Off the Beaten Path Munich

Description:

Situated in the leafy park surrounding Schloss Nymphenburg, the Palmenhaus (Palm House) is a popular pit-stop for tourist groups by day and a favoured venue for business meetings and conferences in the evening. No wonder. With its exotic palms and cacti, and its beautiful, bright atmosphere, Schlosscafé Palmenhaus is a real oasis. The high prices are hardly surprising, although the service could in truth be better. Nevertheless, this is still a wonderful place for a romantic brunch. The building itself was erected by King Maximilian.

Description:

This ornate hunting lodge in the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg is regarded by many as one of Germany's finest examples of rococo architecture. Designed by court architect Cuvilliés in 1734-39, Amalienburg was a present from Prince Karl Albert to his wife Amalia. The exterior is decorated with stuccos of Diana, Godess of Bavaria, and a number of satirical busts. The decoration inside is, to say the least, extravagant. The round mirror room, with its silver murals of the hunt, is definitely worth a visit. The other rooms are also remarkable, especially the kitchen which, for those days, was amazingly well equipped.

Description:

A man-made retreat in the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg built by Josef Effner on the orders of the 'pious' Elector Max Emanuel, who was apparently gripped by a sudden desire for penitence. This garden retreat is particularly noteworthy as it contains some of the earliest 'architectural ruins' in Europe, meaning it has been deliberately designed to resemble an ancient, decaying building. Before all the hard work which went into constructing the retreat was over, the Elector himself had unfortunately already passed away.

Description:

The Pagodenburg was one of the first pavilions to be built in Nymphenburg (1716-1719). Designed by Josef Effner for Max Emanuel, the building is modelled on the Baghdad Pagoda in Istanbul. Octagonal from the outside, the interior is divided into two hexagonal rooms and a Chinese cabinet. The façade of the pavilion is French rococo; the interior, however, is very Chinese, which was highly fashionable at the time. The rooms are decorated with painted tiles and the ceilings are covered in painted pagodas - hence the name!

Description:

Connected to the park behind Nymphenburg palace, Munich's new Botanical Gardens were created in 1914 after the old Botanic Garden had lost so much of its grounds that it was no longer sustainable as a full Botanic garden. Plants and flowers of over 14,000 varieties are cultivated in the park and greenhouses, offering a wide range from local flora and cacti to orchids and palm trees. Based on the time of year different exhibits are available, such as the Butterfly presentation usually in January - March.

Description:

Löwengarten offers ambitious and imaginative food at reasonable prices, such as ravioli filled with perch for (EUR 9.50). Typical dishes such as wiener schnitzel and roast pork also feature on the menu. With good service, a wooden interior decorated in warm and pleasant colours and a small beer garden, this establishment is very popular in the neighbourhood.

Description:

• Typical Bavarian hotel set in the centre of peaceful, leafy Nymphemburg, and around the corner from Nymphenburg Castle.
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• Guestrooms are traditionally decorated with brass bedsteads and dark-wood furniture; all include cable TV, desk and minibar.
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• Guests can relax in the lobby among the collection of fine Nymphenburg porcelain or enjoy beer or schnapps in the lounge bar.
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Our Local Expert Says:

This is something you wouldn't expect to see in a city! One warm days make your way to the Southern tip of the park to watch surfers manage the river Isar.

Description:

One of the oldest English-style landscape gardens and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten (English Garden) is Munich's crowning glory. Although perhaps best known for its nudists, the park is popular with all types of people all year round. Other features include a Chinese pagoda with adjoining beer garden, the Monopteros Greek temple, a river and a boating lake. Visitors can also attend a traditional tea ceremony in the Japanese tea house.

Description:

In days gone by, rafts were used to transport wood from the Lower Alps to Munich. Nowadays they are used to ferry groups of tourists along the river. The route runs from Wolfratshausen (S7) to Thalkirchen. The journey lasts five to seven hours and, although there are no toilets on board, there are provisions in the form of Bavarian snacks, brass bands and, above all, beer. Don't forget to look up from your tankard once in a while, because the scenery along the route is stunning. Trips take place from May to Sep.

Our Local Expert Says:

This three star Michelin star restaurant is "top dog" in Munich. The price is high, but the food is well-worth it. Tuesdays through Thursdays you can get a five-course dinner with wine for 135€ per person which includes an extra appetizers and some sweets with coffee.

Description:

One of the most highly renowned restaurants in town, Tantris offers fantastic contemporary international cuisine rustled up by master chef Hans Haas. It also features an excellent wine list prepared by sommelière Paula Bosch. The main room, decorated in red and black, seems to tackle life's problems head on: love and death are celebrated in a culinary form and the 'philosophy' of the house is that food is the basis for happiness. There is also a terrace and garden room, which are available for functions on Sundays and Mondays.

Description:

• Typical Bavarian hotel set in the centre of peaceful, leafy Nymphemburg, and around the corner from Nymphenburg Castle.
• 
  
  
• Guestrooms are traditionally decorated with brass bedsteads and dark-wood furniture; all include cable TV, desk and minibar.
• 
  
  
• Guests can relax in the lobby among the collection of fine Nymphenburg porcelain or enjoy beer or schnapps in the lounge bar.
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Description:

Hidden between Platzl and Isartor, this rustically decorated Bavarian restaurant with long wooden tables serves great beer and hearty food - generally ox meat - boiled, roasted or fried and served with the classical garnishes of potatoes and cabbage. Main courses cost EUR 7.50-20, a large beer will set you back EUR 3 and lunch can be had for EUR 6.50. Guests can sit outside on the terrace in the summer.

Description:

Marienplatz has been the central sqaure of Munich since its founding by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was originally named Schrannenplatz and once held the salt and grain market, but it is now used by the city for various concerts and events, but mainly by tourists trying to get photos of the old and new town halls. After the market was moved around the corner starting in 1807, the square was renamed Marienplatz. The statue of Mary has stood in the center of Marienplatz since 1638 and is the reason of the new name of the square.

Description:

Conveniently located between the U-Bahn stops of the U2 (Scheidplatz) and the U3 (Petuelring) this small park is a local hang-out. In the summer the residents will be playing soccer and badminton, in the winter you will see kids riding their sleighs down the hill. At the entrance to the park there is an obelisk with a commemorative plaque, explaining that the park was dedicated to His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria for his 90th birthday. On the other end of the park you will find an outdoor public pool, the "Bad Georgenschwaige". The park also houses the "Luitpoldhügel" a big hill made of debris from the cleaning efforts after WWII of which there are only two others in Munich. Halfway through the park you can find a Mexican/Brazilian restaurant with a beer garden, a bar and a basement restaurant.

Description:

This unique star-shaped square, designed by Karl von Fischer, was created during the building of the Maxvorstadt, the part of the old town, which was built during the reign of Maximilian I. The buildings at the rear, designed to fit in with the square's shape, are particularly impressive. An obelisk by Leo von Klenze dating back to 1833 stands in the centre, commemorating the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers who lost their lives in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign. House number 5 used to belong to the Bruckmann family, the printer who gave Hitler decisive support and introduced him to the industrialists and bankers without whose financial aid the Nazis would never have gained power.

Description:

Once an aristocratic palace, thought to have been constructed in about 1726 by Ignaz Anton Gunetzrhainer, Lerchenfeld Palace was destroyed during the War, with just its rococo facade (attributed to Stuber) remaining. In 1958, the palace was beautifully restored by Erwin Schleich. The plaster figures, attributed to Johann Baptist Zimmermann, are especially fine, particularly the Wessobrunner Madonna above the portal. The building now serves as the municipal funeral department.

Description:

The Ruffini Building was constructed between 1903-05 in accordance with plans drafted by Gabriel von Seidl. The elegant facades appear old and venerable, full of opulent ornamentation. The decorative stucco mouldings depict images of plants and animals, as well as the Ruffini Tower, which was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century. The diverse styles of the building offset each other to perfection. The building is now home to the Department of Tourism.

Description:

There have been a lot of over-hyped Spanish restaurants in Munich recently, but this is one with a long tradition behind it. As well as tapas and paella, the meat and fish dishes make excellent main courses, with everything served in a comfortable and homely setting. They are very strict about using quality fresh ingredients, always the secret of great-tasting food. Superb Spanish wines ensure spirits are at their highest around midnight. The staff are marvellous and always polite.

Description:

• Typical Bavarian hotel set in the centre of peaceful, leafy Nymphemburg, and around the corner from Nymphenburg Castle.
• 
  
  
• Guestrooms are traditionally decorated with brass bedsteads and dark-wood furniture; all include cable TV, desk and minibar.
• 
  
  
• Guests can relax in the lobby among the collection of fine Nymphenburg porcelain or enjoy beer or schnapps in the lounge bar.
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Description:

The choice here is extremely limited - just one five-course menu a day - but don't be alarmed; the menu is exceedingly well thought out and exquisitely prepared. The cuisine is solid and hearty rather than fine. Classic southern German and Austrian ingredients are often combined in a novel fashion: beetroot, cooked meat, carp and offal. There is also an enormous variety of Austrian wines. There is a special fish menu once a month. Meals are served until 10p.

Description:

• Typical Bavarian hotel set in the centre of peaceful, leafy Nymphemburg, and around the corner from Nymphenburg Castle.
• 
  
  
• Guestrooms are traditionally decorated with brass bedsteads and dark-wood furniture; all include cable TV, desk and minibar.
• 
  
  
• Guests can relax in the lobby among the collection of fine Nymphenburg porcelain or enjoy beer or schnapps in the lounge bar.
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