Travel to Germany

Munich is the third largest city in Germany. But just because it does not have as many people as other cities does not mean that it does no good. Even though Munich may only be the third biggest city in Germany, it still has approximately 1.3 million people. This is enough to ensure that Munich is one of the most financially profitable cities in the country. Munich is also the capital of the state of Bavaria.

The city of Munich is located on the River Isar, and offers breathtaking views to visitors and residents alike. When it comes to the cities in Europe with the best views, Munich is also mentioned near the top of the list. The atmosphere alone draws in thousands of tourists on a yearly basis. The tourism industry is one reason that the city of Munich is so profitable in terms of money.

If you are a tourist the weather in Munich may leave something to be desired. Since it is located near both the Alps and the sea precipitation can be quite heavy regardless of what time of the year it is. For residents, the precipitation is no big deal because they deal with it every day of their lives. But tourists can often times get stuck in bad situations when the weather suddenly changes, and the rain starts to come down in buckets. For this reason it is important for visitors to always be prepared for the worst. During the summer months the average temperature in Munich is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But when the winter months roll around the cold temperatures are close behind. The winter months in Munich see low temperatures in the 30s as well as snow on a regular basis.

The city of Munich is home to several churches that have been standing in the area for quite some time. They are architecturally gorgeous, and are very popular attractions of tourists to the area. Munich is also the home to castles and theaters that also fall into the architecturally beautiful category. The Alte Hof is the most frequently visited castle in the area, and is a treasure to the city of Munich. The nightlife in Munich is among the best in Europe. The bottom line is that even if you are the biggest partier it will take you quite some time to frequent all of the hot spots in the city. These hot spots include dance clubs, bar, breweries, and restaurants just to name a few.

Servicing Munich through the sky is the Franz Josef Strauss International Airport. This airport has only been around since 1992 making it one of the most modern in all of Europe. Dont think that just because Munich is not the biggest city in Germany that there is nothing to see. If you get caught up in this trap you will end up missing some of the best attractions in Europe. Even if you only get to spend a day or two in Munich it will be well worth the trip.

Munich is located on the river Isar, North of the Bavarian Alps. This is the third largest city in Germany, right after Berlin and Hamburg. Munich has a population of about 1.35 million people. Its native name, Munchen is derived from the old German word for Monche, or Monks in English. This is why there is a monk on the coat of arms for the city.

Origin

1158 is the year that is assumed to be the foundation date, or the earliest date that the city is mentioned in any document. Almost two decades later Munich was officially granted city status and received fortification. In 1255, when the Duchy of Bavaria was split in two Munich became the ducal residence of Upper Bavaria.

Duke Louis IV was elected German king in 1314. He strengthened the city's position by granting it the salt monopoly, assuring the city additional income. In the late 15th Century Munich went through a revival period - The old town hall was made larger and the largest gothic church was now made into a cathedral - the Frauenkirche.

Hard Times

Life in Munich became quite difficult during World War I in 1914. The allied blockade of Germany let to shortages of food and fuel for Munich. During a French air raid there were three bombs that fell on Munich. At the end of the war the city was the centre of political unrest. Ludwig III fled Munich November 1918 on the eve of revolution. While the republican government had been restored, Munich had quite a few right wing politics, such as Adolf Hitler and the National Socialism.

Post war in Munich after American occupation in 1945, Munich was rebuilt with a rather conservative plan which saved its pre-war street grid. In 1957 Munich was on the rise again, and its population reached the 1 million mark.

Art

Munich has some of the best known museums in Europe. You can choose what you want to see from the last 500 years of art history. You can expect to see art from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and many different works of art from all over the world.

Hofbrauhaus

Arguably the most famous beer hall worldwide, it is located in the city centre. Built in 1607, it was originally an extension of the Hofbrau Brewery. The general public was admitted in 1828. The building was remodeled in 1897. In the bombing of WW II, everything but the ground floor was destroyed, and it took until 1958 to be rebuilt.

Adolf Hitler organized the first of many propaganda events to be held here. During this event he outlined the basis with his twenty-five point program of ideas and founded the basis of the Nazi Party.

Walking into this building you can expect a good Bavarian meal and of course, plenty of beer or wine. This beer hall even has its own song, and is known worldwide. The song was composed in 1935 by Wilhelm "Wiga" Gabriel.

The beer here is provided by the brewery Staatliches Hofbrauhaus.

Munich is what most people think of when they think of Germany, it is here you will get your sausage and beer and see people in lederhosen. Lots of polkas enjoyed daily, and lots of good food and beverages. However, this city has a history; it is not just sausages and beer.