Munich Germany | Traipsing Troubadours

Although the main focus of our five-day trip to Munich was visiting Crazy King Ludwig’s castle and experiencing the Christmas markets, we found time to get a “taste” of Munich and see some other interesting sights around the town centre.

: Just down the street from our apartment was the Viktualienmarkt or Farmers Market, the oldest market in the city.

: Viktualienmarkt

: Viktualienmarkt

: We were surprised to discover some pretty exotic fruit.

: The Old City Hall

: The New City Hall in Marienplatz. The Frauenkirsch or Cathedral of Our Lady is in the background with the green-topped towers.

: Twice each day in the winter, the glockenspiel in the tower would go around to the delight of the gathered crowds.

: We saw many pretty churches. St. Peter’s is the oldest.

: Inside is the glass coffin bearing the skeleton of a bejeweled Saint Munditia. She is the patron saint of spinsters.

: On a nearby side street was one of the most incredible churches we’ve ever seen. St. Johann-Nepomuk Church (“Asam Church”) was once the private church of the famous artists/brothers C.D. and E.Q. Asam. It ranks among the finest Rococo style churches in the world. To the left of the church is the home of E.Q. Asam.

: Asam Church

: Asam Church

: The Royal residence

: Outside was a picture of Frank’s fav, Crazy King Ludwig, but that’s a whole other post!

: My dad wanted me to connect with my 25% German heritage. Well, this is as close as I got! Even more connection to my brother Peter!

: Munich had some lovely pedestrian streets with fabulous shopping.

: And, of course, there were many good German restaurants!

: German food is comfort food — goulash, spaetzle, wiener schnitzel, sausage — and there were many good restaurants in our area.

: We were surprised by the abundance of bake shops and vendors selling fried donuts (schmalzkuchen), strudel and other sweet treats.

: We were also surprised to see this tribute to a favorite Munich celebrity, Michael Jackson. It sits in front of the Bayerscher Hotel, which has no relationship to the King of Pop. What it does have is a 7th floor Polar Bar.

: We went up there to warm up and . . .

: caught some great views of the city.

: Last, but not least, Munich is most famous for beer! And this is the most famous beer hall, Hofbrau Haus.

: Hofbrau House

: What’s more German than beer and a pretzel?

: Prost!

I am not a cold weather person but I can’t imagine a more fun and festive time to visit Munich than at Christmastime. More than 20 Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city inviting locals and tourists to eat, drink, (shop) and be merry! Our airbnb was ten minutes from Munich’s oldest and most traditional market, Christkindlmarkt. Located in Marienplatz, the city’s main square, it attracts over three million visitors every year. Frank and I walked there every night. We marveled at young and old coming together in such a joyful, colorful setting. The food was delicious, the drinks were warm and plentiful — you couldn’t help but get caught up in the holiday spirit!

Christkindlmarkt is held in front of Munich Town Hall. It is busy during the day . . .

but really gets hopping at night.

Christkindlmarkt

Adjacent to the Christkindlmarkt, is the Manger Market. The twelve stalls sell only items associated with mangers and nativity scenes.

Manger Market

Every night at 5:30, a different group would perform traditional German Christmas carols.

One of my favorite booths was in the adjacent Rindermarkt. Inside the Christmas Pyramid or Weihnachtspyramide, . . .

. . . they were cooking and serving up sausages!

After you enjoy the sausage and other savory dishes, there is no shortage of strudel and sweet shops.

And, of course, there are the beverages.

The German Christmas Markets are well-known for their warm rum punch and, especially,

. . . traditional Glühwein.

They make you feel all warm and Christmas-y!