Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Munich
Munich is one of Germany’s most popular destinations, especially during the Oktoberfest. It’s famous for its reach history, FC Bayern football team, beer and much more, which you will discover in our article about the most interesting fun facts Munich.
#1 In Munich they take beer very seriously – PROST!
Beer is considered as a food in Bavaria, officially. In Munich 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. Visit at least one of them, it’s a must.
#2 The largest beer festival in the world
As you already know in Munich there is a yearly festival dedicated to beer and beer only, the famous Oktoberfest. Which is actually held in September and ends the first weekend in October.
But 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.
Also, be careful with the escalators during Oktoberfest, they actually pick up the speed. To manage huge crowds during Oktoberfest they reset the escalator speed, so visitors can get quicker from A to B.
#3 Yes, you can surf in Munich
In the middle of Munich, flows the Eisbach, a side arm of the Isar River that runs through the beautiful park English Garden. Every day, river shredders line up to surf on this ice-cold wave. In a case surfing is not for you, stick around the English Garden, there is a lot to explore there.
#4 BMW’s Hometown
Munich is the birthplace of one of the most famous car brands, BMW – which stands for “Bayerische Motoren Werke”, or Bavarian Motor Factories. You can even visit their museum at the headquarters (they have their own postal code), learn about the history of the company, check out retro models, but also learn about future projects.
#5 The hill in Olympiapark is made of rubble left over from WWII
Many visitors are climbing the Olympiaberg, to enjoy a 360-degree view, that even extend to the Alps on a clear day. But not so many know the history behind the Olympiaberg. Between 1948 to 1957, Munich’s Olympiaberg was actually created out of rubble left behind from WWII.
#6 Play-Doh was invented in Munich
Pharmacist Franz Kolb plasticine invention was intended for his artist friends, who had problems using modeling clay during cold months for their work. Today plasticine, a Play-Do, is the most famous modeling toy!
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.
Looking for a family hotel in Munich? Our hotels are located near city center which gives our guests access to the entire city with ease via excellent public transport connections. Families, no matter whether large or small will find everything they need for a holiday at our hotels: guest kitchen, washing machine and dryer plus flexible family room at affordable price.
Where to Stay in Munich? – Best Neighborhood for Your Trip! 👇
MEININGER Hotel München Zentrum & MEININGER Hotel Munich Olympiapark
