6 places a Brit needs to visit in Munich
Munich is best known to revellers for its world famous Oktoberfest. But drinking a flood of beer isn’t the only fun thing to do when in Munich.
Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein of Ludwig II, the hermit King of Bavaria, is the crowning jewel of Germany. It is the castle which inspired the iconic Disney castle we so admire. Yet, the latter is several leagues behind to the majesty of Neuschwanstein. Set on a white hill, surrounded by tall coniferous trees in a vast forest, this tall white castle with greyish blue conical caps and roof houses the grandest interiors.
OlympiaPark
If Neuschwanstein is an architectural brilliance of the middle ages, the OlympiaPark is a modern day engineering achievement. Landscaped hills and an artificial lake aside, the OlympiaPark houses a tensile transparent roof which looks like a beautifully woven thicket of cobweb.
Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum was founded by Oskar von Miller on an island in the Isar River. It is the largest museum of engineering and technology in the world. It is so immense that you will only manage to view a fraction of the innumerable antiques in its vicinity in a day’s visit.
The Museum District
In this area reside the Pinakothek der Moderne, Neue Pinakothek and Alte Pinakothek – the three most important museums in Munich. Also in its vicinity are the Brandhorst Museum, Lenbachhaus and the Glypothek Collection of Antiquities. The Alte Pinakothek is most revered amongst all the above mentioned museums. Founded by Ludwig I, it houses art from the 14th to 18th century, with countless masterpieces for your eye to behold. It also has a vast collection of treasures accumulated in Ludwig’s time.
Starnberger Sea
The Starnberger is the largest water body in Bavaria being 21 km in length, 5 km in width and 125 m in depth. Being on the doorstep of Munich, it’s a very popular attraction. You can surf, sail and bathe and indulge in other water related activities. There are summer residences around the lake built by the nobility to spend their summers. A steamboat trip which takes you on a detailed tour of the lake is the best way to experience its grandeur.
Residenz
The Residenz is a moated castle which resides in the heart of Munich. It formerly housed several Bavarian Kings and also resided in it the Wittelsbach dynasty. It has seven vast courtyards and the Antiquarium – largest Renaissance secular building. Its interiors are from the Rococo period and the 17th century. You can also find church vestments and silver ornaments and also porcelain from the 19th century.
Apart from these six highlights, there is an extravagance of castles and gothic cathedrals in and around Munich and also in other Bavarian towns close to Munich. You can also visit the Allianz Arena, home of the German Football Club – FC Bayern Munchen. You will have to tour a lot and to save taxi fare you can rent your own car. But do not forget to give a DSA driving test first. This way you can avoid unnecessary travel complications and legal issues.
