Munich (German: München) which means “Home of the Monks,” was
originally established as a monastery in the 8th century. Next to
this settlement of Benedictine monks the city was founded in 1158.
Today it's the flourishing capital of the Federal State of Bavaria.
As Germany's third largest city Munich is located in the middle of
one of Europe's most prosperous areas. The city has a population of
about 1.3 million (as of 2006) and the Munich metropolitan area is
home to around 2.7 million people. The city is located on the river
Isar north of the Bavarian Alps.
This cosmopolitan and sometimes sophisticated city has a thriving
economy and is home to many major corporations, including the BMW
headquarters.
Munich is best known for its folk traditions like celebrating the
annual Oktoberfest - a sixteen-day festival that attracts roughly
six million people.
WHAT TO SEE
Munich is a compact city, but you could easily spend several weeks
exploring its architectural treasures and museums. For example visit
“Residenz” and “Schloss Nymphenburg” (royal palaces) and “Alte
Pinakothek”, one of the world's finest art galleries! 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.
World-famous “Marienplatz”, the town hall square, and church
“Frauenkirche” with its onion spires are located right beside the
pedestrian zone in the very heart of the city. Also Munich's idyllic
surrounds – including “Schloss Neuschwanstein”, the famous
fairy-tale castle - show Bavaria at its postcard best.
