City Overview

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is a major commercial, business, and industrial center. While Munich is famous for the Oktoberfest, the city has much more to be proud of as well. Three major companies call Munich home: luxury car maker BMW, electronics giant Siemens, and aerospace leader MBB. Other manufacturing in the city include machinery, optics, clothing and furniture.

Today Munich is considered a trend setter in fashion, and has even been referred to as a German Paris. Numerous film makers, musicians, painters and writers call this city home. As the city has become more trendy the city has become increasingly popular with the jet-set crowd.

While today Munich is world famous, its beginning were much more humble. Founded by Henry the Lion in 1158, the "city" was initially just a toll collection point on the Isar River. Under the Wittelbach nobility, the city gained importance in 1503 when it became the capital of the region of Bavaria. It was not however until the 19th century that the city really began to take off. During that time period the city saw an extensive city planning effort that helped to create much of the charm the city has today.

Currently Munich is renowned for the quality and quantity of its cultural, artistic, and educational institutions. Some of the better known museums include the Alte Pinakothek Museum (collections of German & Flemish paintings), the Gylptotheck (excellent collection of sculptures), the Neue Pnakothek & National Museum of Bavaria (art collections), and the Deutsches Museum (technology).

Other points of interest include the following. The National Theater has a series of highly regarded performances throughout the year. Concerts during the summer months are held at the Nymphenburg Palace. Finally during the month of October people from all over the world to take part in the Oktoberfest. Beer gardens abound, the food is great, there is lots of music, and the weather is great. If you have a chance, don't miss this event.

Overall you are sure to fall in love with Munich and the surrounding region. Despite the size of the city, it is still easily explored. Nearby are great ski areas, Alpine lakes, beautiful villages, and countless other interesting attractions.

Back to the Top