Munich

Capital of Bavaria and beer capital of Europe, Munich boasts as rich a wealth of art and architecture as any of Germany's great cities. Where Berlin and Frankfurt have entered into the spirit of modernity Munich has retained the air of a traditional German city, and has grown in fame as keeper of Germany's folk customs and identity. It has been at the centre of the province for centuries. The Wittelsbachs ruled Bavaria from their court here, and vast reserves of wealth were injected into Munich in order to turn it into one of the world's great cities, full of architectural treasures from the baroque and Renaissance period.

The wealthy dynasty's court was also responsible for the city garnering a reputation and taste for fashion and for engendering the provincial pride which is still tangible in the city. The Oktoberfest is, of course, the most famous example of provincialism, although latterly it has become an event of international significance. This celebration of carnivalesque magnitude belies the world view of Germans as a staid and serious folk. Dancing, processions and fabulous masques turn the entire city into a playground as people celebrate uproariously. The beer literally floods the streets and squares of the city as Bavarians and international visitors celebrate their history and culture with gusto.  To the outsider it may seem cliched, but woe betide anyone who dare laugh at the customs of the Oktoberfest. Sausages, lederhosen and oompah music celebrate the proud traditions of the city and particularly Munich's beer making prowess, a tradition that still adheres to centuries old principles of only using the finest pure ingredients.  If the revels don't sound like your thing then stay away and visit the city another time, when you can appreciate the Bavarian architecture of the Frauenkirche, Marienplatz and the old town, the baroque magnificence of the Schloss Nymphenburg and the modern expanse of the Olympiapark, an icon of post-war Germany.

The Nymphenburg Palace
West of Munich is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe and is not to be missed on a sight-seeing tour through the Bavarian capital city. The oft-visited Baroque tourist attraction with it’s expansive landscaped garden and museum draws not only guests from around the world, but is also a beloved institution for Munich residents.

The Residenz (palace)
in Munich’s city center was once the city castle of the Bavarian dukes, princes, and emperors. In terms of style, the complex of buildings constructed through the centuries is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism.

Deutsches Museum (German Museum)
Sailing ships, models of atoms, windmills, space probes, diesel locomotives, industrial robots, organs, lifeboats,...this unbelievable abundance of technical achievement - and lots more - can be found in the Deutsches Museum. A house of superlatives: it is not only one of the first scientific-technological museums in the world, but also one of the most frequently visited, and with an area of 50,000 square meters the biggest of all. 

Neue Pinakothek
Outstanding works of European art and sculpture from the late 18th to the beginning of the 20th century are in the spotlight of the Neue Pinakothek. One focus is on the German art of the 19th century - this collection, which goes back to the private collection of King Ludwig I, is one of the most comprehensive of all.

Pinakothek der Moderne (Museum of Modern Art)
The biggest museum for modern art in Germany is being constructed in the immediate vicinity of the Alte and Neu Pinakothek: the Pinakothek der Moderne. In this building on around 15,000 m², four outstanding collections will offer an extensive overview of fine applied arts of the 20th century right up to the present.