You Might Not Know It Yet, But Munich Loves You!

When I recently visited Munich, I thought I only really went for the Christmas Markets. Yet only a couple of hours after arriving, I unexpectedly found myself walking around the centre of the city, telling my husband I could totally live there. And he completely agreed.

Looking out across Munich's historic centre; the New Town Hall to the right, Frauenkirche Cathedral to the left

So what was it about Munich that I found so mesmerising?

Well, for starters, the standard of living is exceptionally good, so there's no doubt life can be pretty peachy here. Crime rates are also low which means it's a safe place to call home. For me though, it was more of a feeling. And it's only since I came home that I've discovered the city's motto is "Munchen mag dich" which means "Munich loves you". Prior to 2006, the motto was "Weltstadt mit Herz" or "World city with a heart"  - You get the picture. And as a visitor, that's exactly the impression I got.

The wonderful building of the Old Town Hall

Of course, I think it helped that I could pull off looking local too. You see, I spent much of last year's holiday time in Greece and Italy and this classic English Rose (ok, milky white) glow and blonde hair combo really screamed tourist! In Germany however, I could fit right in. And I quite enjoyed it when the locals started up conversations with me in their native tongue, so much so that I felt a pang every time I hit my language limit and had to start speaking in English.

Looking up, as always, through the trees

One thing that didn't surprise me about this city was that everything just worked. And the S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains were a shining example. I hadn't been to Germany before, and I really wanted to experience public transport efficiency, given that it's often a sore point in the UK (It's good here, but I always think it could be better). I was not disappointed in Munich. Getting around the city was simple and super fast. Another box ticked for me!

Postcard worthy German street scenes

It was also an easy city to get to know by walking - and I have to thank the fabulous Julika from Sateless Suitcase for pointing me in the direction of Sandeman's New Europe walking tours. With an enthusiastic guide, we wandered the streets; learning and looking up. Let me tell you, this is one very pretty city! Best of all, the tour is free! It works on a tips only basis, so your guide is sure to do a good job.The walk was hugely satisfying and I completely recommend it. You'll discover heaps about Munich's history (and heaps about German beer)!

An unexpected sight on our walking tour!

City colour in Munich's buildings

Moving on to the drinking...Well, Munich is famous for beer! And if I ever return, I'll try to visit the beer gardens in the Summer sunshine. In December, we stuck to the brauhaus option. And again, I fell in love with Germany! Not just for the beer, but for the whole experience - shared benches and tables mean mixing with other people and this completely confirms that Germans are a friendly and welcoming bunch. 

As for the the food they serve? Well, it got the thumbs up from me in terms of winter comfort - pork shoulder and dumplings with sauerkraut? Traditional and oh so tasty (yet another box ticked for me and my meat loving man)!

Happiness found in a hearty dinner and a half drunk beer. Munich magic!

This was a trip largely driven by a wish to go anywhere in Germany that would be cheap to get to whilst fitting into a very tight window of dates. But as it turned out, Munich was one of my biggest city break success stories, and a place I'd love to return to. 

Oktoberfest anyone?

Have you been to Munich? Did you enjoy it?

Wrapping Up the Christmas Season: My Festive Fling with Munich

January 6th marks the the final celebration of the Christmas season for many, so it seems fair for me to wrap up my own Christmas with a post about my visit to Munich and the magic of its Christmas markets.

The sun sets on Munich's Marienplatz, and the fairy lights start to sparkle

We made the decision to go on this trip when we were riding a holiday high in Verona. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to visit Germany for it's famous markets, and as we talked about the possibility of cramming in a visit on the weekend before Christmas, our red wine buzz convinced us to go for it.

Fabulously festive market mugs

As usual, the exact destination in Germany would be largely decided by flight options and prices that worked for us. It turned out that Munich was the best fit at the best price, so as soon as we returned from Italy, I booked it. And it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Christmas market stalls around Munich's Cathedral

The markets in Munich were everything I hoped for. Much as I love the Manchester version at home, in Munich I found the essence of what they're all about it. This was especially true in the market we stumbled across at Rosenheimer Platz.  A market for the local community, they served Christmas spirit along with the Gluhwein in every mug. 

Locals meeting and mingling in the Rosenheimer Platz market

Families gathered, friends shared jugs of wine, stalls stocking everyday products stood next to those selling beautiful nativity figures and hand made tree ornaments.

Christmas ornaments and nativity figures for sale

The larger markets in and around the Marienplatz square in the centre of the city were busier and more touristy of course, but the fundamental feeling that this is just how Germans do Christmas, was still everywhere. 

Shopping for all things Christmas against the backdrop of Munich's Old Town Hall

Munich's markets felt genuine and authentic in a way we've not yet managed to capture in our often overcrowded UK versions of the German originals. Perhaps we will never manage to do it quite as well. After all, we're borrowing the tradition from somewhere else. I'll always enjoy Manchester's markets, but for the real deal, I'm going German.

Any suggestions for next Christmas?

Me. Overdosing on Christmas and loving every minute in Munich

Have you been to any of the Christmas markets in Germany, or anywhere else in Europe? Let me know your thoughts and tips in the comments!

Weekend Picture Pick: Munich Rooftops

This picture was taken from the bell tower of Peterskirche, where the views over Munich were simply stunning. We made the climb in the early evening, just as the sun was about to set on the city.

It was the perfect way to build up an appetite for a hearty December dinner of pork shoulder and dumplings. Not to mention a well earned beer!

Weekend Picture Pick: Christmas in Munich

I know there was no weekend picture pick last week, but that's because I was too busy getting my festive buzz on by drinking mulled wine in Munich.

So while we're still in the middle of the festive season, here's a wee taste of Christmas in Bavaria, and a beautiful crib.

The crib in the Theatinerkirche, Munich 

I've got so much more to say about Munich, and my first visit to Germany (and it's all good).

So stay tuned and watch this space...