Car Hire Munich Airport
The safest city in all of Germany and one of the country’s most productive, Munich is a fun-loving city renowned for its array of historic sites, cultural displays, beautiful parks, iconic festivals, and a huge range of awesome tourist attractions. Founded in 1158, this archaic playground originally began as a monastery before evolving into one of Germany’s most prominent power centres under the rule of the dukes of Bavaria. Situated on the Isar River in Southern Germany, 50 kilometres north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is the third largest city in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. Come for its charming old town, world-class museums, vibrant neighbourhoods, fascinating historic attractions, active nightlife, and rich cultural calendar, before wrapping up a hard day’s sightseeing with a trip to one of Munich’s iconic beer gardens. Whatever your lure to this remarkable city, one thing is for certain, you will not leave without a story to tell.
Uncover the Secrets of Munich’s Extraordinary Historic Attractions
A great spot to kickstart any trip to the Bavarian capital is a visit to the heart of Munich’s town centre – Marienplatz. Originally the site of Munich’s marketplace and mediaeval jousting tournaments during the Middle Ages, this vibrant town square showcases an exquisite blend of the old and new town, featuring the Neues Rathaus (new town hall) and the Neo-gothic Altes Rathaus (old town hall). When the clock strikes 11 am or 12 pm, the famous Glockenspiel, (nestled within the Neues Rathaus’s façade), chimes into action re-enacting stories from the 16th century. With 43 bells and 32 life-size figurines, it’s one of the largest clocks in Europe and one of the most admired attractions within the city.
Marienplatz is also the perfect starting point for touring the many shops, Viktualienmarkt and home to some of Munich’s most popular events including Christkindlmarkt. Next on the list, just a stone’s throw away from the Marienplatz will have you face to face with the largest inner-city palace in all of Germany – Munich Residenz. This extraordinary palace originated as a 14th-century castle, home to the Wittelsbach monarchs that ruled Bavaria for over 700 years. Cruise through its dazzling bronze halls, various courtyards, Ancestral Gallery, Renaissance Antiquarium and the Cuvilliés-Theater. After wrapping up at one dream home, it’s onto the next as you set off in your car hire to the Nymphenburg Palace. This swanky baroque palace, built in the 17th century became the summer residence of Bavarian elect Max Emanuel and many future Bavarian Kings. A site to behold, highlights include the Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall); a glorious 3-story grand hall, Schönheitengalerie; King Ludwig I’s gallery of beauties, the Queen’s Bedroom, Nymphenburg Palace Park, and Nymphenburg’s Palace Museums.
Other notable attractions include Englischer Garten; a luxurious 18th-century city park, larger than New York’s Central Park, Alte Pinakothek: one of the world’s oldest art galleries, Saint Peter’s Church; Munich’s oldest parish church, Deutsches Museum; the world’s largest technology Museum and Neue Pinakothek; an amazing collection of 19th-century contemporary art. With so many spine-tingling attractions to pique your interest, you may need a second trip if you plan to see them all.
Let your Hair Down at One of Munich’s Iconic Festivals
Festivals are synonymous with the city of Munich. Featuring some of the world’s biggest and best celebrations, fervent locals continue to embrace the history, customs, and traditions associated with these incredible festivities. With none larger than the world-famous Oktoberfest. People flock far and wide to Munich’s Theresienwiese during late September for this whirlwind 16-day beer-drinking extravaganza. Featuring a magnitude of German beer, carnival games, parades, and traditional Bavarian food. A blur to most, Oktoberfest is the biggest fair in the world and a great place to make lifelong memories while going a little wild. If you can’t make Oktoberfest, check out Starkbierfest – Oktoberfest’s little brother. Running during May, Starkbierfest provides a more intimate experience, playing host to live bands and Munich’s strongest beers, held throughout local bars, breweries, and Bavarian beer halls. If partaking in Oktoberfest activities, ensure you have a designated driver with you or an alternative mode of transportation.
If beer isn’t quite your middle name, then perhaps the Kaltenberg Knights Tournament might tickle your fancy. Held in July at Kaltenberg Castle, under an hour’s drive from the city centre, transcends back to the Middle Ages for an action-packed event full of sword fighting, jousting, acrobatics, horsemanship, and an array of other classical mediaeval sports. Lined with mouth-watering food stands, a mediaeval market, and various fun-filled activities for the kids, it’s something the entire family can enjoy on your next trip to Germany’s south.