Tour of Munich

Coming to Munich twice before there was much of the city that I had already learned and seen. I wanted to do a tour by myself and either refresh my memory or experience new sites. Here is a little bit of Munich...

Marienplatz is the heart and soul of the city. Here is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)  where all the visitors information in located on the ground level. On a clear day you can see the Bavarian Alps. I was not so lucky on Thursday.

Mariensaule (Mary's Column) in the center, built in 1638 to celebrate victory over Swedish forces during the Thirty Year's War.

Next, I headed to the Viktualienmarkt. This is a huge outdoors market where they have stands filled with everything from Sausage, Sandwhiches, Fish, Flowers, Wind Chimes, Breads, Fruits and even a Beer Garden.

The Blue and White diamonds are the Bavarian Flag. Munich is actually preparing for the Fruhlingsfest (Springfest) which starts April 20th. It is a smaller verison of Oktoberfest.

Bavaria has incredible scenery as well as delicious beer.

I didn't go and check out the St Peterskirche since Thomas took Alan and I up the last time we were in Munich. There are 306 stairs straight to the top. The view is incredible and there is a chain linked fence all around so pretty windy up there. It is 92m tall.

 For the next stop I never heard or seen the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) and it is said to have the best views of Munich. It is described as two onion shaped domes 99m tall. Considered to be a symbol of the Bavarian State Capital.

Walking down the shopping arcade, Funf Hofe, I stopped to check out the Deutsches Jagd - und Fischereimuseum. It is said if you rub the boar's head it will bring good luck. I didn't go in the museum of dead stuffed animals.  

Not sure if it is really good luck? We shall see!

The Residenz is a palace for the Wittelsbach that ruled for four centuries. The lions guard the enterance way, people rub the toes of the lions for good luck and wealth.

Directly to the right hand side is the Theainkirche, built to commemorate the birth of Prince Max Emanuel. Holds many ruler's crypts such as the Wittelsbachs.

The Hofgarten is only a few feet away. Very beautiful designed garden in an octagonal shape. Fountains, benches, and flower beds line the courtyard.

The temple was built for a Roman Godess of hunt, Dianatempel.

Spent lots of time in the Hofgarten reading when the weather was warming up throughout the week.

Bavaria's governor has his office in the Bayerische Staatkanziel

There is a short walk to the Englischer Garten (English Garden) from the Hofgarten. It is one of Europe's biggest city parks (larger than Hyde Park and Central Park). An American Benjamin Thompson working for the Bavarian government designed the park.

Near the duck pond is the Japanisches Teehaus, Tea is served in April - October at 3p-5p Saturday and Sunday.

There is an artifical wave and surfers learned that they can use it to practice and get riding in. Everyone comes out and lays in the park once the sun is shining. It was a very beautiful day.

Fountain in front of the Ludwig -Maximilians University.