lorraine’s wedding, is also housed in the Rathaus. The character was based on Ludwig Schmid-Wildy.
The English Garden #2
One of Europe’s biggest parks, the English Garden in Munich is situated on the Isar River. The park is 417 hectares in size.
The park was once a royal hunting preserve. After that, it was established as a public park for recreation. Hunting was banned in the latter half of the 1780s.
Today, tourists visit the park. It’s a fantastic location for barbecues, picnics, and sunbathing. Large meadows in the park are ideal for sunbathing. The park is also breathtaking in the fall.
Groups frequently practice Thai Chi or yoga in the park’s northern section. In addition, there is a Japanese Tea House. The tea shop is open four times daily and serves Matcha tea.
The Chinese Tower, a feature of the English Garden, is also located in the park’s northern section. Built-in 1790, this wooden structure has a pagoda-like design. In the city, it is unique in its kind. It has five floors and a ground-floor diameter of 19 meters.
There are numerous beer gardens throughout the park. One of the city’s oldest beer gardens is located at the Chinese Tower. It is always open and serves regional cuisine.
A tiny lake can be seen in the English Garden’s northern section. Although the lake is not ideal for swimming, paddle boats and kayaks love it. Oberstjagermeisterbach, a watercourse, encircles the lake. To the Schwammerlweiher, the stream empties.
The Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens #3
The Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens, one of Europe’s most magnificent palaces, is situated on the outskirts of Munich. The castle and grounds were initially intended to serve as the Bavarian rulers’ vacation residences. A stunning oasis of lakes, fountains, and sculptures can be seen in the palace and grounds.
There is a striking baroque facade of the palace. The palace’s interior has a number of sizable rooms with exquisite decorating. A blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Rococo designs may be seen in these rooms. The original sleigh bed is still there in the Queen’s bedroom. On the ceiling is an artwork that shows Mary Magdalene’s life.
The “Gallery of Beauties,” a display of gorgeous women, is another landmark of the palace. Portraits of 36 women from diverse ages and socioeconomic origins are displayed in this area. These portraits were painted for King Ludwig I by Joseph Stieler.
There is a spectacular ballroom in the palace as well. Large windows facing out over the gardens embellish this area, which is decorated with crystal chandeliers. The original heating system is still in place inside.
Royal carriages are on display in the Marstallmuseum, which is housed in the old royal stables. One of the most significant museums of its sort in the world, according to some. State carriages, sleighs, and other accouterments spanning three centuries are on display in the museum.
The layout of the garden of the Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens has changed over time. The largest collection of porcelain in the world is kept in the Marstallmuseum.
Munich Residenz #4
The Munich Residenz, which was a castle in the late 14th century, has been changed into a magnificent palace. The Wittelsbach dynasty, which had full power over Bavaria until 1918, used it as their royal home. With Neo-Classicism and Baroque elements, they built the Residenz.
The Florentine palace served as the model for its initial design. There are currently more than 100 rooms in the Residenz, together with approximately 130 artworks and sculptures. The largest coin collection in the world is kept there as well. More than 300,000 coins are on display.
The Residenz is among the top things to do in Munich. This enormous palace is brimming with exquisite artwork and priceless antiques. After being almost entirely destroyed during World War II, the structure underwent a painstaking restoration.
There are three primary sections to the palace. The Hofgarten, the Residenz’s northernmost area, has French-style temples in the center. Mulberry trees are arranged in avenues along its 400-year-old walls. It is regarded as one of Munich’s most picturesque locations.
Francois de Cuvillies, a court architect, created the Residenz. In addition, he created the Amalienburg folly and Great Hall at Nymphenburg Palace. King Maximilian Emmanuel was intrigued by his concepts.
The enormous Renaissance hall known as the Antiquarium is one of the most well-known features of the Residenz. It is the oldest component of the building and dates back to 1568. It is still in use as a waiting area.
Munich’s Olympic Park #5
One of Munich’s most well-liked attractions is the Olympic Park, which is situated in the Oberwiesenfeld neighborhood. It was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics and is still in use today for social and cultural gatherings. The park has an exhibition hall, an aquatic center, and an indoor and outdoor sports complex. The new Sea Life Centre is also housed there. Fish from the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the lakes of Bavaria are among the aquatic creatures that call it home.
Designing the park was G. Behnisch and Partners. For the sports and recreation facilities, they created an innovative master plan. The planning decisions committee and Olympic Delivery Authority both approved of their design.
The Olympic Stadium, an aquatic center, and an indoor stadium are the park’s most significant sporting venues. Additionally, it frequently hosts international sporting events and concert performances. One of Europe’s most unique architectural designs is the roof of the stadium. It is constructed of pylons and acrylic glass panels and is tall enough to provide a view of the surrounding area.
The park’s velodrome is yet another draw. Michael Hopkins created the artwork. It has a canopy that mimics the contours of a racetrack. It offers a variety of track cycling choices and is accessible to riders of all ability levels.
A number of kid-friendly play areas with a naturalistic theme may be found in the park. There is a walk of fame there with the handprints of well-known performers. Additionally, there is a tiny railroad that circles the property.
The BMW Museum #6
The BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, is a place where you can learn about the company’s history and products. It has both ongoing and passing exhibitions.
The 120 displays of the BMW Museum include antique automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, motorsport racing cars, and other BMW goods. Additionally, it has interactive displays that describe the technologies of the organization. Additionally, there are special occasions and seminars, like study seminars and driving instruction.
The museum is a section of Munich’s BMW Welt complex, which is north of the city. Access is unrestricted. It is a multipurpose building that houses a factory, a showroom, and a museum. There are a lot of eateries as well, serving both meals and snacks.
Those who want to see how BMW automobiles are created can take a factory tour. Adult and child-specific tours are also available.
The primary exhibition space at the BMW Museum is more than 4,000 square meters. It serves as the complex’s focal point. The structure features a flat roof and a spherical foundation. Karl Schwanzer, an Austrian architect, created it.
It began operations in June 2008. The number of tourists has increased since it reopened. The museum offers guided tours that go over the history of the BMW Group in great detail. Additionally, there are specialized exhibits with a narrow focus.
The 30 thematic stations in the BMW I exhibit emphasize the company’s cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly materials. A cutaway display of the i3 concept automobile is also included. The exhibition won’t be accessible after July 2020.
Hellabrunn Zoo #7
The Hellabrunn Zoo is situated in the southern region of Munich, Germany, on the Isar River. Animal lovers should visit the zoo because it offers a wonderful array of animals.
The zoo features a wide range of exhibits and is not your typical zoo. Animals are kept in roomy pens and are allowed to roam freely. The animals are not kept in cages, but the zoo is divided into continents and natural habitats.
There is an aquarium at the zoo with more than 9,000 corals and fish. A petting zoo is one of the various exhibitions that are available to view. Numerous endangered animals can be found at zoos. The zoo participates in European Endangered Species Programs and has a very active conservation program.
There are numerous guided tours offered at the zoo. Tours can be taken throughout the day or at night. Calling or emailing can be used to schedule guided tours. You can also schedule personal encounters with animals. These can be set up for as many as four persons. It is wise to make reservations in advance because the price may change.
There is a sizable aviary in the zoo as well. In Europe, it is the biggest of its sort. It stands 23 meters tall and has an infrared camera.
Asian elephants are among the many species housed in the zoo. Polar bears and arctic foxes can also be found at the zoo. Seals, penguins, and raptor birds are also present.
The zoo also presents a variety of exhibitions and events. The Bird of Prey Show, Seal Show, Children’s Zoo, Beer Garden, and Wild Animals Zone are all open to visitors. The zoo also provides an English-language guided tour.
Art Museums #8
There are several art museums in Munich, whether you’re seeking the most contemporary or the oldest. You can check out the High Museum of Art’s collection of ancient Egyptian art or the Kunstareal art district’s collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan works of art.
The Brandhorst Museum’s collection of modern art is also available for viewing. Works by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Bruce Nauman, Jannis Kounellis, and Georg Baselitz are on display in the museum. To assist you in exploring the museum, there is an audio guide as well.
You can go to the Old Pinakothek if you’re looking for classical art. This 1836-built museum has around 700 paintings in it. The Neue Pinakothek, which showcases artwork from the 19th century, is another option.
Visit the Museum Ludwig if you’re looking for the most well-known painters of the past. The Cologne Cathedral is next to this museum. The third-largest Picasso collection in the world is found there. On the first floor, it also provides the POP LAB.
The Stadel Museum is another art gallery you can go to in Munich. European masterpieces are impressively represented in this museum. Additionally, it provides access to the Digital Collection, which lets you discover unique insights about each painting.
Visit the Lenbachhaus art gallery if you’re seeking art galleries with a global flavor. This museum, which has a sizable collection of artwork, is situated just south of the city center.
Winter In Munich, Germany
FAQs about Munich, Germany
What is Hannover Germany known for?
The capital of Lower Saxony is known as Hannover in Germany. Additionally, the city is well-known for hosting conventions and trade shows that draw tourists from all over the world. Numerous significant businesses, notably Continental AG and TUI AG, are based in Hannover.
