~ Carmen

We recently returned from my first visit to Germany.  It was part of a 12-day tour with my middle school students and parents.  Joe lived in Germany for three years while in the Army, so he knew a lot of the “must sees”, but for me, it was all a new experience!

Stop 1- Vienna, Austria (read more)

Stop 2- Salzburg, Austria (read more)

Stop 3- Dachau Concentration Camp (read more)

Stop 4- Munich, Germany

Stop 5- Neuschwanstein Castle (read more)

Stop 6- Lucerne, Switzerland (read more)

Stop 7- Heidelberg, Germany (read more)

Stop 8- Rhine River Cruise (read more)

Stop 9- Cologne Cathedral (read more)

5 Activities in Munich You Don’t Want to Miss!

1. Visit the BMW Headquarters.

Even if you are not a huge car enthusiast, you’ll have fun walking around the BMW Headquarters.  The building is huge and very modern on the inside and out.  I loved seeing all of the latest models of cars and motorcycles.  There is even a BMW museum!  The part I loved the most was the cafe.  The cafe is not just a little tourist concession, but a full fledged cafe serving the employees of BMW.  Not only are the prices reasonable, but the food was excellent!

2.  Watch the Surfers.

That’s right, miles and miles from the nearest ocean you can watch surfers on Eisbach (artificial river) at Haus der Kunst, on the edge of the English Garden.  This is not for amateurs surfers to try, and swimming is banned.  I loved watching each surfer take their turn on the fast paced rapids.  My only regret is that I didn’t have a blanket, picnic lunch, or more time to spend here!

A family of swans in the palace canal

3. Stroll the grounds at Nymphenburg Palace.

Nymphenburg Palace was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs in the late 1600s.  Just a walk up the front entrance will give you a glimpse of the opulence to come.  The canal takes you all the way to the front of the palace.  The canal is home to swans and ducks, adding to the beauty and elegance of the palace grounds.

Behind the palace is an immense English garden

4. People (and glockenspiel) watch at Marienplatz.

Marienplatz is the busiest spot for tourist.  If you like to people watch, it is the place to shop, pick up some chocolate, and find a bench to relax.  Of course, you have to watch the giant glockenspiel which runs at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

I highly recommend visiting St. Peter’s Church.  The sanctuary is absolutely gorgeous.

For a small fee you can climb the 300+ church tower steps for a view of the Marienplatz and Munich.  A word of caution for those who don’t like tight spaces–the tower is narrow and winding.  There were a few moments when I had to talk myself into rounding another corner, hoping I wouldn’t get stuck passing another visitor.

Breath taking view from St. Peter’s Church tower

5. Spend an afternoon in a beer garden.

With the growth of farmer’s markets and patio seating, Americans are finally discovering what the Germans have known for centuries.  Time spent under huge shade trees, talking, drinking, and eating with good friends is time well spent!

Can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon!

We loved spending several hours at Viktualienmarkt, just around the block from Marienplatz.  The market square is filled with vendors selling everything from food to drink to dry goods.  There was a good mix of tourists and locals.  In the center is a tall May pole which is a good meet-up spot if you happen to get separated from your group.

Have you been to Munich, Germany?  If so, what would you add to our list?  If you haven’t been, which of this activities do you think would be your favorite?  Please comment below.  Keep up with all of our travel, camping, and cycling tips by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Leave us your email (blue box at the bottom of the post) to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and never miss a post!

~ Carmen

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