Munich, a city rich in history and vibrant culture, offers an array of captivating attractions that promise to enchant visitors. Start your exploration with a visit to the Munich Residence, a grand palace that showcases the opulent history of Bavarian royalty through its lavish rooms and impressive art collections. Next, make your way to Marienplatz to witness the enchanting Glockenspiel, a striking clock tower that delights spectators daily with its charming mechanical performances and historical reenactments. Finally, immerse yourself in the expansive Olympiapark, a legacy of the 1972 Summer Olympics. Here, you will find some tips and insights from my experience at these sights to help you be better prepared for your journey.
Munich Residence - The Munich Residence has been a center of Bavarian political and cultural life for centuries, reflecting the power, wealth, and artistic patronage of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Today, it is open to the public as a museum, housing several collections, including the Residenz Museum, which showcases the royal apartments, ceremonial rooms, and chapels. The Treasury (Schatzkammer) contains a stunning collection of jewels, crowns, and other royal regalia, Also part of the complex is the Cuvilliés Theatre, a beautifully preserved Rococo theatre that is breathtaking due to its artistic styles throughout.
The wait for the Munich Residenz Museum was about five minutes. We purchased tickets for the museum (€10) and the Cuvilliés Theatre (€5) together before heading into the museum. The rooms in the Munich Residence were grand, with high painted ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, and colorful walls, reflecting the royal ambiance of this Bavarian palace. The museum offers a long route (2-3 hours) and a shorter route (1 hour); we chose the shorter route since we were only in Munich for a few days. The hour spent in the Munich Residenz provided a great overview of the architecture and artistic styles we were seeking. The palace is a major tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Bavarian royalty. Visitors can explore its many rooms, admire the art and furnishings, and learn about the history of the Wittelsbachs and Bavaria.
Glockenspiel - The Glockenspiel in Munich is a famous clock tower located in the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) on Marienplatz, the city's central square. Added to the New Town Hall in 1908, the Glockenspiel commemorates significant events in Bavarian history. It is one of Munich's most popular attractions, drawing crowds daily to watch its animated performance.
The Glockenspiel chimes daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., with an additional performance at 5 p.m. during the summer. The show lasts about 12-15 minutes, during which the figures move, reenacting scenes while music plays from the 43 bells of the carillon. The Glockenspiel features two levels of life-sized mechanical figures. The upper level reenacts the 1568 wedding of Duke Wilhelm V, including a joust between knights, where the Bavarian knight always wins. The lower level portrays the Schäfflertanz (Coopers' Dance), a tradition that began in 1517 during a plague in Munich. The dance was meant to bring cheer and encourage people to return to public life.
We arrived for the 5 p.m. showing, and Marienplatz was crowded with tourists eagerly awaiting the Glockenspiel show. Within Marienplatz, there are restaurants where you can make a reservation, enjoy a seat, and order a German beer while watching the performance. The Glockenspiel is considered a must-see for anyone visiting Munich, offering a charming glimpse into the city's traditions and history.
Olympia Park - To start our second day in Munich, we hopped on the U-Bahn metro system and headed outside the city center to Olympiapark. Munich Olympiapark (Olympiapark München) is a large recreational and sports complex built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Upon arriving at the Olympiazentrum U-Bahn station and walking into the park, the first thing you'll notice is the TV tower in the distance. The Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm), a 291-meter-high TV tower, features an observation deck offering panoramic views of Munich and the surrounding Alps, as well as a revolving restaurant near the top.
As you ascend the hill and approach the center of Olympiapark, the sweeping tent-like roofs of the Olympic Hall and Swimming Hall come into view, along with the rest of the park. Olympic Hall (Olympiahalle) is a large, multipurpose indoor arena used for concerts, sports events, and exhibitions. It is one of Munich's main event venues, having hosted gymnastics, handball, judo, and volleyball during the Olympics. The Olympic Swimming Hall (Olympiaschwimmhalle) features a large, transparent roof structure that mirrors the design of the nearby Olympic Stadium. This roof, made of lightweight, tensile steel cables covered with acrylic glass, creates a tent-like appearance that lets in natural light.
We decided to visit the Swimming Hall, which was being used by locals for swimming and diving events. Visitors can enter to view the hall but cannot go beyond the entrance unless registered to use the pool. Afterward, we headed back outside and reached the top of the hill, where the Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) comes into sight. The stadium, the centerpiece of the park, is known for its distinctive, transparent roof structure, which was revolutionary at the time. It has hosted numerous significant events, including the 1972 Olympics, World Cup matches, and concerts. While we were there, workers were setting up for a Coldplay concert.
After passing the stadium, we walked down the other side of the hill and into the parks and recreation area. Olympiapark features extensive green spaces, including hills and an artificial lake, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, picnicking, and rowing. The park is free to enter and explore, offering great 360-degree views of the Munich area. Olympiapark remains a vibrant and active part of Munich, attracting both locals and tourists with its history, architecture, and diverse recreational opportunities. Be sure to put this at the top of your list when visiting Munich.
-cferTravels
Christian Fernandez
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