However, apparently Germans like to turn up their heat very high, so I found myself to be very, VERY warm whenever I was inside a museum, restaurant, or cafe. Learn how your comment data is processed. $(this).css('display', 'block'); I mean Another highlight is the Monopteros, a small Greek temple built in 1838 by the famed architect Leo von Klenze. Here are the best places to visit in Germany on your Bavaria itinerary during Winter. The great thing about the Christmas markets in Munich is that many of them are held at some of the citys top attractions, so youll get to sip on some gluhwein (quite possibly one of the best Munich winter activities) and snack on some candied almonds while crossing things off your Munich itinerary. "@type": "Answer", The perennially pleasant weather makes it a great option during both summers and winters. Between mid-November and mid-January, the "Mnchner Eiszauber (Munich Ice Magic)" opens in the middle of the Stachus (Karlsplatz), here you can skate until the evening hours - and also rent skates. The fairy tale fantasy castle built by King Ludwig II inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and is just magnificent. Apart from the stunning cobbled lanes, there is a lot to explore in this town as well such as the Cathedral of St Stephen and the famous shopping street of Ludwigstrasse. You will need at least two hours to explore it all, but it is a time well spent! Curiosity Saves Travel combines my MSc in biodiversity, my BA in journalism, and years of experience in the tourism industry while amplifying diverse voices. Munich and the surrounding area of Bavaria are teeming with fun things to do in the winter. so youre going to need to walk around a few times until you find a spot. $(this).remove(); It is about a 15 minute walk to Hauptbahnhof, or you can ride the S-Bahn for one stop. There are many cinemas in the center of Munich that are easily accessible and show movies in the original version. It is undoubtedly one of the most stunning cities in Europe and is replete with architecture, culture, music and great cuisine. The exception to this is traveling to the airport, which is in Zone 5. The first is in the Englischergarten at Monopteros, which you can find on Google maps. Things to do in Munich in winter. Even though its Winter, Munich still gets a better amount of sunshine because }); If you come during Christmas time, youll What you can do:Take a cozy sightseeing tour of Munich in the Christmas tram. 10 Best Day Trips from Munich (with Map) - Touropia The adjacent Pinakothek der Moderne is devoted to painting as well as photography, design and architecture. Location: Bavaria, Germany If you love to visit cities, but also love to spend Stop by There are many experiences that one can enjoy here only in the festive months of December and January adding to the list of reasons that make visiting Munich in January a delightful experience. It is popular for its eighteenth century Schloss and you should definitely make a stop here during your time in Munich. I found some inspiration :). There is no better way to beat the cold of winter than sipping hot coffee or hot chocolate at a cafe. This can be an economical way to travel around Germany and Central Europe I ended up taking a Flixbus from Munich to Prague, and it only cost me $20 USD and was a fairly pleasant experience! Distance from Munich: 380 kilometres the area near the Siegestor var timer_metaslider_50011 = function() { Wait, what, you say? I spotted at least eight surfers here when I visited Eisbachwelle and was absolutely enthralled watching them, as was the crowd of people who were also gathered to watch the surfers. Dachau is a small town that is infamously known for the location of the barbaric and inhuman concentration camp. than combining art with something to eat? Munich has to have one of the cutest birds eye views in all of Europe. but in the winter it seems like exactly the place to be. maybe you want to try ice skating, attend a winter festival, or you just There are markets, to name just a few, in almost all parts of the city. What you can do:Immerse yourself in the world of art. Bavaria, and today is the single largest city palace in Germany. There is never a good time to visit Munich due to endless activities and events happening in and around the city throughout the year. no pressure to do it all at once! Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria's castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world. I suggest taking this tour! Find the best markets, food, drink, and alternative markets, and learn some Christmas phrases in German! A perfect way to explore Munich without freezing. Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark is one of the biggest indoor water parks in the nation at 50,000 square feet. That's why, though fewer people may visit the Hellabrunn Zoo in winter than in summer, there is still a lot going on. This is one of the most photographed structures in the Englischer Garten it stands at the top of a small hill, and has a beautiful dome and columns. There are many tours organized from Munich to the memorial site in Dachau and you could book one for a guided tour. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The highlight at the Lenbachhaus is the world-famous art of the German group "Blauer Reiter". "name": "What should one eat when in Munich? This palace once used to be a hunting lodge with Rococo theme and highly furnished rooms. It can get packed here, so you might have to scout the place for a bit before you find an open spot, but be patient and youll eventually snag one. Youll also get one of the best views of the Munich skyline from here! the north in the Winter (and, frankly, year round). $('#metaslider_50011').metaslider_scale_layers({ it right after some snow to see the citys rooftops decked in snow! 3. Tourists mainly visit this region to witness the Eagles Nest - a mountain refuge upon Mount Kehlstein established by Hitler. PICTURES & WORDS IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. Festive Christmas markets. } What you can do:Enjoy the Advent season at the Christmas markets. While some of them are in the country, others are in neighboring countries like Austria and the Czech Republic. One of the most touristy places near Munich Germany is the Zugspitze Mountain Peak, and is popular as the tallest peak of Germany! Distance from Munich:250 km Lakes & Mountains around Munich | simply Munich 8 Krampus Run Munich. pauseOnHover:true, Traditional Bavarian food tends to be made up of hearty meats, and potatoes, smothered in some sort of rich gravy. Nymphenburg Palace Park. It is built on a hill above the village, Hohenschwangau and is one of the most popular as well as highly recommended castles in Europe. (2022 Dates: Nov 21- Dec 23), This one is the hipster/alternative market think organic food, unique handmade goods, and art installations. Modern art of the 20th century by Andy Warhol, among others, can be seen at the Museum Brandhorst. Check out a Snowy View of Munich View from St. Peter's Church. The 25 best day trips from Munich [as ranked by a local] Share your thoughts in the comments, especially if you have some tips Yes, it is touristy AF but its so iconic that you just have to have a pint or two at Hofbruhaus. This factory walks you through all the stages of making a car, and you get to see a car made from beginning to end. Because what better way to warm up than to down a beer (or, erm, a few)? The Experience Tour is free and you can visit a fancy showroom highlighting the cool modern, and classic BMW cars. You can also take this beer and food culture tour, which includes a tour of Hofbruhaus, as well as an exclusive tour of the Oktoberfest museum, and tastings of traditional Bavarian food and beer! For those who wish to visit open-air cafes, March to May is the best time. Maibaums are a common sight in Bavaria, and date back to ancient times. "@type": "FAQPage", an audio guide to help complete the picture as you walk through the palace. What to do in Lyon in winter? - Alliance Franaise of Lyon You can purchase transit tickets and passes at underground U-Bahn or S-Bahn stations, or from the ticket machines on board buses and trams. Most places have an English section. The 17 best things to do in Munich in winter - Wyld Family Travel Munich in December: things to do and how to escape the cold winter It is also a great honeymoon destination because of the romantic riverside setting and beautiful bridges. } A list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Munich, Germany. 14 Places Near Munich You Must Not Miss When In Germany In 2023 Starting on the 7th of January, this event continues until Faschingsdienstag, or Fat Tuesday as it is commonly known. Insider tips to plan your itinerary. For those who wish to visit open-air cafes, March to May is the best time. Not only is it picture-perfect, but winter has an increase in cultural events, including fantastic concerts, spirits and beer events, and great outdoor activities. Literaturhaus. So dont be intimidated, there is are in for an idyllic time in one of Europes most picturesque cities. The Antiquarium was built to store the extensive antique collection of the Wittelbach family, who lived in the palace for over 400 years. In the center of the square you will find the Mariensule column, atop which a golden statue of the Virgin Mary watches over the city of Munich and the state of Bavaria. There is no dearth of tourist attractions here, whether you want to visit museums and art galleries or stunning architecture and natural attractions. station, you can stay just about anywhere centrally. One benefit to visiting Munich in winter is that youll find less crowds at Neuschwanstein tickets often sell out days in advance in the summer. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer. I am This town is situated on the Austrian border and makes for a perfect getaway, especially for those who are looking for a townscape with water. Ranking of the top 21 things to do in Munich. However, I like to shop locally, so I recommend skipping the over-crowded, over-priced tourist areas and stopping by the neighborhoods of Gartnerplatz/Glockenbach or near Universitt start on Schellingstrae and meander the streets from around there for great local boutiques and gift shops. have no problem getting around even during the winter weather. Lyon Museum of Fine Arts proposes, in a unique exhibition, to explore from Picasso's art work, other XXIth century artists' work such as Paul Cezane's, Auguste Renoir's, Francis Bacon's and of course the thematic of water . Admire the stunning Gothic architectural details of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). Make sure you pack boots that will keep your feet dry and warm wool socks. From there, you have several options to get into the city: The fastest but most expensive option it will take about 35 minutes to get into central Munich, and cost you about 70. Here are some suggested items to pack for Munich in winter: Most visitors will fly into Munich International Airport (MUC), located about 40 kilometers (~25 miles) out of central Munich. I love visiting the graveyard every season to see the changes. Location: Austria For a complete packing guide, read my German winter essentials packing guide. This palace is located in the southwestern region of Munich, close to Ettal and border of Austria. The Eisbachwelle is part of a manmade river that flows through the park, and surfers have been riding the break for over 40 years.. A stone step at the outlet of the river creates consistent half-meter tall waves; the surfers have even hacked the waves by adding underwater ropes attached to planks, which create two taller, cleaner U-shaped waves. We bundled up, piled into a classic red VW bus, and toured street art, sledding hills, Christmas markets, and other oddities. I loved the cozy but festive vibe of this one, and did I mention that it is held in the courtyard of a royal palace? Location: Berchtesgaden, 83471, Germany What list of things to do in Munich could be complete without this one? , { The movie plays on a screen while a live orchestra plays the soundtrack. I remember growing up in a small town in Alaska, we used to have miles of sledding hills at our doorstep. Time Taken: 120 Minutes. Time Taken: 30 minutes. Smaller shops and restaurants may only accept cash as well. After lunch, visit the art exhibit at the Literaturhaus. Location: Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal and we traveled to Munich by train. The best part about coming in winter (other than Christmas time) is that it is usually not as crowded, so you can take your time and get a good photo! If you are traveling in a group of two adults or more, the group all-day ticket will be the most cost-effective. Thanks for supporting my work, at no additional cost to you. Top 5 Places to Visit Around Munich in Winter (2022 dates: Nov 21-Jan 7 2023), I stumbled upon this market because it was just down the street from my hotel, and really enjoyed it! $('#metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { Youll find a plethora of fresh produce, delicious bites to snack on, colorful flowers, exotic spices, cheese, local German wine, and much more (it kinda reminded me of the Boqueria in Barcelona, in a way). 7 Reasons You Should Visit Iceland this Winter, Best Places to Visit in Bavaria in Winter, Why You Should Visit Peacock Island in Berlin this Summer. Munich is connected to many other cities in Germany and Europe via high-speed rail. Some ladies will come around and Munichs aquarium specializes in turtles and sharks; see a variety of both in stunning exhibits. Plus, the trains actually run on time (unlike in San Francisco, where I spent 11 years at the mercy of the perpetual lateness of Muni) I was highly impressed! $('#metaslider_50011').flexslider({ If your final destination is not within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof station, you will need to transfer onto the U-Bahn, tram, or bus, in which case this may not be the best option. Germans are a bit strange in art, so classic operas tend to have a German twist think of nudity on stage and abstract art that is so abstract youre not sure if it is even art anymore. Distance from Munich: 192 kilometres While the Residenz may not look like much just by looking at the outside, the inside is absolutely stunning. If the weather is too dang cold to do anything, hop on a heated bus for a quick tour of Munich. 35 of the Best Day Trips From Munich for Kids right in the middle of the city. The figures that are on the Maibaum at Viktualienmarkt represent various aspects of life in Munich, including a horse and cart transporting barrels of beer, scenes from Oktoberfest, the flag of Munich, and the two patron saints of brewing, St. Boniface and St. Florian. $('#metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { An awesome way to experience the best of what the market has to offer and learn more about its history and significance during a food tour with a local guide. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { The park was originally named Theodors Park, but was changed to Englischer Garten because it was laid out in the style of a traditional English country park. Munich is served by several bus lines, including DB (Deutsche Bahn) Buses and Flixbus. It is so hauntingly breathtaking with a fresh coat of snow. six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my If you have worshipped the popular musical Sound Of Music, we dont need to say anything more to convince you to make a stop at Salzburg during your time in the region. animationSpeed:600, 10 Adorable Mountain Towns That'll Make You Actually Enjoy Winter I stood in the room for a long time, absolutely in awe (and snapping lots of photos!). If you like aquariums, then head over to Sea Life Munich. It is also where you will find Munichs oldest and second largest beer garden, and if visiting in December, one of the citys best Christmas markets. I think you can see One must explore The Singers Hall which is built on the fourth floor and displays some of the most exquisite works by Wagner. She focuses on the intersection of sustainable travel and environmental science. Ice skating would have to be one of the best things to do in Munich in winter. 9 Curling Outdoors in Munich. }; "name": "What is the best time to visit Munich? The romantic Christmas markets are some of the things that make Munich unique in cold season. Here you hike up a small winding path, and at the top, you can warm up with beer and food before beginning your descent. nextText:">", Make sure you visit the Augustiner Monks Brewery during your time in Salzburg, one of the best European cities near Munich. Its a little silly given that these two spots arent Foodies will absolutely love this market youll find lots of gourmet treats here! They represent a village or borough and its trade. Linderhof Palace was established in the year 1878 and was admired by King Ludwig ll. From Garmisch, a cogwheel train chugs to Eibsee, where you can take the cable car to Zugspitze. What you can do:Go to the cinema. Time Taken: 2 hours 40 minutes. At more casual restaurants and cafes, it is customary to round up to the nearest Euro or two. Time Taken: 80 Minutes by train and a cable car lift. Learn how to get from Munich to Knigssee, the best things to do at Knigssee, where to stay in Berchtesgaden, and tips for hiking in the Berchtesgaden National Park. experience. This is my favorite winter activity, and Ive been obsessively attending Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Final Fantasy in Concert. place to visit in Winter. Places Near Munich 2023: 14 Unforgettable Places In The Heart Of Germany, 10 Day Trips From Munich That Are Worth Taking Once, 15 Best Things To Do In Munich For Treating The Culture Vulture In You, 12 Tourist Places In Munich You Should Not Miss, Safaris In Germany: All You Need To Know for An Adventurous Day Out On Your Next Trip, 6 Exhilarating Water Sports In Germany You Should Try If You Want An Adrenaline Boost, Munich In Summer: Your Personal Guide For A Soothing Germany Vacay, Munich Nightlife: A Handy Guide For Party Animals To Explore This Bavarian Capital. Whether in the city centre, along the banks of the Isar river or up a mountain in advance of tobogganing back down into the valley, Munich offers a wide selection of winter hikes to enjoy. Youll feel like youve been transported to Disneys Frozen. If you are coming from the United States, you will need to use a power adapter to use your electronics. Thus, on your trip to Europe, do not even consider skipping Munich, Germany as you will definitely miss out on a lot. Youll find pink everythinggg and glitter here, as well as drag queens, and plenty of cocktails. 3 Euro will grant you access to the long, zigzagging staircase leading up to the top. Like much of Europe, Germany uses the Euro currency. Zugspitze is a glacier area, so you can return home and tell your friends youve walked on a glacier. Go to Christmas markets Every year, the pre-Christmas season is the best way to get in the mood for winter: The city sparkles and glitters, it smells of roasted almonds and mulled wine. Or, if you want to get to the airport early, stop by Therma Erding for a posh modern spa experience. At first glance, the public transportation system might look a bit confusing, but once you get the hang of it, its pretty easy, I promise! Yes, it is rich and hearty, and can be a bit heavy at times (I was done with it after three straight days of this), but it is definitely the perfect comfort food to eat! Its got a bit of a party vibe as well, which makes sense since it is held on the same grounds as the Oktoberfest festival. Orchids, cacti and palms grow in the tropical warm greenhouses in the Botanical Garden. Best Tips For Winter in Munich, Germany - Arzo Travels I have not found such helpful information anywhere else. reverse:false, If you prefer to learn about German beer culture and history, check out my full post on all the best beers, beer halls, and beer-themed day trips. The rates are very affordable I paid under $100 USD a night. In the Prinzregentenstadion you can turn your rounds to music open-air. Gingerbread cookies (because theyre super Instagrammable). Find out more information about several ways to get out and ski the Alps with my comprehensive guide here. ", Freising Freising is just a short drive out of Munich to the north, next to the city's international airport. She has an MSc in environmental science; her thesis focused on building tourism models to benefit biodiversity. Choose the ones you would want to visit from the list below! Your host will speak German, but if you ask, they usually speak English and can give you some personal information based on your needs. This view can be reached from Peterskirche or St. Peters Church right in the center of Munich at Marienplatz. The Englischer Garten was commissioned in 1789 by Elector Karl Theodor, who wanted to create a green space for the general public to have an opportunity for leisure and relaxation (as it turns out though, he was not a very popular ruler).