Munich provides a welcome break for tourists

Although being Germany’s third largest city, Munich has the country’s strongest economy and lowest unemployment rates for a major city. It houses the headquarters for many major companies and is a world famous destination for tourists. Munich’s popularity is such that it is twinned with seven cities worldwide — including Cincinnati, Bordeaux and Kiev.

Every year, people from around the globe descend on the German city to experience its rich culture. The operas and orchestral work of Europe’s great composers are regularly on show in Munich’s many theatres and music halls. Famous composers such as Wagner and Strauss spent much of their lives drawing inspiration from the city, as did Queen singer Freddie Mercury.

The River Isar flows through Munich, and the Deutsches Museum can be found on an island on this river. The building is one of the world’s oldest science and technology museums and is a major draw for some visitors.

In 2006, the Earth’s focus was on Germany as it hosted the football World Cup and Munich’s Allianz Arena was one of the 12 venues chosen for the tournament. In all, six games were held at the stadium including the opening match of the competition and one of semi-finals. The German national team, as well as the city’s two professional teams — Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich — play their home games at the Allianz Arena.

The stadium has a unique design and the entire exterior of the building is comprised of panels that can be individually coloured using lights. Depending on whom the home team is on any given matchday, the stadium changes colour to match their strip — white for Germany, red for Bayern Munich and blue for 1860 Munich. Before the Allianz Arena was opened in 2005, the Munich clubs played their home games at the Olympic Stadium — which was built specifically as the main venue for the 1972 Olympic Games.

Demand for hotels in Munich is generally highest late in the year when the city sees an influx of tourists for the annual Oktoberfest. The festival, which was first held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Prince Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, lasts for 16 days and traditionally ends on the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest is known as the Largest People’s Fair in the World, with 6.2million visitors in 2007 drinking around 1.74million gallons of beer. Munich is famous for its locally brewed beers, especially its wheat beers which are known the world over.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.