DISCOVERING MUNICH: OUR GUIDE TO THE BAVARIAN CAPITAL

Munich, the third largest city in Germany, is always worth a visit. At least that's what we think, because there is a very special attitude to life in the Bavarian capital. And that includes surfers in the middle of the city as well as magnificent castles, strolling along the river Isar and, of course, a freshly tapped beer. The perfect accommodation for a trip to Munich is our southernmost hotel to date, the Scandic München Macherei.

FROM BREAKFAST TO FRAUENKIRCHE – SMOOTH AND CONVENIENT

A tour of Munich starts best at Marienplatz, the lively center of the city. Tram line 21, for example, will take you directly there, stopping directly in front of the Scandic München Macherei and allowing you to take a look at iconic buildings such as the Bavarian State Parliament on the way. The last part of the journey then goes through what is probably the most famous street in the city, Maximilianstraße. In addition to the Bavarian State Opera, which is located in the National Theatre built in 1818, the street is also home to flagship stores of many international luxury brands.

Once you arrive at Marienplatz, many sights of the old town, such as the food market Viktualienmarkt or the Gothic church Frauenkirche, are easy to explore on foot. But it is also worth planning time for the square itself and the New Town Hall there. Punctually every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., the famous carillon rings out in the town hall tower, representing two events from Munich's city history. A must for many visitors from all over the world. If you want to see the old town from above, you can either take a lift to the viewing platform of the town hall tower or climb the approximately 300 steps of the church tower of Old Peter directly opposite. This workout is compensated for by a panoramic view over Munich, including the Frauenkirche, and even as far as the Alps in the event of a foehn wind – a special weather condition.

Not far away, you can walk in the footsteps of the former dukes, electors and kings of Bavaria. In the residence, which includes a museum, treasury and theatre, magnificent rooms and art collections bear witness to the aspirations and importance of the Wittelsbach dynasty. A visit to Nymphenburg Palace in the west of Munich, the birthplace of fairytale king Ludwig II of Bavaria, is similarly glamorous.

OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH

What many people don't know is that the most famous folk festival in the world, the Oktoberfest, is also of royal descent, so to speak. As part of his wedding more than 200 years ago, King Ludwig I organized a festival for the people on a meadow outside the city. An unparalleled success story that today attracts around 6 million visitors to the festival venue Theresienwiese every year. The festival venue can be reached from Scandic München Macherei in about 30 minutes by subway.

ISAR – MORE THAN A RIVER

For Munich, the Isar is much more than a river. While in summer it promises cooling and cozy evenings outside due to its varied banks and floodplains, in winter it is the place to go for long walks. In addition, one of the most beautiful cross-country ski trails in the city is located between the island Flaucher and the bridge Reichenbachbrücke directly in the Isar floodplains. A detour to the English Garden, which is quite a bit longer, should not be missed during a visit to Munich. Equipped with drinks from the cult kiosk Milchhäusl, an afternoon at the Eisbach or on one of the extensive meadow’s flies by. Don't miss: Watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave at the southern entrance to the English Garden. They dare to ride the standing wave in almost any weather and are now just as much a part of the cityscape as the church Frauenkirche.

BIERGARTENS IN MUNICH

Beer gardens are institutions in Munich, the expression of the city's attitude to life. Be it in the classic way at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden, super-shady in the Hofbräukeller on Wiener Platz or idyllic-quiet in the beer garden "Zum Flaucher". No matter which of the many beer gardens you choose – with a cold beer and a traditional Bavarian snack, it will always be cozy.

OUR HOTEL IN MUNICH

The east of Munich, the home of our hotel Scandic Munich Macherei, has a lot to offer. In the surrounding area of the hotel there are cozy cafés, a small but fine bar and club scene as well as sightseeing insider tips. We'll only reveal this much: It's worth taking a look at the publicly accessible inner courtyard of the Technical Town Hall or through the telescopes of the Munich Public Observatory. A ride on Munich's Ferris wheel near the train station Ostbahnhof, just ten minutes from Scandic, also promises great views. From here you can also easily take the train to many parts of the Munich area and the mountains.

Welcome to Munich and enjoy your trip!