Munich

Brimming over with Bavarian character, the city of Munich is the capital of Bavaria, the most picturesque of Germany’s 16 provinces. With a population of around 1.3 million, the city is the country’s third-largest after Berlin and Hamburg. Although much of Munich was badly damaged or totally destroyed during World War II, virtually all significant buildings had been restored by the time Munich hosted the summer Olympic Games in 1972. Two of the most prominent historic buildings are the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady) and the town hall with its striking steeple. München, to give it its German name, is a university city of culture, boasting some outstanding museums, wonderful architecture and a very vibrant nightlife. It is famous for some of Germany’s best festivals, including the summer International Film Festival and Opera Festival and the much loved Munich Beer Festival in October, a scene of unrivalled revelry.