Munich, German München, city, capital of Bavaria Land (state), southern Germany. It is Bavaria’s largest city and the third largest city in Germany (after Berlin and Hamburg). Munich, by far the largest city in southern Germany, lies about 30 miles (50 km) north of the edge of the Alps and along the Isar River, which flows through the middle of the city.

Munich is connected by rail to all the main cities of Germany and Austria, and it is a major hub for the German and European high-speed passenger rail system. Autobahnen (expressways) from Stuttgart, Nürnberg, and Salzburg converge on the city. Franz Josef Strauss Airport, located 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Munich, opened in 1992. A modern subway has been built in the city.

The old town, clustered around the ancient crossroads of the marketplace in the Marienplatz, has increasingly become a business centre and has lost much of its ancient character. Among the old buildings that still stand are three of the seven town gates—Karls, Sendlinger, and Isar, all dating from the 14th century. Other medieval buildings include Munich’s cathedral, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady; built 1468–88), whose massive cupola-capped towers are conspicuous landmarks; and the Old Town Hall (1470–80) in the Marienplatz. Nearby is Peterskirche (1169), Munich’s oldest church, which was completely destroyed in World War II but subsequently rebuilt in its original form. The former arsenal of the town at Jakobsplatz is now the municipal museum.

The oldest of the Wittelsbach residences, the Old Court, has retained its medieval appearance. The present Residence dates from the 16th century, but the style of every period up to the 19th century was tried out on it with superb effect; the building was destroyed in World War II but has been reconstructed. Another survival from this early period is Michaelskirche (1583–97), which is considered to be the most important Renaissance church in Germany and one of the most beautiful in central Europe.

Munich has long been a centre for the arts. Music, especially opera, has flourished. In addition to the Bavarian State Opera Company and the Munich Philharmonic and other orchestras, there are the Bavarian State Dramatic Company and numerous private theatres. Important libraries include the Bavarian State Library and the University Library.

City map, Tips for cycling in Munich and the current City Guide of München Tourismus: Here you can find brochures and leaflets about the city of Munich for download.

Brochures for download

• simply Munich – City map (PDF)
• simply Munich – City guide (PDF)
• simply in the museum – Museum brochure (PDF)
• simply on the move – Cycling brochure (PDF)
• simply explore – Guided tours (PDF)
• simply sporty – Sport brochure (PDF)
• simply at home – Hotels in the city centre (PDF)
• Accommodation register (PDF)

Further languages

• City map italian (PDF)
• City map french (PDF)
• City map spanish (PDF)
• City map portuguese (PDF)
• City map arabic (PDF)
• City map russian (PDF)
• City map japanese (PDF)
• City map chinese (PDF)
• semplicemente da scoprire – Visite guidate (PDF)
• découvrir tout simplement – Visites guidées (PDF)
• semplicemente Oktoberfest (PDF)
• Opuscolo d’inverno (PDF)
• Brochure d’hiver (PDF)

City guide for download

Our brochures

City map, tips for cycling in Munich and the current city guide of Munich Tourism: here you can find brochures and leaflets about the city of Munich for download. Discover 

Our tips for your trip to Munich

Stopover, short trip, long weekend or a whole week: here are some ideas for your visit to Munich. Discover 

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