Munich, rivalled only by Berlin as
Germany's most popular destination, is a city that enjoys contradicting
itself. Don an ironic Lederhosen and head down to the capital of Bavaria,
where cutesy folk traditions rub shoulders with BMWs, haute cuisine and
high-minded sophistication.
Munich is a compact city, but you could easily spend several weeks
exploring its museums, architectural treasures and idyllic surrounds. The
Altstadt (old town) is a pleasure to stroll around, with its grand avenues
and spacious squares that recall the glory of Bavaria's monarchy.
Fact File
Country : Germany
Population : 1.2 million
Languages : German, English
Climate : Munich summers are generally sunny and warm with a few wet
or cloudy days. temperatures between 11 and 23 degrees Celsius (51 and 74
Fahrenheit). During the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing
(between -3 and 5 Celsius; 23 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit) often with some
snowfall.
Official Currency : Euro; 1 Euro = 52.443 Indian Rupee = 1.2047 US $
= 0.678141 GBP (subject to change)
Location : The heart of Munich is bisected by the Isar River,
flowing northwards from its source 60km (37mi) away in the Bavarian Alps.
Most of the city's sights are clustered on the river's left bank. It's a
15-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof to the Altstadt, the historic old
centre - just head west through Karlsplatz (aka Stachus) and along the
pedestrianised Kaufingerstrasse.
Getting
There
By Air : Flughafen München Franz Joseph Strauss – Munich
International Airport, airport code:MUC. is 28.5km (18 miles) northeast of
the city (travel time – 38 minutes). Direct link with the S-Bahn S8
runs every 20 minutes from Hauptbahnhof (main railway station). The Airport
City Bus runs every 20 minutes from 0650-1930 to the Hauptbahnhof and every
30 minutes from 0755-2055; further bus services are available. Coach
Oberbayern runs every 10 minutes to the city centre.
Getting Around
The comprehensive transport network is run by the Münchener Verkehrs-
und Tarifverbund GmbH – MVV, Thierschstrasse 2. This comprises of 20
Strassenbahn (tram) lines, more than 80 bus lines, 8 U-Bahn (underground)
lines and 8 S-Bahn (suburban train) lines. The area covered by the MVV is
divided into concentric zones.
All transport runs daily 0500-0100 hrs, with additional hourly services on
night buses and trams 0100-0500 hrs.
Besides this, beige coloured taxis cars are available are available which
can be hired on streets.
Accommodation
The city of Munich has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for
the tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
5 star hotels in the city:
Kempenski hotel Airport Muchen
Hotel Mandarin Oriental
Hotel Hilton
4 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Holiday Inn Munich city North
Hotel Exelsior
3 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Plaza
Hotel Admiral
Hotel Savoy
Major Tourist Attractions
Marienplatz
and the Clock : The Marienplatz Square in the center of town and the
famous Glockenspiel, or clock, comes to life at 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm and 5
pm every day. One can take a tour of the town hall (Rathaus) to which the
clock tower is attached.
State Museum of Modern Art : The State Museum of Modern Art is a
marvellous to see all day long and the day can ended with food and music at
the Hofbrauhaus am Platzl.
Neuschwantein and the Bavarian Country : one can visit the
Neuschwanstein Castle located out of the city during the day. Erected by “mad”
King Ludwig II, it is literally a fairy castle and the inspiration for many
who have used it in the cartoons.
Technology Museum : Technology Museum, the Deutsches Museum gives a
glimpse of firsts from Germany – the first dynamo, the first automobile
and the first diesel engine. Modern electronics and astronomy are also
displayed.
Alte Pinakothek Art Museum : It owns a collection of artworks from
the 14th to the 18th Centuries, including works by Durer, Rembrandt and
Brueghel.
Olympic Park and BMW -The Olympic Park, with its Olympia Tower offers
spectacular views and dining. The nearby BMW Museum is open until 4 pm.
Berchtesgaden National Park – It is especially meant for animal lovers
and presents a rare opportunity for hiking in the summer, with rare flowers
and trees.
