A Home Away From Home
München
First Impressions
Located in the heart of Bavaria, Munich is the 3rd largest and southernmost city in Germany. Known around the world as a business capitol of startups and headquarters, an entrepreneurial spirt isn’t the only thing you’ll experience in the city. Often overlooked by tourists, the bustling squares (Platz) create a global blend that makes you feel right at home.
Carrying a happier history than its northern counterparts, Munich is home to a regal past. My first visit to this lively city, was as homebase for adventures along the Romantische Straße (Romantic Road). Even after days at the stunning Neuschwanstein castle and Linderhof palace, Munich quickly topped my list of favorite places in Germany. The true entrance to a German fantasy starts in Munich.
Traveling for local food? Beautiful architecture? Street life? History? Munich is a hotspot for anything and everything a traveler enjoys. Unpack the wonders of a city gateway to fairytales with me, Mac, your virtual tour guide!
“Never have I ever been to a place I felt at home in as much as Munich.”
Munich, Germany
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is often seen as the heart of Munich. Since the formation of the city in 1158, Marienplatz has sat as the city center. From its origin as Munich’s only intersection to the pedestrian square seen today, locals and tourists alike spend hours here. Directly translated to Mary’s Square the name Marienplatz celebrates St. Mary, the Patron of the Bavarian region.
Above the Mariensäule, a monument of St. Mary located directly in the center of the square, sit the 16 figures of the glockenspiel show. Within my first search on Munich, I saw the New Town Hall. A majestic center piece, with the looks of a gothic cathedral, the New Town Hall is a gathering spot for viewings of the glockenspiel show. A few minutes into my exploration of this German gem, the show had begun. Highlighting the perseverance of Munich through plagues, monarchies, and ending with the Schaffler dance, it’s a must-see experience for visitors. On your trip to Munich plan for the 11am or 12pm show with an additional 5pm performance during summer months.
The joy of Marienplatz extends beyond its history. I fell in love with this city because of its infectious energy. From the street musicians to parties of people, it’s impossible to walk without a smile on my face. Spiraling out from the Marienplatz center, parallel pedestrian streets guided me to other attractions including fountains, my pigeon friends, and the Odeonsplatz (another square a block from Marienplatz decked from head to toe with lions).
Lions In Bavaria
Before arriving in the State of Bavaria, I had no knowledge of the lion’s significance in German history. After one walk past Marienplatz to Odeonplatz I quickly discovered an abundance of lion statues, paintings, window displays, and flags. Why are there so many lions in Bavaria, because as far as I know they aren’t native to the region.
Strength. The Bavarian coat of arms is covered in lions and was used to show the force of the empire back when Bavarians had control of land all the way to Greece. The symbol had stuck in Munich, as it was home of the royal family, meaning many of the buildings created during the time of the monarchy are decorated in lions, showing patriotic pride for Bavaria. However, lions aren’t the only symbol of the royal monarchy as King Ludwig II decided swans had a more regal feel. He dedicated a whole castle (Neuschwanstein) to the swan.
The Royal Residenz
The Bavarian region of Germany is famous for its history of royals. My time in Bavaria was spent exploring fairytale castles in the countryside villages, until one night in Munich I discovered that royal residency runs deep in Munich. Housing the Wittelsbach royal family for 400 years, the Royal Residenz of Munich was the main home of the monarchs. Even the grandeur castles I visited were merely hunting lodges and summer getaways, unused through most of the year.
I was eager to see the home of Bavarian royalty. Turns out, I had already visited the night before. From the outside of the Residenz, the building is unremarkable in comparison to the other squares and churches surrounding it on all sides. If anything, I had figured the building was a courthouse or government offices. Even the royal gardens were filled in with grass and only outlined with rose bushes. The only hint to the inner contents were the lion’ statues dotting the roof, and a few courtyards complete with gazebo dance classes. Based on its outward appearance I never entered the palace. This was my biggest regret of the trip.
The fortress is home to over 130 rooms including a theater, antiquarium (banquet hall), and treasury. Each and every room is covered in gold, paintings, and velvet fabrics. Only, many of the rooms, including the grand theater have been recreated since some destruction during the world war. Discover the beauty I overlooked and visit the Royal Residenz. It has become top on my list for my next visit to Munich!
My Favorite Travel Story
The Domes topping the Fraenkische church are a beautiful mystery off the center square. The onion shapes resemble the Austrian empire, which occupied the area 100’s of years earlier. Despite the resemblance, the church was built years after the Austrian rule, and no one knows the origins of why the domes were chosen. The outside is instantly recognizable and is commonly seen in the skyline of Munich, however few tourists will see the inner beauty. I never expected to go inside until this 1494 church created a special memory while the doors were cracked open.
The doors are typically closed to the public as it’s an operating church hosting local services. One morning however, my mom and I had the opportunity to see inside while decorations were being set for the day, it’s here I met the kindest soul in the world.
An elderly Ukrainian women approached me inside the church. Spain? She inquired about my origin country until I was able to confirm I was from the States. Through broken English I learned the inspiration of her story. Originally from Ukraine, she grew up as a ballerina and visited New York in the 70’s with her dance troupe. She had now come to Germany and still held the passion for ballet that had led her career as a dance instructor. In the quietness of the church, just my mom, the lady, and I, I danced. A few basic steps I remembered from my time in ballet delighted her day and I left with such an appreciation for the people of Ukraine. I have no pictures, just a story. A story held by me and the woman, whom I will never see again. I can only hope she remembers when she found me sitting in the Church pews, and the dance we shared in the aisle.
Travel’s beauty comes from the people that create the world’s culture. Each and every one of you have a story to tell and I guarantee someone, somewhere carries that story with them.
My Favorite Eats in Munich
Germany is known for heavy cuisine, catering to those who love a hardy meat and warm beer. The savory flavors are rich in the region’s spices, growing an appreciation for foods less beloved back home. On your visit to Germany, start a counter for how many pretzels you eat! Almost nothing can beat a breakfast pretzel while wandering the Marienplatz!
Our first night in Munich I found myself in my favorite location for a restaurant. Located behind the glockenspiel in Marienplatz, a medieval style courtyard hosts the Ratskeller Garden. I opted for the bratwurst sampler trying variations of the classic dish associated with Germany. While the spicy sausages were enjoyable, the white sausage brat was not. To put it lightly, it tasted and felt like eating a blubbery beluga whale. I wasn’t the only one who had a distaste for this specialty as even our waiter had mixed thoughts on the spongy sausage. The meal was well worth the last bratwurst left on the plate, as the beer glaze and creamed potatoes completed the dish.
Highlights of German cuisine included the schnitzel (fried veal steak), apfelstrudel (apple pastry crisp with sugar), and creamy sauerkraut (worlds away from its American counterpart). None of this could compare to my traditional Munich platter of German potato salad, spiced mustard, a meatloaf made of rib meat, and one last pretzel. Despite a more basic flavor profile of mustard and potato, this dish was a taste of my favorite home flavors. In addition to the feeling of home, the international flare completed this delicious plate. Add in the view of downtown Munich and the street music surrounding us, the Munich atmosphere was infectious. The love of this platter lasted until one was left on the plate, a white sausage, still tasting of beluga blubber.
Traveler Tip: Michael Jackson?
When in Munich, search for the largest unofficial Michael Jackson memorial. It’s a point of controversy among locals whether it’s an eye sore, or masterpiece. Nevertheless, the memorial has stood for over 20 years. Is it Thriller or killer?
More From Me
Explore the rest of my Adventures!
Follow
© 2022 Ona, Made by DeoThemes
One response to “Munich, Germany”
Munich looks beautiful! I hope I get to visit Munich with you someday. Great articles that are fun to read and full of good advice!