Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 28-08-2009
Tags: germany, Munich, Munich tourism
The city
Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany. The city’s name, also known as Munchen, is derived from the Old German word “Monche”, which means monks. The city lies about 50 km north to the edge of the Alps and has two local rivers, the Isar and the Wurm.
The Climate
Munich is known for rather high precipitation and has a continental climate. The city is also known for its violent and unexpected rain storms. Temperatures differ extremely between winter and summer, and even between night and day, changing completely within hours.
Winters
Winter in Munich is rather cold and starts in December, lasting until March. Heavy rainfall is rarely seen in winter, but snow can be expected in January, with average temperatures falling around to -1°C. The snow cover lasts for at least a couple of weeks.
Summers
May to September is summer in Munich and is known to be fairly warm with average temperatures of around 22°C.
Architecture
The city is an inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture. The city was chosen as the 30th best destination of historic places around the world, by The National Geographic Traveler. Of all the buildings in the city, the Frauenkirche is the most famous building in the city center and serves as a cathedral. The large Residenz palace complex, begun in 1385, is another amazing building and a significant museum of interior decoration.
Markets
The Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s most popular market for fresh food and delicatessen. The Auer Dult,one of the city’s oldest markets, well known for its hardware, tat and antiques, is held three times per year on the square around Mariahilf church. The Christkindlmarkt opens at Marienplatz three week before Christmas, selling Christmas goods.
Economy
Munich has the strongest economy as well as the lowest unemployment rate of any German city. The city is considered a global city and the economic centre of southern Germany, holding the headquarters of Siemens AG, BMW, MAN AG, Linde (gases), Allianz (insurance) and Rohde & Schwarz (electronics).
Transport Network
Munich has one of the most comprehensive and very punctual transport systems in the world, incorporating the Munich U-Bahn (underground railway), the Munich S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams and buses.
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The city is an integral part of the motorway network of southern Germany. {Motorways from Stuttgart (W), Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Berlin (N), Deggendorf and Passau (E), Salzburg and Innsbruck (SE), Garmisch Partenkirchen (S) and Lindau (SW) terminate at Munich, allowing direct access to the different parts of Germany, Austria and Italy.} However, traffic in and around Munich is often heavy. Traffic jams can be expected during rush hour and at the beginning and end of major holidays in Germany.
Cycling is recognized as a good alternative to motorised transport and the growing number of bicycle lanes are widely used throughout the year. A modern bike hire system is available in the central area of Munich that is surrounded by the beltway.
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