Medieval Munich and More

To begin exploring medieval Munich, head to the Altstadt, or “old city.” Here, three gates of the original town borders still stand: the Sendlinger Tor in the south, Isartor to the east, and Karlstor in the west. At the town center you’ll find Marienplatz, the Altstadt’s main square and home to the town hall, Rathaus. During the Middle Ages, this square hosted the town’s jousts, games, tournaments and executions. Today, you’ll enjoy live musicians, beer and street performers aplenty.

After hitting Marienplatz, head north to the Nationaltheater and former royal palace off Max-Joseph-Platz, where gothic churches and colorful architecture line the cobblestoned streets, eventually unfolding to the Platzl quarter. Known for its nightlife, consider eating dinner at the famous brewery/beer hall and restaurant, Hofbrauhaus. The Hofbrauhaus also hosts a music hall, with musicians and dancers performing in lederhosen. Be sure to enjoy some beer, brats and turkey legs, and definitely don’t skip out on dessert. You’ve got a long evening of walking and weaving in and out of nightclubs and street performers ahead of you. Remember, Munich is a great place for the single traveler.

If you can make it out of bed the next morning, head to the city’s busiest destinations and main streets, Maximilianstrasse, Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauserstrasse, where high-end hotels and upscale shopping lead you to 19th century avenues, Ludwigstrasse and Brienner Strasse. Admire both neoclassical and neo-Romanesque architecture, and stroll over to Ludwigstrasse, an elegant avenue originally designed for King Ludwig I.

While other areas of interest include Lehel, Gasteig, Nympehburg, Schwabing, and Bogenhausen, we recommend making time to visit Olympiapark. Home to the 1972 Olympics, the stadium represents Germany’s second chance to host the Olympic Games. The country first hosted the Games in Berlin in 1936, under Hitler’s rule. The Germans were so eager to change their reputation from the 1936 games that they banned weapons from the Olympiapark in an effort to demonstrate their modern, democratic nation, leaving security vulnerable and open.

Tragically, in 1972, the Olympiapark (and Munich as well as Germany in general) became known for the terrorist attacks against Israeli Olympians, which killed 11 people. Americans are familiar with the historic events because of the movie Munich. But walking into the stadium highlighted the highest ideals of teamwork, unity and peace, so I still had to ask, how could something like this happen?

For more history and touring of the region, join us again on Friday as we head through the Bavarian Alps. We’ll learn more about King Ludwig II while visiting Lake Koenigsee and make a stop at the Eagle’s Nest, a chalet style retreat built for Adolph Hitler for his 50th birthday.