Munich Bavaria Germany
Itinerary
- Dachau
- Deutsches Museum
- Eisbachwelle
- Linderhof Castle
- Marienplatz
- Neues Rathaus
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Nymphenburg
- Oberammergau
- St Michael’s Church
- St Peter’s Church
- Theatine Church
Where Did We Stay?
We flew into Munich with Lufthansa from Dublin and took a taxi from the airport to our hotel. There is a good train service from the airport but our hotel was a ten minute walk from the closest station. As it had been snowing and the streets were icy we didn’t want to drag suitcases for that distance, so a taxi was the way to go.
We chose to stay at the Novotel Muenchen City for its easy access to the centre of the city, as well as its excellent bar and restaurant. Included in the cost, breakfast was great, with a large variety of dishes on offer each morning.
Deutsches Museum
Located a five minute walk from our hotel this was our first stop after checking into our hotel. This museum holds a vast collection of science and technology related items and they cover topics from astronomy to the environment and watches to power generation.
Several large boats are on display, along with a collection of aircraft for those interested in the mechanical side of things. A room full of musical instruments and another with watches and clocks, demonstrates the changes in their design and use over time.
A very interesting collection of often unique pieces that traces the changing technology over time and how people have interacted with it.
Neuschwanstein Castle
We took a bus trip to see this famous Disney fantasy style castle built by Ludwig II of Bavaria. Although the design and setting make it look fantastic, the tour through the interior is very rushed. Even in winter tours were entering every ten minutes and in summer up to 6,000 people a day visit. The presentations on each room made us feel like we were on a production line being moved from one area to the next.
Photo opportunities inside were minimal and it was uncomfortable being squashed in with so many other people. There was maintenance occurring whilst we were there, which meant things were also covered up from view.
Neuschwanstein Castle itself looks wonderful from the outside and the local village of Hohenschwangau is picturesque. We had lunch in the village where there are several cafes and restaurants to choose from. From the village, a road winds up the hill to the castle and you can either walk or take on of the horse and cart rides available. From the top there are some great picture opportunities. In summer, there is a bridge you can cross to get a better view of the castle. Access in winter is unavailable due to the ice and snow.
Linderhof Palace
Linderhof Palace was part of the Neuschwanstein bus trip and another palace built by King Ludwig II . Far smaller but more richly decorated we found this to be more interesting than the main attraction. Unfortunately, no photographs are permitted inside, which was a pity as the interior is amazing. Again the groups are pretty big and a bit squished at times.
Oberammergau
This beautiful little town is famous for its decorated buildings and we passed through it on our way to Neuschwanstein Castle . Our tour drove around and pointed out the most famous ones, but did not stop for photos. This was disappointing as it would have been more interesting than the castle.
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg in Munich was a fantastic place to visit and the setting in winter while it was covered in snow made it even more special. We purchased tickets to enter the palace and the stables at reception near the gift shop.
The palace is spectacular throughout from its design to its furnishings. The ball room is stunning and we were fortunate that not many people were present so we could experience it almost on our own.
The stables had a huge collection of coaches and sleighs use by the rulers of Bavaria. The craftsmanship was amazing and it is great that they have been preserved. Above the stables was a collection of porcelain on display which we spent time looking around.
Central Munich
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is a large pedestrian only area centred on the Neues Rathaus and surrounded by shops and several attractions including the St. Peter’s Church with it’s tower which gives 360 degree views over the city. At either end you will find replicas of the old city walls and gates which defined the original old city of Munich.
We walked through Marienplatz several times on our way to see other attractions and it was the meeting place for our trip to Dachau. A subway station underground gives access to the rest of the city.
St Peter’s Church
Dating from 1368, St Peter’s Church is the oldest church in Munich and the interior has a beautiful fresco on the ceiling by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. There is a medieval booth with a lovely man taking a donation for the opportunity to see some amazing views, this certainly did add to the experience. We also climbed to the top of the tower with its 306 steps for 360 degree views over the city. The steps are a little narrow, but he views from the top provide a different perspective of the city below, particularly the Neues Rathaus and the Frauenkirche.
Neues Rathaus
This large gothic building occupies the north side of Marienplatz and houses the local government offices and the mayor. Part of its attraction is the glockenspiel which plays daily at 11 and 12 o’clock and from March to October at 5 o’clock. As the 43 bells play, 32 figures represent the Schäfflertanz and a knights tournament at the wedding of the Bavarian Duke William V and Renata of Lorraine in 1568. It definitely generates a large crowd.
St Michael’s Church
Severely damaged during the second world war, St Michael’s Church was restored from 1946-48 and is once again a beautiful building.
Theatine Church
As we walked through the Hofgarden, we came across the Diana Temple, with a great view of the Theatine church behind it. The Hofgarden is also a great place to visit because of the surrounding buildings and their aches.
Eisbachwelle
As we walked we came across a group of people surfing in the river that runs through the park at the Eisbachwelle. The water flow there causes a standing wave that they could surf. There was quite a few people doing this, incredibly they were quiet respectful of each other in taking turns. It was amazing to see this in Munich in the middle of winter and a huge crowd had gathered to watch them.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
This full day trip to Dachau was one of the major reasons for our visit to Munich and we were not disappointed. Our guide met us in Marienplatz from where we boarded the train for Dachau followed by a shuttle bus to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Should you decide to take the trip without a guide, the shuttle bus waits outside the train station and takes you directly to the memorial.
Guides for this trip are required to complete a specific course to be accredited and this made the tour particularly valuable. As we walked around we learned how people were treated here from the time they arrived. This is certainly an eye opener with history.
All areas of the camp are open for inspection, from the reception hall and dormitories to the gas chambers and crematorium. The tour ends at commemorative gardens where the ashes of tens of thousands of people are interred. At his point, you get a little free time to take more pictures as you walk around the site by yourself.
A very sobering day and one we will not forget.
What Did We Think of Munich?
We enjoyed our time in Munich and were pleased we visited Dachau. In the city Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz and St Peter’s Church were our favourite attractions.
If you are interested in some of our other trips to Europe, please have a look at the list below
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Greenland
- Holland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Lichtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
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