Munich

When people think of Germany the version they often have in their minds is the one that Munich presents to the world. This is home to an image of the jolly farmer; a lederhosen clad gent with a stein of beer grasped firmly in his well-fleshed hand. Whilst this holds a certain amount of truth this gent has a locally produced BMW parked outside and he communicates via a locally made Siemens mobile phone. Munich was Germany's premier city prior to reunification when Berlin leapfrogged into pole position, though never national capital it is the centre politically, culturally and economically of Bavaria.

What to see and Where to Go

Hofbrauhaus & Oktoberfest

The world's most famous pub or beer hall is the Hofbrauhaus. Dating back to the late 16th century this vast building shifts thousands of gallons of beer. The building holds some 4000 boozers in all but the ground floor is where to go and get the real flavour of the place.

To celebrate his marriage in 1810 to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen (bet you can't say that after a few steins), Prince Ludwig threw a huge party in front of the city gates. The party has been going ever since. Each year at the start of October there are 15 days of beer fuelled madness that attract 7 million visitors annually. Oktoberfest is the busiest time of year in Munich so book accommodation early. If you don't like beer, good-natured raucous fun, oompah bands and ox roasts then maybe another time may be best for you to visit.

Linked with the Oktoberfest are other events including various parades and processions, folklore performances, a gay meeting and the Tollwood Festival, which is a 'world culture' event.

Deutsches Museum

On an island in the middle of the Isar River stands the largest Science and Technology museum in the world. The museum spans eight floors covering centuries of invention, discovery and development in all spheres, from mining coal to telecommunication, from astro physics to amateur radio. There are thousands of artefacts, many of which reflect the huge impact Germany has had on the world of Science. There are also many interactive exhibits with levers to pull, wheels to wind, and knobs to twist.

Petrol Heads?

An architectural marvel in its own right is the BMW headquarters. This shares a site with a BMW factory and museum. Tours are conducted around the factory.

Bayerisches Nationalmuseum

This museum - the Bavarian National - reflects art, folklore and history of the region throughout the centuries. It is crammed full of exhibit s of all kinds. It has sculpture, painting, textiles and furniture as well as Art Nouveau, glass and silverware amongst its myriad riches.

The Residenz

A huge palace that was home to the rulers of Bavaria between 1385 and 1918. The building was altered and added to extensively through the years and is, therefore, a bit of a mish mash of styles. One wing of the palace houses the Residenzmuseum; this is some 120 rooms full of the collected art and treasures of the royal family. To visit the museum you must see half of it in the morning and half in the afternoon. This is because one half or the other is always shut!

Another 'big house' that is worth a look is the Schloss Nymphenburg.

A stroll before lunch?

A wander round the Viktualienmarkt is a pleasant way to pass a Saturday morning. The market has been a source of fresh food for the locals since 1807 and gives a real taste of Munich and its people.

Alternatively walking along the banks of the Isar may be what you need to work up a thirst. If you walk far enough there is a raft service that will return you to Munich.

Food, Drink and a Place to Sleep

You may have formed the opinion that Munich is a haven for beer drinkers and you'd be right, it is full of Beer Gardens and Beer Halls. Food includes the famous German sausage and is very heavy on meat generally. Don't go to Munich whilst dieting.

Staying in Munich can be expensive, especially during Oktoberfest. The range of choice goes from camping and hostels to top of the range international hotels.