Regional Information
MUNICH
AT A GLANCE
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: 1.3 million
Language: German, with English widely spoken
Local Time: Irish and UK time +1 hour
Voltage: 230V – continental adaptors purchased in Ireland or UK can be used
Airport: Franz Josef Strauss (MUC), 38km (24 miles) northeast of Munich
Flight Duration: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Climate: Summers are sunny and warm with a few wet days. Winters are cold with light snowfalls.
OVERVIEW
Munich is located on the River Isar in Bavaria, near the German Alps. The city has a lot to offer tourists, including its rich culture, architecture, parks, shopping, skiing, sailing and numerous beer gardens. At the center of the city is the Marienplatz - a large open square with a Marian column in the middle. The square contains the Carillon, the most famous glockenspiel in the world, which was constructed as part of the New Town Hall in 1908. Every day at 11:00 and 12:00 the Carillon chimes while life-sized figures re-enact two stories from Munich’s history.
HIGHLIGHTS
Pinakothek Museums – These three massive buildings house some of the most important art collections in the world. The Alte Pinakothek contains a treasure trove of more than 800 paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, including masterpieces by renowned painters like Frans Hals, Van Dyck, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Velazquez and El Greco. The Neue Pinakothek houses modern paintings and sculptures from the 19th century, and the Pinakothek der Moderne features contemporary art, such as graphics, photography and video, from the beginning of the 20th century to today.
Asamkirche – Completed in 1746, the Asamkirche is a long and narrow chapel occupying a slim space between two houses. Its facade features a large statue of St. Johann Nepomuk over the door, carved with scenes from his life, as well as portrait medallions of Pope Benedict XIII and Bishop Johann Theodor of Freising. The jaw-dropping interior shows a harmonious unity of architecture, painting and sculpture, with scarcely an unembellished surface. Multiple frescoes are surrounded by rich red stucco and gilded woodwork, and an oval-shaped entrance hall contains Rococo confessionals decorated with symbolic figures.
Dachau Memorial Site – About 16km (10 miles) to the northwest of Munich on the Stuttgart Autobahn is the town of Dachau, once a quiet artists' community that became the site of the first notorious Nazi 'death camp'. Thousands of perceived enemies of the Third Reich were imprisoned here between 1933 and 1945. The camp has now been turned into a memorial museum to the prisoners and contains memorial chapels, exhibits, photographs and documents depicting the persecution of Jews and other prisoners.
GETTING AROUND
The best way of getting around in Munich is to use the excellent public transport system MVV. This is an integrated system consisting of trams, buses, U-Bahn (underground) trains and S-Bahn (suburban) trains. Munich also has cycle paths everywhere, and there are a number of cycle hire firms to choose from. The city centre comprises quite a small area and is suitable for walking.
HEALTH/SECURITY
Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended. Tap water in Germany is safe to drink and is of high quality.
PASSPORT/VISA
Germany is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish or UK citizens.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Irish Consulate:
Denningerstr. 15
81679 Muenchen
Tel: 49 089 20805990, Fax: 49 089 20805989
www.embassyofireland.de
British Consulate:
Moehlstrasse 5
81675 Muenchen
Tel: 49 089 211090, Fax: 49 089 21109155
Email: info.munich@fco.gov.uk
www.ukingermany.fco.gov.uk
Local Emergency Services: Ambulance & Fire 112 / Police 110
Calling Munich from Ireland: 00 + 49 + 89 + the number
Calling Ireland from Munich: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Munich: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local Tourist Office:
Tourist Office at City Hall
Marienplatz 2
80331 Muenchen
Tel: 49 089 23396500
Email: tourismus@muenchen.de
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.muenchen.de
www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/munich