Football World Cup

Munich:

Munich is a popular tourist destination and has been described as Germany's "secret capital". At the centre of the city is the Marienplatz (named after the Mariensaule, a Marian column in its centre) with the Old and the New Townhall, its tower contains as attraction the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, an ornate clock with almost life-sized moving figures that show scenes from a medieval jousting tournament as well as a performance of the famous "Schäfflertanz" (roughly translated "Barrel-makers' dance").

Munich enjoys a thriving economy - principally information technology, biotechnology, and publishing. Environmental pollution is low, although currently the city is concerned about levels of fine dust in the air. The public transport is extremely efficient, although delays on the S-Bahn (commuter train) often cause frustration during extreme winter weather. The crime rate is very low. This high quality of life and safety has caused the city to be nicknamed "Toytown" amongst some of the English-speaking residents. Munich is noted for its architecture and culture, while its annual Oktoberfest beer celebration is world famous.

Trivia: Munich is the capital of the German federal state of Bavaria. After Berlin and Hamburg, Munich is Germany's third largest city and one of Germany's Powerhouses. The city's motto is "Die Weltstadt mit Herz" (The world city with a heart). The opening game of the World Cup will be played here.

Transport I Hotels I Car Hire I Entertainment I Food I Sport I Stadium I Tourist Tips I History

Transport:

Munich has a large public transport system including Subways, Suburban trains, trams and buses. For its population, Munich has one of the most comprehensive systems in the world. The local transportation is supervised by the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV).

The blue strip card (Streifenkarte) is a better value than buying lots of individual tickets. The cost is 10 euros, and may be purchased at dispensing machine at every station. Stamp 2 strips for most journeys in the city, or 8 from the airport. The rule is to use two strips for each coloured ring on the map. Don't forget to stamp the tickets, otherwise they are not valid. These machines ("Entwerter") are found at the entrance down to the S-Bahn or U-Bahn platform, and on the buses and trams.

For more than two journeys a day, it's better to buy a day ticket, available for a single person or a partner card for up to five adults.

There are currently 8 lines:

• U1 - Olympia-Einkaufszentrum - Rotkreuzplatz - Central Station - Sendlinger Tor - Kolumbusplatz - Mangfallplatz
• U2 - Feldmoching - Harthof - Scheidplatz - Central Station - Sendlinger Tor - Kolumbusplatz - Giesing - Innsbrucker Ring - Trudering - Messestadt Ost
• U3 - Olympiazentrum - Scheidplatz - Münchner Freiheit - Odeonsplatz - Marienplatz - Sendlinger Tor - Implerstraße - Obersendling - Fürstenried West
• U4 - Westendstrasse - Heimeranplatz - Hauptbahnhof - Karlsplatz (Stachus) - Odeonsplatz - Lehel - Max-Weber-Platz - Arabellapark
• U5 - Laimer Platz - Westendstrasse - Heimeranplatz - Central Station - Karlsplatz (Stachus) - Odeonsplatz - Lehel - Max-Weber-Platz - East Station - Innsbrucker Ring - Neuperlach Sud
• U6 - Garching-Hochbrück - Freimann - Studentenstadt - Münchner Freiheit - Odeonsplatz - Marienplatz - Sendlinger Tor - Implerstrasse - Harras - Klinikum Grobhadern
• U7 - Rotkreuzplatz - Central Station - Sendlinger Tor - Kolumbusplatz [during large exhibitions in Riem: Innsbrucker Ring - Trudering - Messestadt Ost]
• U8 - Harthof - Scheidplatz - Central Station - Sendlinger Tor - Kolumbusplatz - Giesing - Innsbrucker Ring - Neuperlach-Zentrum

Lines U7 and U8 operate during peak hours only. The network has 86 km (54 miles) of active lines and 91 stations. The trains operate at speeds up to 80 km/h, which is the top speed among German U-Bahns. However, there is no continuous operation during the night (break from 1 to 4 am, 2 to 4 am on weekends) except on special occasions such as New Year's Eve.

Only one line, the U6, crosses the municipal border to the town of Garching. Except for the lines U5 and U6, all lines operate completly below ground. U5 only comes above ground at the south terminus Neuperlach-Sud, U6 on the northern section from Studentenstadt.

Trains operate at intevals of 10 minutes, 5 minutes during peak hours. In the early morning and in the late evening, the interval is expanded to 20 minutes on most lines.

Link: Public Transport Network Maps

Getting There:

Lufthansa and British Airways fly direct daily from Heathrow into Munich (Franz Joseph Strauss International Airport), airport code: MUC.

The city centre can be reached by the Munich S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 which take approximately forty minutes and cost about 8 Euro one way.

Taxi rides to downtown Munich cost about 50 Euro and can encounter traffic jams. Public transport in Munich is widely available and reliable. Tickets must be validated in the yellow Entwerter machines you can find when going down to the S-Bahn station - without a stamp the ticket is invalid and you are liable to a fine!

There are two terminals at Munich. The airport is roughly divided into three parts, Terminal 1, common area and Terminal 2, which is the newest part. Terminal 1 and 2 are behind the last security check and are much more sparse in shops and eateries than the common area. The latter contains the airport's own brewpub, Airbräu.

Air Berlin and British Airways (among others) fly into Terminal One. Terminal Two is used predominantly by Lufthansa and the Star Alliance partner airlines.  

Hotels:

If you're looking to enjoy room service in a four star hotel and the luxury scenery of Munich or you prefer a simple bed and breakfast with charming guest keepers in a typical Bavarian atmosphere, Munich has you covered.

Suggested City Hotels:

5 Star:

• Le Meridien Munich
• Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
• The Bayerischer Hof
• Hilton Munich Park
• Mandarin Oriental Munich
• Arabella Sheraton Bogenhausen Munchen
• Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel Munchen
• Koenigshof Hotel Munich
• Hotel Opera Munich
• Hotel Palace

4 Star:

• Hotel Excelsior
• K&K am Harras Hotel Munich
• Clarion Hotel
• Eden Hotel Wolff
• Hotel Deutsches Theater Downtown Munich
• Ludwig Hotel Munich
• Four Points by Sheraton Munchen Central
• Hotel Regent
• Hotel Brunnenhof
• Hotel Hahn
• Hotel Herzog
• Top Hotel Bristol Munich
• Hotel Spendid-Dollmann
• Arabella Sheraton Westpark Hotel
• Intercity Hotel Munich
• Meier City Munchen Hotel
• Top Conrad Hotel Munich
• Tulip Inn Munchen Center
• Kings Hotel Center Munich
• Drei Lowen Hotel
• Maritim Hotel Munich

3 Star:

• Hotel Royal 
• Creatif Hotel Elephant Munich
• Hotel Carmen Munich
• Germania Hotel
• Hotel Senator Munich
• Hotel Mirabell 

Car Hire:

Please contact Kirsty or Stuart on 01903 832888 or email us with your requirements.  Click here to see rates online.
 

Entertainment:

Nightlife:

Nightlife is thriving in Munich. There are over 6,000 licensed establishments in the city. Cafe culture is strong, especially during the summer. There are many restaurants accommodating all preferences of cuisine. And possibly the most important free time activity during the summer: the beer gardens. There are around 20 major beer gardens with four of the most famous and popular being located in the Englischer Garten - one of the largest city parks in the world.

Culture:

Munich`s cultural scene is second to none, its museums even outnumber Berlin in quality. And it has been, unlike Berlin, brilliantly rebuilt after the war, most people find it hard to believe that Munich was even bombed in WWII.

Munich people don't want their city to be noticed only as a city connected to beer and the Oktoberfest. In fact, the Bavarian kings had their share of Munich becoming a city of arts and science in the 19th century. Its outstanding position among other German cities may have faded since - especially due to Berlin becoming the German capital again in the 90s - but Munich still remains Germany's number-one place in art (many famous writers, artists, architects, and musicians who were born or lived in the region). 

Museums:

About 70 museums and galleries (the best known are Deutches Museum, Neue Pinathotek, The Pinathotek Modern, Alte Pinathotek and Villa Lenbach Gallery) exist in the city. Other mueseums worth mentioning are:

• Egyptian Museum
• Lenbachhaus Gallery - Expressionist Art
• Dachau Concentration Camp - An incredible, and sobering experience, however a worthwhile excursion. Tours can be booked in Munich or at Dachau there, in English. While the tour is certainly of historical value, there is very little to see from the original camp, as most of the structures fromt the WWII era have been detroyed. Tourists, who, take a tour of Dachau from a private guide/tour company often complain that they didn't have enough time to explore the camp. Three hours or more should be dedicated to exploring the camp, though, to fully see the camp may require five or more hours.

Theatres:

• Residenztheater - Nationaltheater shows a variety of operas
• Deutsches Theater - shows more musicals and theme shows (like Mama Mia!, etc.)
• Kammerspiele - Which often surprises viewers with very modern interpretations of famous plays.
• Volkstheater - somewhat inbetween Bavarian Folkore and modern theatre.  

Shopping Areas:

Maximilianstrasse - This street in the city centre is the place to go if you are looking for high end luxury goods.  For shopping centres with a collection of shops under one roof go to the shopping centres PEP (U-Bahn stop: Neuperlach Zentrum, U5), OEZ (U-bahn stop olympia Einkaufszentrum) or Riem Arkaden (U-Bahn stop Messestadt Ost, U2).
Hohenzollernstr - This street has a collection of clothes shops, such as: Mazel, Vero Moda and a cheap traditional German clothing shop. You can reach it by getting out at the U2/U8 stop Hohenzollernstr. and then walking in the direction of Munchner Freiheit (the locals will be able to tell you which directio that is, or by going one stop on the 53 bus going towards Munchner Freiheit (that's the final stop, so written on the front of the bus). From then on continue going in that direction, until you start seeing the shops. You can walk down there in about 15 minutes, but when you're shopping, who knows? And that then brings you to the next shopping zone:
Leopoldstr -  This can be reached by the U-bahn U6 or U3 at the stops Münchner Freiheit, Giselastrasse or Universitat, and has chain stores such as the Body Shop, or coffee shops, such as Starbuck's.  

Food:

Munich's reputation of the German gastronomy capital precedes it, but this is not because of the high-class French restaurants throughout the city. Munich is the homeland of classic, wholesome Bavarian cuisine. Your best bet here is to visit a traditional restaurant, where you will feast on simple, nourishing and well-prepared German specialties. An example is Tellerfleisch, tender boiled beef with a side dish of potatoes and horseradish, served on wooden platters. A comparable dish is the Tafelspitz. Main courses with beef and pork are served with sauerkraut and dumplings. Another recommended meal is Hax'n, well-roasted, crispy golden hams. Game is often served in season, like boar and red meats, with side courses of red cabbage and potatoes. The trout in the region is fresh and juicy, prepared in a number of ways, but the best is smoked. When in Munich, you will have a chance to sample all these native treats, and more.

Apfel strudel, something like apple pie, is the classic dessert, but if you want something a bit more out of the ordinary you can go for sweet dumplings. A special variety of these is immersed in vanilla cream and topped with cinnamon. This dessert is known as Dampfnudlen or steamed noodles in German, although it has nothing to do with noodles. Be warned that this is extremely heavy fare.

Restaurants:

Munich offers a variety of ethnic and traditional restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns. The numerous bakeries merit specific attention. If you visit a bakery in Munich, you will be surprised by the vast array of breads and other treats.

Restaurants usually add 16% VAT to the bill. Tipping is customary, but not mandatory. In any case, you don't need to tip over 10%.  The category of traditional restaurants includes Kafer-Schanke, Konigshof and the top-class establishment of the five-star Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. This restaurant features an elegant atmosphere and an impressive menu. Wild fowl is an excellent choice, and wild strawberries for dessert.

There are some great low-cost establishments in Munich, offering hearty fare and a friendly setting. These include Friesiche Teestube, a charming coffee shop serving vegetable gratin, pork patty salad and other wholesome meals for dinner. Furthermore, their tea list includes 150 different flavours. A great fish restaurant is the Il Soprano, but you won't enjoy it if you are used to a quieter setting and more space.

Some suggested restaurants:

Acuarello
Muelbauerstrasse 36
Bogenhausen
Tel: 089 470 4848
U-bahn: Bohmerwald-Platz
An enticing option for Italian food lovers, this is rated as one of the best restaurants for mediterranean fare in Bavaria. A warm classical ambience is the perfect setting for their wonderfully prepared and imaginative specialties.

Austernkeller
Stollbergstrasse 11
Munich
Tel: 089 29 8787
U-bahn: Isartor
Sitting under it's vaulted ceiling this "oyster cellar" is a delight to both visitors and locals. You get the largest selection of oysters in town here, and many gourmands make an entire meal just of Austernkeller's raw oysters. It's also renowned for the chef's lobster thermidor, and attentive service.

Cafe Dukatz in the Literhaus
Salvatorplatz 1
Munich
Tel: 089 291 9600
U-bahn: Odeonsplatz
Munich being the centre of publishing in Germany has influenced the culinary scene also. This delightful cafe is dedicated the writer Oskar Maria Graf (1894-1967). Jenny Holzer, the New York artist, was called in to carry out the Graf theme. She took sentences from Graf's writings and inscribed them on the cafe's leather benches or on the plates you're served: You have to clean your plate to see what Graf had to say. A typical remark, "It must soon be that I am famous." The restaurant serves a full-fledged freshly prepared cuisine using some the finest ingredients from the Bavarian countryside.

Der Katzlmacher
Kaulbacherstrasse 48
Schwabing
Tel: 089 34 8129
U-bahn: Universitat
This stylish and theatrical Italian restaurant is in a postwar building near the university, whose dining rooms are evocative of an elegant and rustic mountain lodge high in the Italian Alps. The cooking is based on the culinary traditions of the Marches, Friuli, and Emilia-Romagna, all known for their fine cuisines and agrarian bounty.

Ederer
Kardinal Faulhaber Strasse 10
Munich
Tel: 089 2423 1311
U-Bahn: Marienplatz or Odeonplatz
Highly praised in the German press, this up-market restaurant has an enviable address and interior for its customers. The food is pretty amazing too, inspiration for the menu items covers the range of cuisines from Bavaria, France, Italy, the New World, and the Pacific Rim.

Garden Restaurant
Bayerischerhof Hotel
Promenadeplatz 2-6
Munich
Tel: 089 21200
Tram: 19 or 21
Simply sumptuous. The place to go if you feel like splashing out and spoiling yourself. This show case restaurant serves upscale food to a cosmopolitan crowd.

Hunsinger's Pacific
Maximiliansplatz 5
Entrance on the Max-Joseph-Strasse, central Munich
Tel: 089 5502 9741
U-bahn/S-bahn: Odeonplatz/Stachus
Despite the name, don't expect the menu to be devoted exclusively to Pacific Rim cuisine. Fish is the premier item here - often flown in from Pacific waters just hours after it's caught. Preparation is based on classic French-inspired methods, but many of the innovative flavors come from Malaysia (coconut milk), Japan (wasabi), Thailand (lemongrass), and India (curry). One of the best things about this place is that it has relatively low prices for food that is superior to some of its more expensive competitors.

Nurnberger Bratwurst Glockl am Dom
Frauenplatz 9
Munich
Tel: 089 29 5264
U-bahn: U2 or U3 to Marienplatz
This well established restaurant opened in 1893, and was rebuilt after World War II. It offers a cozy and warm atmosphere, serving a popular dish with those delectable little sausages: Nurnberger Schweinwurst mit Kraut.

Palais keller
Promenadeplatz 2
Palais Montgelas Munich
Tel: 089/212 0990
Tram: 19
This bustling folkloric restaurant is down a flight of stone steps, deep in the cellar of one of Munich's finest hotels. Despite its elegant associations, its prices are competitive with those of Munich's many beer halls.  There is a tempting array of Bavarian and German dishes on the menu, served of course, with a foaming mug of beer.

Restaurant Konigshof
Karlsplatz 25 (Am Stachus)
Konigshof Hotel Munich
Tel: 089 55 1360
U-bahn/S-bahn: Karlsplatz. Tram: 19, 20 or 21
This still remains one of the grand hotel dining rooms of Munich. Major renovations have been been completed by the Geisel family, their chefs inventive, and their food reflects this passion. Fresh ingredients, polite waiters, silver candelabra and porcelain await you. 

Restaurant Vue Maximillian
Maximilianstrasse 17
Kempinski Hotel Munich
Tel: 089 2 1250
Tram: 19
If you are looking for a quiet and elegant location within walking distance of the opera house, this could be the restaurant for you. Food is prepared along classic French lines with many imaginative variations, including Asian influences. The menu changes every 4 to 6 weeks, and the service refined and competent.

Schuhbecks Sudtiroler Stuben
An Platzl 6-8
Munich
Tel: 089 216 6900
U-bahn or S-bahn: Marienplatz
Probably Bavaria's top restaurant,chef Alfons Schuhbeck provides an East meets West in his fusion cuisine. The menu is forever changing, based on the freshest and best ingredients in any season. The chef also takes justified pride in his desserts, including such delights as upside-down apple cake with fresh apple ice cream. Reservations are essential.

Sushi & Soul
Klenzestrasse 71
Munich
Tel: 089 2010 992
U-bahn: Fraunhoferstrasse
This contemporary Japanese restaurant offers great food with fresh ingredients and a hip and stylish crowd in a spacious setting.

Tantris
Johann-Fichte-Strasse 7
Schwabing
Tel: 089 3619 590
U-bahn: Dietlindenstrasse
The head chef Hans Haas was voted the top chef in Germany in 1994, and his penchant for exotic nouvelle carries him into ever-greater achievements. The cooking is both subtle and original. Choice of dishes is wisely limited: There's an eight-course menu that changes daily, plus a five-course table d'hôte (fixed-price menu), served at noon. This restaurant can be summed up by the fine service, beautiful interior, and excellent food that's a treat for the eye as well as the palate. Leading Munich businesspeople like to entertain here. The restaurant currently has a two Michelin Star rating.

Drink:

The Hofbrauhaus may be the most famous beer hall, but there are countless beer gardens scattered around the city. Traditionally, there are large chestnut trees (Kastanienbaume) for shade, and many outdoor tables. Bring your own picnics, or, choose from a wide assortment of traditional Bavarian meals and snacks at the kiosks. Coffee Culture is also very strong, especially during the summer months.

Some of the most popular genuine beer gardens are:

Augustiner Biergarten
Arnulfstrasse 52
Munchen-Neuhausen
Tel: +49 (0)89 59 43 93
daily 11.30am - 11.30pm
Augustiner Bier
Public Transport: S-Bahn stations Hauptbahnhof or Hackerbrucke

Aumeister
Sondermeierstrasse 1 (northern part of Englischer Garten)
Tel: +49 (0)89 32 52 24
Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 11pm
Hofbrau Munchen
Public Transport: U6, exit Studentenstadt or Freimann, then walk for 10 minutes

Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower)
Englischer Garten
Tel: +49 (0)89 38 38 73 27
daily 10am - 10pm
Lowenbrau Bier
Public Transport: U3, U6 Giselastrasse, then Bus 54 or 154 to "Chinesischer Turm"

Hirschgarten
Hirschgarten 1 (near Nymphenburg palace)
Tel. +49 (0)89 17 25 91
daily 9am - 12am
Augustiner, Schlossbrauerei Kaltenberg and Hofbrau Tegernsee
Public Transport: S-Bahn, exit Laim, walk via Wotanstrasse or Tram 12 or 17, exit Romanplatz or Steubenplatz

Taxisgarten
Taxisstrasse 12
Tel: +49 (0)89 15 68 27
daily open until 11pm
Spaten Bier and Franziskaner Bier
Public Transport: U1 exit Gern 

Sport:

At the heart of the Olympiapark Munchen in northern Munich, the Olympiastadion was the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. With a capacity of 69,250, the stadium hosted venues including the 1974 World Cup Final and the 1988 European Championship Final.

Designed by the German architect Günther Behnisch, the Olympiastadion was considered revolutionary for its time: large sweeping canopies of plexiglass stabilised by steel cables were used for the first time in a large scale. The idea was to imitate the Alps and to set a counterpart to the Berlin Summer Olympics of 1936, which were held under the Nazi-Regime. The sweeping and transparent canopy was to symbolize the new, democratic and optimistic Germany. This is reflected in the official motto: "The happy Games" ("die heiteren Spiele").

Following the Olympics, the stadium became the home of FC Bayern Munchen, with their rival TSV 1860 Munchen moving in during the 1990s. These two teams coexisted in the Olympiastadion until 2005, when both clubs moved to the purpose built Allianz Arena.

Stadium:

Allianz Arena:

The Allianz Arena is a football stadium located in the north-Munich district of Frottmaning. It opened end of April 2005 and is the new home to the German football clubs TSV 1860 München and FC Bayern München. The stadium will also host the opening game of the 2006 World Cup. It was designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron to replace the Olympiastadion which had been used by the two clubs since 1972.

The Allianz Arena has a capacity of 70,000 , 3 day-care centres, fanshops and restaurants with a total area of about 6,500 square metres. Next to the stadium is Europe's biggest car park, which can accommodate 11,000 cars.

The Allianz group, a large financial services provider, paid to name the stadium for the next 30 years. However, during the 2006 World Cup it will be known as "FIFA WM-Stadion Munchen", as the FIFA does not allow any sponsoring of stadium names. FC Bayern Munchen will also be required to cover up the stadium name during its Champions League season matches due to similar restrictions by the UEFA.

The total construction cost was 340 million Euros, half of which was paid by TSV 1860 Munchen and half by FC Bayern Munchen. The Stadium is one of 12 Stadiums for the World Cup. Following games in the WorldCup.

Within a few months of opening day, the distinctive shape of the Allianz Arena had inspired the nickname Schlauchboot ("inflatable raft") by which it is now commonly known.

Location:

The stadium is located at the northern edge of Munich's borough of Schwabing on the Fröttmaning Heath. From the subway station just south of the arena, visitors approach the stadium through a park that was designed to disentangle and guide them to the entrance. An esplanade rises gradually from ground level at the subway station entrance, passing the parking garage, to the entrance level of the stadium.

Stadium World Cup Schedule:

• 9th   June 2006 Group A: Germany - Costa Rica (Opening Match)
• 14th June 2006 Group H: Tunisia- Saudi-Arabia
• 18th June 2006 Group F: Brasil - Australia
• 21st June 2006 Group C: Cote d'Ivoire - Serbia and Montenegro
• 24th June 2006 Final Sixteen: First in Group A - Second in Group B
• 5th   July 2006 Semi Final: Winner of Game 59 - Winner of Game 60
  

Tourist Tips:

The city of Munich has a lot to offer for all ages and tastes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or art; whether you enjoy strolling through parks, fancy a trip to the Bavaria film studios or long for a visit to one of Munich's famous traditional beer gardens, you'll always find something exciting in this multi-faceted city.

Marienplatz:

The Marienplatz is the traditional heart of Munich. Its Marian column was built in 1638 as a reminder the city had been spared during Swedish occupation. It is not exceptionally different from any number of plague columns scattered around central Europe. What really draws a crowd on Marienplatz, though, is the Glockenspiel in the façade of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). The summer tourist crowds gawk at the Glockenspiel figures enacting the Schafflertanz (coopers' dance), a ritual originally performed to celebrate the end of the plague in Munich.

The Rathaus was built in Flemish Gothic style between 1867 and 1908 by Georg Joseph Hauberissere. If you are interested in shopping, go here and follow the main shopping street down to Karlsplatz (Stachus), a major tram/U-Bahn/S-Bahn stop. Major chainstores, such as H&M and Saturn (for CDs and electronical equipment)can be found there.

Suggested sightseeing options:

• Olympiapark
• BMW Museum
• New Rathaus
• Bavaria Film Studios
• Frauenkirche South Tower
• Karl's Gate
• Church of St.Peter
• English Garden
• Olympic Tower - Stunning city views
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Rafting on the River Isar
• Day trip to Salzburg (trains run every hour)
• Schloss Neuschwanstein (King Ludwig's fairtale castle)
• Bad Reichenhall - Spa town close to Munich
• The Eagle's Nest
• Rothenburg Medieval Town

History:

The city's name comes from the German word Munichen or "monk settlement," for it was the Benedictine friars that settled in the valley of the Isar river in the 8th century Since that time, Munich has grown into the third-largest German city with 1.4 million people.

Munich's history is full of twists and turns, reflecting the complicated past of the German lands. A ducal residence at first, Munich became a fully-fledged capital of Bavaria in 1503, only 14 years before Martin Luter's Reformation began in Germany. Munich, however, as well as the whole Duchy of Bavaria, remained one of the main strongholds against Reformation, sticking to its Catholic traditions.

At the turn of 18th and 19th centuries, Munich enjoyed a status of the capital city of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Its first king, Max Joseph started the tradition of Oktoberfest in 1810, though one must admit that the festival has ventured much away from its royal origins.
Throughout the 19th century the city flourished, the well-preserved architecture from that period being one of its most recommended sightseeing points. The reign of Bavaria's last king, Ludwig II, proved a swan song for the kingdom, though not for the city itself. As Munich and Bavaria became part of the freshly unified German state in 1871, the city quickly embraced the new and lively cultural trends that pervaded across Europe at the turn of 19th and 20th centuries.

Writers like Mann or Ibsen, artists like Kandinsky or Klee, all lived there. But Munich also was where Adolph Hitler rose to importance in 1920s and also where democratic Europe succumbed, when Britain's Neville Chamberlain signed the infamous Munich treaty, sealing the fate of Czechoslovakia and opening gates for Hitler's further invasions.

After the war, Munich swiftly recovered from the heavy damage inflicted on it by the Allied forces. It now stands up to par with its cultural traditions of Mann and Kandinsky and is one of Germany's centres for industry, culture, entertainment, and sports - for it's not only Bayern Munich that is the sporting symbol of the city (and to many, of Germany as a whole). In 1972, for a variety of reasons, including non-sporting ones - the fated summer Olympic Games took place there.

Current residents of Munich enjoy a high quality of life. Mercer HR Consulting consistently rates the city among the top 10 cities with highest quality of life worldwide. The 2005 survey ranked Munich as 5th. Munich enjoys a thriving economy - principally information technology, biotechnology, and publishing.  

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