Munich Vacations

A visit to Munich would not be really experiencing the city if you do not partake in some of the finest beers in the world. If your visit is during Oktoberfest, which happens during the end of September through to the beginning of October, you get to experience the grand celebration of what beer means to this city along with the 7 million other people that attend this event.

The city is not just awash with beer. It is a hub for industry such as world renowned brands like BMW, Siemens, MAN and Bayer Pharmaceuticals. From this prosperity, there is a chic cosmopolitan ambience to the city. Munich also has its fair share of grand museums, architecture icons, world-class shops and boutiques, restaurant and historical attractions.

The Alte Pinakothek home to one of the world's oldest and most important collections of paintings by European Old Masters, including Durer, Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens. The Deutsches Museum has an extensive collection of science and technology exhibits. Schloss Nymphenburg includes the legendary Nymphenburg Porcelain Factory, gardens, and splendid public rooms.

Dining & Nightlife
If you are looking to splurge a bit, try Restaurant Konigshof for some German-style cuisine. As an alternative, a popular choice is Dallmayr with its unique decor and ambience to go with its outstanding food and economic prices.

The Viktualienmarkt has a wide variety of fresh food and delicacies. Just grab a snack, sit in the beer garden, and relax.

Some of the local culinary specialties to try: The Weisswurst is a minced-veal sausage that is made fresh daily, steamed, and served with sweet mustard and a crisp roll or a pretzel. This is served before noon with a Weissbier (wheat beer) which is a Bavarian specialty. Another local food is Leberkas a baked sausage loaf usually served with potato salad.
   
Shopping
Fussgangerzone (pedestrian zone) stretching from Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz is a 2 km stretch of shopping sprawl. You will find most major department stores here. If you are looking for something that is a little off the beaten shopping track, try Schwabing, north of the university.

Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 7hrs.
Montreal: Approximately 8hrs.
Calgary: Approximately 15hrs.
Vancouver: Approximately 14hrs.

Languages: German. English is the second most common language.
Currency: Euros.
Climate: With an average winter temperature of 1C and 19C in the summer, it is a temperate climate.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Documents
Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Germany for stays of up to three months. For other countries and additional information please check the German Tourism website

Note:
German Tourist Office website - www.cometogermany.com

German National Tourist Office

480 University Avenue, Suite 1500

Toronto, ON M5G 1V2

Tel: (416) 968-1685

Fax: (416) 968-0562

Munich Tourist Office website - www.muenchen.de