55 Munich Facts: History, Culture, Football, And More 

The word 'Munich' comes from the old German term 'munichen,' which means 'by the monks' in English.

In 1157, monks were allowed to set up a market under the order of Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria. The market had flourished, and the city's expansion was possible due to the economic growth.

Read more facts about Munich below!

Facts About Munich

The city of Munich and Bavarian traditions are appreciated and loved by everyone.

The people of Munich consider beer as food and have a long history with it.

Munich has a soccer team as well, FC Bayern Munich. The team is one of the most successful clubs in German soccer.

Munich is the third-largest city in Germany (the other two are Berlin and Hamburg).

It is the most populous city and capital of Bavaria.

Munich is also the 11th largest city in the European Union.

The Bavarian capital has a population of 1.49 million people.

Munich is situated on the upraised plains of upper Bavaria. It lies 30 mi (50km) north of the edge of the Alps (expansive mountain range system which covers Europe entirely), and the Isar river flows through the middle of the city.

One of the most prominent recreation areas is provided by the Isar river. Its riverbanks are beautiful places for cycling, walking, relaxing, and barbecuing.

Munich covers an area of 120 sq mi (310 sq km). Today the city of Munich is a conglomerate of global technology, publishing, innovation, science, art, and tourism.

Some of Munich's architectural structures are centuries old!. The gothic style of architecture has been used, making these buildings effortlessly striking and easier to identify.

Bavarian Film Studios is in Munich. It is one of Europe's largest film production companies. The company has produced notable works in production and direction as well.

The city of Munich is home to the oldest science and technology museum in the world, known as Deutsches Museum or German Museum. It showcases 28,000 objects coming from 50 fields of science and technology. The museum receives about 1.5 million visitors annually!

Out of all European cities, Munich has a deep-rooted cultural and historical relationship with beer.

In 1516, a law was enacted by Duke Ludwig Wilhelm of Munich that stated the Beer Purity Law. The law decreed that beer should only be brewed from barley, hops, and water. This law is still in effect, and the beer of Bavaria is made under it.

Oktoberfest, one of the world's most extensive ale festivals, is held annually in Munich, and it doesn't start in October! Its name appears to be delusive. The festival begins in September as the weather is warmer and more enchanting.

The first-ever Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in honor of the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festival has only been canceled 24 times (due to epidemics or wars).

Munich is home to more than 200 ale gardens, and its major breweries include Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten-Franziskaner.

Albert Einstein was one of the century's greatest intellects, and he worked at one of the Oktoberfest tents!

The world's largest brewhouse is located in Hofbräuhaus and has been visited by famous icons such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Marcel Duchamp, George HW Bush, and Louis Armstrong.

Munich's History

Munich is one of Europe's oldest cities. It was first settled in the 1100s and has been continuously inhabited since then. This German city was once saved by Hofbräu brew!

King Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony and Bavaria, founded Munich in 115 AD.

The Duke granted the Benedictine Monks rights to establish a market. The market was located on Salt Road.

A bridge was constructed across the Isar River called Old Stone Bridge with his permission.

In 1175, city status was granted to Munich, and a fortified town wall was built. The Wittelsbach dynasty ascended over Bavaria until 1918.

In the 14th century, the first Wittelsbach line of Holy Roman emperors, Louis IV (Louis the Bavarian), ruled, and the town's expansion was completed.

Under the powerful and effective rule of Bavarian elector Maximilian I, Munich's prosperity escalated in size and wealth.

In 1632, Munich was occupied by Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, and then the city center suffered a plague that took one-third of its population.

The third Wittelsbach, Louis I (King of Bavaria), created and designed modern Munich.

His architects built the city's structure, and you can still see their exemplary works!

In the 18th century, under the rule of Habsburgs, Baroque-style structures made their way, and Theatine Church and the Nymphenburg Palace (a Baroque palace) were constructed.

Munich flourished in the 19th century, and protestants were becoming its citizens.

This positive change greatly affected Munich's growth and development, as Roman Catholics once occupied it.

The city's population grew considerably, and under the rule of Louis II, Munich's cultural prosperity was booming.

When the Swedish occupied Munich (under the Thirty Years War), they only settled when 344 buckets of Hofbräu Maibock (beer) were traded.

The Swedes agreed not to destroy the city. This is one of the significant reasons why Germans adore their ale! The bubbly drink saved their city.

In 1918, the Wittelsbach dynasty's rule ended with Louis III (voluntary exile). During World War One and World War Two, the city of Munich suffered politically and economically. After the war period, Munich once again started to prosper.

Frauenkirche (cathedral) is Munich's largest church. It is a 12th-century, gigantic Gothic-style cathedral church with red brick, and its towers have green colored domes. The church sits in the city center and is impossible to miss.

The Bavarian National Museum is one of the largest art museums in Germany and the most prominent museum of decorative arts in Europe. Its collection is in two parts, the art historical and folklore collection.

Munich's contribution to the German economy is very significant. Of all the German cities, Munich has the strongest economy.

It has a 5.6% rate for unemployment, which is considered pretty low.

The New Town Hall is situated in the northern part of Marienplatz in Munich; this place is a host to the city government and city council.

In 1874, the municipal community left the old town and shifted to the new city hall.

The Munich Conference had been held in Munich on September 28-29, 1938, due to a long series of negotiations.

During the Munich Conference, the leaders of Great Britain, France, and Italy had (after much discussion) agreed to allow Germany to annex particular areas of Czechoslovakia following the policy of 'appeasement.'

Munich's Culture And Food

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Munich is also known for its delicious food, which includes traditional dishes. The city also has an excellent selection of craft beers found at many local breweries.

Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) is a dish made with roasted pork knuckle served with potatoes, sauerkraut, and gravy.

Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) is a soft egg noodle usually served with cheese and gravy.

Obatzda is a type of Bavarian cheese spread, which is a mixture of camembert, brie, cream cheese, and spices served in a bread bowl.

Weisswurst is a white sausage originating in southern Germany. It is made from veal, pork, and bacon. Parsley, speck, cardamom, and ginger are used as taste enhancers. The name literally means 'white sausage' in German.

Bavarian dukes and kings once ruled the city of Munich. They laid a foundation for the rich heritage that you can experience today with numerous museums and art galleries.

Culture has always been an important part of this city, making it one of Europe's most visited destinations.

From historical landmarks to modern buildings reflecting its beauty right from ancient times till date, this place will leave you spellbound!

Munich is also known for its beer gardens. A typical beer garden will have several different types of beers and a large selection of food, including traditional Bavarian dishes and other cuisines.

The cooper's dance, or 'schäfflertanz' in German, is a traditional dance done by a group. It is a Munich specialty when it comes to dancing and singing.

According to the archives, a plague happened in 1517, and an entire city was scared to get out of their homes (sound familiar?), so they brilliantly created a dance to invigorate the spirit of the people.

It is now an established tradition of Munich and certainly deserves our applause!

Munich's Soccer Team

Munich is home to many soccer fanatics.

Munich has hosted games in two FIFA World Cups (including Germany's victory of 1974) and is home to several football clubs.

Munich's beloved football team is FC Bayern Munich, and FC Bayern Museum is a must-see for hardcore football fans.

The FC Bayern Munich is a professional football club based in Munich, Germany. It has a professional soccer team that plays in the Bundesliga, Germany's highest level of organized football.

The club has won numerous championships and is currently very successful.

Franz John founded FC Bayern Munich in 1900 along with 11 players. They have won all three of UEFA's main club competitions and ranked first in UEFA club rankings.

FC Bayern Munich plays its home games at Allianz Arena (football stadium in Munich).

Bayern Museum is the largest sports club museum in Germany. The museum showcases the incredible memorabilia and engages the viewer through its remarkable journey, making it interactive.