Fun facts you probably didn’t know about Munich (but should!)
We all know Munich is the beer capital of the world and home of the legendary Oktoberfest, But there’s so much more to this Bavarian city than brews and pretzels. From surfing in the heart of the city to secret hills with Olympic views, here are some fun and unexpected facts about Munich that’ll make you fall in love with the city even more.
Ready to impress your travel buddies?
Let’s go! 🚀
#1 Surfing Munich-style 🌊
Let’s start with the coolest of all Munich facts: you can surf here. Seriously. Head to the Eisbachwelle in the English Garden and you’ll spot wetsuit-clad surfers riding a permanent wave right in the city centre. It’s one of the only urban surf spots in the world and a must-see for anyone visiting Munich. So if someone asks, “What is Munich famous for?” feel free to say…”surfing”. 😎
In a case surfing is not for you, stick around the English Garden – there is a lot to explore there.
#2 Beer is officially food in Bavaria
In Munich they take beer very seriously: there are over 60 beer gardens where you can enjoy cold beer during warm weather. There are 6 major breweries: Augustiner Bräu, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Hacker-Pschorr Bräu, Spaten-Franziskaner Bräu, and Paulaner Brauerei. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about community, tradition, and enjoying the moment. No wonder beer gardens are a way of life here! Visit at least one of them and you’ll understand why. Prost! 🍻
#3 The hill in Olympiapark is made of WWII rubble 🏔️
Many visitors climb the Olympiaberg in Munich to enjoy a 360-view of the city that on clear days even extends to reveal the Alps. Next time you’re enjoying these views, here’s a little backstory: this hill wasn’t always part of the landscape. It’s actually an artificial mound created from WWII rubble. Now it’s a peaceful green spot perfect for watching sunsets, summer picnics, and even catching open-air concerts.
And guess what? Our MEININGER Hotel Munich Olympiapark is just around the corner!
#4 The English Garden is bigger than Central Park 💚
Speaking of green spaces, did you know the English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world? Bigger than both London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park, it’s a true oasis right in the heart of the city. Grab a beer at a riverside kiosk, watch people surf, or just wander through miles of trails.
#5 Munich loooves its parks 🌳
When it comes to epic parks Munich has you covered. You’ll never be far from green space here. Besides the famous English Garden, other parks in Munich include the romantic Hofgarten, the modern Westpark, and the peaceful Luitpoldpark. Whether you’re after a quick stroll or a lazy picnic, Munich knows how to do green right.
#6 The largest beer festival in the world 🍻
As you already know, Munich hosts a yearly festival dedicated to beer and beer only, the famous Oktoberfest. Fun fact: it’s actually held in September and ends the first weekend in October. But even if you knew that one, you probably didn’t know that Einstein once worked at Oktoberfest! In 1896, 17-year-old Einstein was installing the lights at the Schottenhammel tent. 🎪
#7 There’s a beer garden inside the airport 🍺
Only in Munich can your layover include a pint of local beer under chestnut trees. Munich Airport is home to the world’s only airport beer garden, so even your travel day starts off Bavarian-style.
#8 Munich has its own “Museum Island” 🖼️
Yes, Berlin gets all the fame, but Munich has its own Museum Island too! It’s home to the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest science and technology museum. From space travel to submarines, there’s something for everyone. Rainy day in Munich? This place is your go-to.
#9 Glockenspiel show happens daily ⚔️
It’s touristy, sure, but you can’t skip the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz. Every day at 11 AM (and also at 12 PM and 5 PM in summer), the tower of the New Town Hall comes to life with a mini mechanical show featuring knights and spinning dancers. One of those old-school facts about Munich that never gets old.
#10 Play-Doh was invented in Munich 🧸
Pharmacist Franz Kolb plasticine invention was intended for his artist friends who had problems using modelling clay during cold months for their work. Today Play-Doh is the most famous modelling toy!
🌟 Summin’ up…
Munich might be famous for Oktoberfest, but now you know it’s also home to river surfing, hidden hills, massive green parks, and even a beer garden at the airport – so a little bit of everything.
Want to get better at planning? No need because we’ve prepared a bank holidays Germany guide just for you to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the bank holiday weekends in 2025!
Fun facts Munich: FAQs
What's the historical significance of Munich?
Founded in 1158, Munich is the capital of Bavaria and has been a cultural, political, and economic powerhouse throughout German history. It's home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums.
Can you tell me about the Oktoberfest tradition in Munich?
Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest beer festival and a major cultural event in Germany. It usually lasts for 16-18 days from late September to the first weekend in October, attracting millions of people from around the world who come to enjoy the music, traditional foods, and, of course, the wide variety of beers.
What are some iconic landmarks in Munich?
Notable Munich landmarks include the Marienplatz, the city's central square with the New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel, the Frauenkirche, a landmark cathedral with distinctive dome-topped towers, and the Nymphenburg Palace, a grand baroque palace with beautiful gardens.
What's special about the food in Munich?
Munich is famous for its Bavarian cuisine, which includes iconic dishes like pretzels, weisswurst (a traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon), and various regional cheeses. And don't forget about the city's world-renowned beer!
Can you tell me about Munich's Christmas markets?
Munich's Christmas markets are a longstanding holiday tradition in the city. The largest is the Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz, where visitors can buy Bavarian crafts, enjoy festive food and drink, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.
What's the significance of the English Garden in Munich?
The English Garden is one of the world's largest urban public parks. It's larger than New York's Central Park and is known for its four beer gardens, the Japanese teahouse, and even a wave in the Eisbach river where people surf.
What role does Munich play in Germany's car industry?
Munich is a significant hub in Germany's automotive industry. It's the headquarters of BMW, one of the world's leading luxury car manufacturers. The BMW Museum and the BMW Welt are popular attractions for car enthusiasts.
Is Munich known for its art scene?
Absolutely! Munich boasts numerous museums and galleries. Three of the most significant art museums are the Alte Pinakothek, which holds a vast collection of Old Master paintings, the Neue Pinakothek with 19th-century art, and the Pinakothek der Moderne, displaying modern and contemporary art.
What's unique about Munich's beer?
Munich is internationally famous for its breweries and the Reinheitsgebot, or beer purity law, dating back to 1516. This regulation allows only water, barley, and hops to be used in Bavarian beer.
Are there any famous personalities associated with Munich?
Munich is the birthplace of many notable figures, including world-renowned physicist Werner Heisenberg, novelist Thomas Mann, and Pope Benedict XVI.
Where to sleep in Munich 🛎
Stay with MEININGER Hotels in Munich for easy access to parks, sights, and of course, a good pint.
MEININGER Hotel München Zentrum: Landsberger Str. 20b, 80339 Munich, Germany
MEININGER Hotel Munich Olympiapark: Landshuter Allee 174, 80637 Munich, Germany
