Munich, Germany

July 7, 2016-

Our trip is coming to end, we have one more night left in Munich before Mike and Sam fly out tomorrow afternoon from Munich. We drop our bags off and park at the hotel. Grab a tourist map and head off. We have a lot of ground to cover and little time. First stop is the city gate- Karls gate (Karlstor) part of the former walled city of Munich.

Viktualienmarkt (a farmers' market) is the largest outdoor farmers market and beer garden with lots of people enjoying the sunshine and getting ready for the next soccer game Eurocup. Urban city dwellers and tourists meet at midday at the market to eat something small, buy special unique ingredients from all over the world, shop for Munich souvenirs, and relax for a bit in the shade of the chestnut trees. Only a few steps from the Marienplatz this is Munich's most famous open air market. Lined with stalls of fresh produce, delicious cheeses, seafood, herbs, honey, and sushi made fresh daily, there should be a little taste that will delight a group of people.

Next along the winding streets of Munich is the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) dating back to the 13th Century, rebuilt in a Gothic style in 1470-1480. Amazing architecture. 

Next stop right in the Marienplatz is the new town hall (Neus Rathaus) which was built between 1867 to 1874 in a Neo- Gothic style. This amazing building is one of vocal points of the square with many shops and restaurants on the first floor, you can have a cup of coffee outside with stunning views of this elaborately detailed building. The flowers in the windows are typical of Germany but really look beautiful. Beyond the first floor the rest of the Rathaus is home to the Mayor's office, the city council, and the headquarters of the city administration. The Glockenspiel tower is world famous and worth seeing. From the top of this 85 meter, 255 foot tower on the city hall you can see panoramic views of the city and even the Alps on a clear day. Since 1908, figurines representing stories from Munich's history twirl on two levels daily at 1100, 1200, and 1700. In additional to the well known coopers dancers, the Munchner Kindl (symbol of the city's coat of arms), the angel of peace also make an appearance in this 12 minute show.

Indoor market with a fancy seating area outside with clothespin wooden seat. Inside this market has everything from organic food to every day supplies to outdoor gear and bikes. So many options and samples galore.

One of Munich's landmarks and the oldest parish church in the city, dating back to the 11th Century, is our next stop- The Kirche St. Peter (Church of Saint Peter). This beautiful and peaceful Church stands tall on the only hill and/ or elevation in the city center, called Petersberjl. We did not have time to go up the tower but next time I would like to, apparently stunning views from the top. 315 steps to the top, small fee. The large ceiling frescoes extend along the entire nave. Exquisitely detailed. 

Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) with its distinctive onion shaped domes. This Gothic city parish church is a must see in Old town not far from the centrally located Marienplatz. Construction on the cathedral began in 1468 and continues to today. One of the towers currently was under construction with scaffolding surrounding it. This Cathedral was very heavily damaged during World War II, with construction post War completed in phases. The south tower of the Cathedral can be climbed and offers a unique wide view across the rooftops of Munich and on to the Alps. The tomb of the princess and the grave of the Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian (1282-1347) are both located within the church.

Continuing along our walking journey of the city, we pass by the Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg). This baroque style palace was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs. Five generations of Wittelsbach rulers were involved in the construction of this elaborate structure. The surrounding gardens are very well maintained and free to visit. The interior houses several outstanding collections, although we did not have time to go in. Next time, one of the highlights from my research is banquet hal with the fine ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and the former bedroom of King Ludwig II.

Munich's famous Englische Garten (English Garden) is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The layout has undergone constant change throughout the centuries ad new buildings and green spaces were added time and again. It all started back in 1789, today this stunning park is 900 acres
with shaded paths, brooks, ponds, sunbathers, cyclists, and four well known beer gardens are all spread throughout this massive park. The second largest beer garden in Munich with 7,000 seats is right next to the Chinese Tower within the park grounds.

The Munich Hofbrauhaus on the Platzl is one of the most well-known city and the most famous brewery in the world. At the end of the 16th Century, Duke Wilhelm V. had the Hofbrauhaus built to supply the court of the Wittelsbachs so that it would no longer be necessary to import beer from Lower Saxony and instead beer could be brewed locally. Today this famous taproom attracts both locals and tourists for excellent German food, one liter local beer, and a live band daily.  The cross vault on the ground floor, where the beer used to be brewed is the centerpiece of the Hofbrauhaus. On the second floor is the public house with more middle class atmosphere and now a beer museum. The beer garden is where we sat to enjoy food, beer, and the soccer game under the massive chestnut trees.