Top Things to See in Munich, Germany – for Free!

Today we are excited to feature guest blogger Tom Watson.

Munich is a beautiful city in the German state of Bavaria. Its old architechure and beautiful buildings give it the feel of something very different than a crowded city with skyscrapers. It has even been referred to as “Millionendorf,” meaning “village of a million people.” Stroll around the city – there is never a shortage of sights. Here are a few things to do and see in Munich.

What You Must See in Munich

#1 – Englischer Garten – You can roam through one of the largest urban parks in the world, soaking in the sun and/or picking up some beer and sausages at the Chinese Tower, in the middle of the park.

#2 – Surfing on the Eisbach (a fast-flowing, small stream), or watching surfers, is a thrilling and popular past time in Munich.

#3 – Chilling on the Isar River on summer evenings is extremely popular for the young. You can swim or dip your feet in the river. People bring beer and cool it by sticking it in the refreshing water. Small grills are lined up and down the Isar, with thousands of people hanging out on summer nights, particularly by the Tierpark (Thalkirchen UBahn – U3), stretching toward the Flaucher (an area where the river divides into many interesting channels, with islands and forests. You feel you are out of the city, although you are close to the center of it. Bring your beer and your prepackaged, preseasoned meat, and find someone with a grill to share!

#4 – Day at the Lake – If you have the opportunity, head to one of the area lakes to swim. You can catch an SBahn (Suburban Train) to the Starnbergersee or Ammersee (area lakes to the south and west of the city). Once there, you can stroll through the towns of Starnberg (at the Starnbergersee) or Herrsching (at the Ammersee), enjoying the scenery, and perhaps some ice cream. At the Starnbergersee, there is a swimming hall with direct access to the lake. You can walk there from the SBahn station, pay a nominal fee (less than 6 Euros) and spend time swimming at the well-kept beach area or heading inside to the pools (including even a water slide) and hot tubs. Heading back and forth between the two and soaking up some sun on a towel that you bring, while enjoying a picnic lunch or food from the adjoining restaurant, is a good plan for a relaxing day.

If adventurous, think of a day trip and hike from the Ammersee to the Kloster Andechs, and back. The Kloster Andechs is one of the most famous abbeys in Germany. Take a look at the gorgeous Baroque church free of charge. Enjoy the beer from their own brewery and don’t miss the opportunity to have the Schweinshaxe (fried pork knuckle). It is one of the best in the area and it is something you must try at least once in your life.

#5 – City walk – If you aren’t interested in spending too much money and want to see the city, then take a triangular walk between Karlsplatz, Marienplatz, and Odeonsplatz, in the center of the city. Check out the Theatinerkirche (it’s the yellow church) at Odeonsplatz and the nearby Feldherrnhalle, which is a loggia after the model of the one in Florence. Both are well-worth a free look and 30 minutes together. At Marienplatz, check out St. Peter’s Church. You can climb it for a view of the city, for only a few Euros. You should also look at the Neue Rathaus and Alte Rathaus (New and Old Townhalls) for their beautiful architecture. If nearby the Neue Rathaus around 11am or 12pm, then watch the animated glockenspiel (playing bells) for a short treat. Go to the nearby Viktualienmarkt, which is a bit out of the way, but worth it, to buy fresh meats, cheeses, produce, and other assortments, daily. Good for a cheap and localized bite to eat. Heading toward Karlsplatz, you should definitely take the time to stop into the Burgersaalkirche, which is easily missed. The upper sanctuary is incredibly beautiful, but only open until 5pm. Once at Karlsplatz, you can run into the massive fountain on a hot day, or simply enjoy the square. McDonalds awaits you there, as well. 🙂

#6 – Schloss Nymphenburg – It’s a little tricky, but take the tram from the downtown area and then walk a bit, to reach the wonderful Nymphenburg Palace; summer home of the Bavarian royalty. A poor man’s Versailles, it is gorgeous and wonderful in its own right. Well worth the visit simply for the grounds, the large property includes lakes, fountains, a nearby, wonderful botanical garden (good for rainy days, too – but for a price), gazebos, summer houses, reflecting pools, statues, and views of the palace. The palace itself can be visited, but it is not as impressive as simply wondering the grounds, in my opinion.

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#7 – Olympic Park – Take the U3 to the site of the ’72 Olympics. While there, make sure to visit BMW World, which is free. Here, you can view new BMWs (and other cars) in an ultra-modern, massive facility. Free bathrooms here, too! From here, you can take the bridge over the major road (the Mittlerer Ring) to the Olympic Park. You can choose to spend the money it costs to take the elevator to the top of the Olympic Tower – 50 stories up in the air. Only do this on a clear day. You can see the Alps from here. Enjoy the Olympiasee. Perhaps an event or a concert will be going on. Movies are shown open air in the summer. Sometimes in English. View the pool hall where Mark Spitz won his 8 gold medals. See the site (from afar) of the tragic Israeli hijacking and murders.

#8 – Residenz – If you are going to splurge on one thing in Munich, and you like history, beauty, and refinement, then you should definitely visit the Residenz, which was the winter home of the royalty in Bavaria. This large complex, which is right at Odeonsplatz, takes several hours to view. Some of the most impressive rooms of any palace in Europe, are within this palace. Don’t miss the excellent treasury, which carries and extra charge….

 

Tom Watson has traveled the world and now calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. His lovely wife July is a native of Munich, where he also lived for a time. Tom now teaches Geography and travels whenever he gets the chance.