Munich travel guide

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One of the highly popular tourist destinations in Germany is Munich. This is Germany’s urbane and classy city that loves to challenge itself. Put on your satirical lederhosen and go forth to the very capital of Bavaria. Experience a rightful mix of folk traditions, BMWs and jovial meals that usually means haute cuisine.

Munich is your perfect place when you are looking for all types of culture, with its stunning variety of museums, effervescent art and who would ever miss the world-famous Oktoberfest? Munich is the unique capital of Bavaria right in Germany’s south east portion. The city’s 1.3m population allows it to become one of Germany's biggest cities, besides Hamburg and Berlin. 

Along with Bavaria as a self-governing state, Munich is a wonderful European capital. It is now the home to chief conglomerates BMW and Siemens. Moreover, the city provides a laid-back, southern European sophisticated feel, making it largely known among tourists.

It is uncertain whether Munich’s real name roots from a German word for monks which is Mönchen and a nearby monastery, or to the old European term Munica, that means “place on the riverbank.” Below are significant events and turning points of Munich as a city:

-During the later part of 18th century, Munich grew very fast and was among the biggest cities all over Europe. Then in 1806, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria. A lot of Munich’s greatest buildings actually fit in to the time thereafter. They were created during the reigns of Maximilian II and Ludwig I. The buildings include the establishments on Residenz, Konigsplatz and Ludwigstrasse.

- Past the WW I, Munich became the home of great conflict and instability. In November 1918, the communists took over and founded the Münchner Räterepublik or the Bavarian Soviet Republic.

-  In 1919, Münchner Räterepublik or the Bavarian Soviet Republic was over thrown by Freikorps. Lots were later drawn to the National Socialism and to Adolf Hitler.

-1923 came and Hitler as well as his supporters focused in Munich and staged the Beer Hall Putsch. This was an endeavor to conquer Weimar Republic then take hold of power. The revolt was unsuccessful and resulted in the arrest of Hitler and the transitory cripple of his Nazi Party that was almost anonymous outside Munich.

- But Munich was to turn into a Nazi monopoly once more when it took power again in 1933 in Germany. Due to the city’s significance to Nazism, the Nazis referred to it as Hauptstadt der Bewegung or the capital of the movement. Thus, the NSDAP command centers were found here. Numerous Führerbauten or Führer buildings were established in Königsplatz. Some are still standing now.

- Though Munich was badly ruined by the bombing of World War II, the American occupancy had it entirely restored with many of the pre-war spirit retained.

The city has seen tragic events in 1972 when it accommodated the Olympic Games that year. There were five athletes from Israel as well as a German policeman who were killed by Palestinian terrorists who also took some members of the Israeli Olympic contingent from the Olympic Village. But on the lighter side, the very same Olympic sports ground arena accommodated a few games during the Soccer World Cup 1974.  It includes the accommodation of the final game between Holland and West Germany, the latter won by 2-1 score.