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Austria and Munich are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural history. In Austria, you can explore the epic Alps, visit classical concert halls, stroll through gorgeous Old Towns, or indulge in snow sports. The country is also home to unique attractions like the world's largest ice cave and the historic city of Graz, which boasts UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Mediterranean-style Old Town. Meanwhile, Munich offers a vibrant mix of attractions, from the famous Oktoberfest and beer tastings to the serene English Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. Beyond the natural beauty, Munich also boasts impressive architectural landmarks, such as the Olympic Stadium, the Nymphenburg Palace, and the Catholic Herz-Jesu-Kirche, known for its massive church doors. With so much to uncover in both Austria and Munich, travellers are sure to be captivated by the diverse experiences and natural wonders that await them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Munich | Beer tastings, sightseeing, museums, bike tours, English Garden, Residenz, Olympiapark, BMW experience, Eisbachwelle, Nymphenburg Palace, Kunstareal, Olympic Stadium, Hofgarten, Schleissheim Palaces, Herz-Jesu-Kirche, Ohel Jakob Synagogue, Deutsches Museum, Müllersches Volksbad, Schloss Blutenburg |
| Austria | Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Ringstrasse, Innsbruck, Graz, Old Towns, Alps, Salzburg, hot spring spa towns, wine regions, lakes, Danube Valley, Hallstatt, Mauthausen, Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein Castle, cultural experiences, scenic railway rides, Kunstkammer Vienna |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Munich's Englische Garten, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world
- Discover Austria's epic Alps, classical concert halls and Old Towns
- Visit Munich's Nymphenburg Palace, one of the largest castles in Germany
- Experience Austria's hot spring spa towns and scenic railway rides
- Enjoy Munich's museums, including the Deutsches Museum and the BMW Museum
Explore Munich's Englische Garten, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world
Munich's Englischer Garten is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, with an area of 376 hectares (or 411 hectares if you include the Maximilian Park, Court and Finance Gardens). The park forms a unique link between the natural landscape along the River Isar and the old city centre of Munich.
The Englischer Garten was designed in 1789 by Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who was inspired by the English landscape gardens. Sckell commented on his work, saying, "Nature only creates a picture by accident, art does it intentionally". Indeed, although the 'nature' of the park was carefully designed and planned, the Englischer Garten looks very natural to those who visit.
The park was originally intended to keep soldiers productively occupied during peacetime, teaching them agricultural skills, while also being accessible to the general public. It was one of the first parks of its kind in Europe, and it is now enjoyed by around 5 million visitors annually.
Today, the Englischer Garten is a real 'people's garden', with extensive lawns, sunbathing spots, jogging paths, and cycling and skating routes. It is also famous for its river surfing on the Eisbach wave, right by the bridge on Prinzregentenstraße. In the summer, surfers queue in their swimming trunks, and in the winter, they don wetsuits to ride the wave.
The park is also home to several notable buildings, including the Chinese Tower, Rumford Hall, and the Monopteros temple, designed by Leo von Klenze in 1837. The temple is one of the park's most striking landmarks, offering fantastic views of the greenery and the city skyline.
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Discover Austria's epic Alps, classical concert halls and Old Towns
Austria's Alps offer breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, lush meadows, ancient forests, and pristine lakes. The mountain ranges stretch from west to east, with the Großglockner peak reaching 3,798 meters, the highest point in the country. The Austrian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, as well as exploration of picturesque Alpine villages. The warm months from June to October are perfect for outdoor activities, while the peak season from December to March is ideal for winter sports.
For those seeking cultural enrichment, Austria's Old Towns exude charm and historical significance. Lienz, the capital of remote East Tyrol, sits at the junction of three valleys along the Isel River. In the summer, it serves as a base for climbers scaling the Dolomites. Mariazell, an old town in Styria, boasts the Mariazell Basilica, dating back to the early 1200s, with three prominent towers and the Chapel of Grace, the national shrine of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia.
When it comes to classical music, Vienna, the country's capital, takes centre stage. The city boasts a plethora of concert venues, from exquisite Baroque churches to grand ceremonial halls. The Wiener Orchester and the Mozart Ensemble Vienna perform in intimate settings such as the Sala Terrena room of the Teutonic Order and the Casino Zögernitz, while the Wiener Philharmoniker and the Vienna Mozart Orchestra grace larger venues like the Konzerthaus and the 19th-century palais that once housed the Austrian stock exchange. The Advent season brings special classical music events, including the traditional Christmas in Vienna concert.
Beyond Vienna, the medieval town of Klagenfurt, surrounded by mountains and a turquoise-blue lake, offers a unique blend of nature and culture. The provincial capital of Vorarlberg, located on Lake Constance, impresses with its proximity to nature, architectural marvels, and the Bregenz Festival. The capital of Tirol embodies the alpine spirit, with its mountains, glaciers, and colourful flower meadows.
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Visit Munich's Nymphenburg Palace, one of the largest castles in Germany
Munich's Nymphenburg Palace is one of the largest castles in Germany and is a must-see when visiting the city. The palace was founded as a summer residence to celebrate the birth of the long-awaited heir to the throne, Max Emanuel, in 1662. Construction began in 1664 to the plans of the north Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also designed Munich's Theatine Church. The palace acquired its present-day dimensions under the elector Max Emanuel, who reigned from 1680 to 1726. Two offset pavilions were built on each side of the existing structure, with construction beginning in 1701.
The palace, together with its park, is now one of the most famous sights in Munich. The baroque facades comprise a width of about 700 metres. Some rooms still showcase their original baroque decoration, while others were later redesigned in the rococo or neoclassical style. The Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall) in the central pavilion is particularly impressive, with ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and F. Zimmermann, and decorations by François de Cuvilliés. The central ceiling fresco depicts Helios in his chariot, accompanied by other gods.
The Northern Cabinet Garden, also called Kaisergarten, borders the garden side of the north wing of the main palace. It is in the immediate vicinity of the rooms where Charles Albert lived during his time in Munich as Emperor Charles VII. The Southern Cabinet Garden features an octagonal birdhouse built by François de Cuvilliés in 1757. The 200-hectare park, once an Italian garden, was enlarged and rearranged in the French style by Dominique Girard, a pupil of Le Notre, and was later redone in the English style during the early 19th century.
Today, the palace is open to the public and continues to be a home and chancery for the head of the House of Wittelsbach, currently Franz, Duke of Bavaria. It is managed by Kempinski Hotels. The Hubertus Hall, the Orangery Hall, and the Johannis Hall in the North Wing can be booked for parties, concerts, conferences, and other functions.
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Experience Austria's hot spring spa towns and scenic railway rides
Austria is famous for its hot springs and thermal baths, which can be found all over the country. The thermal baths are known for their impressive architecture and health benefits, with mineral-rich water that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. For an extensive spa experience, visit Rogner Bad Blumau in central Austria, where you can enjoy indoor and outdoor baths of Roman, Finnish, and Turkish traditions. The thermal spa in Bad Ischl, located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region, offers brine and thermal water treatments, an outdoor whirlpool, and a "Lazy River". For a unique architectural experience, the AQUA DOME features indoor and outdoor pools fed by two in-house springs, with stunning views of the Ötztal Alps. If you prefer a more rugged, natural experience, try Maibachl Villach Warmbad, where you can hike and then relax in the hot water, or Grins Well, located in a preserved alpine village.
Austria also offers scenic railway rides through its mountainous terrain. The Semmering Railroad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs between Gloggnitz and the winter resort town of Semmering, passing through extraordinary Austrian mountain scenery. The narrow-gauge Mariazellerbahn in eastern Austria near Vienna and the Arlberg route in western Austria near Innsbruck also provide beautiful views and opportunities for hiking and skiing. For those interested in exploring more of Europe by train, the Eurail Austria-Switzerland Pass grants access to scenic routes in Switzerland, such as the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.
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Enjoy Munich's museums, including the Deutsches Museum and the BMW Museum
Munich is home to a variety of museums, including the world-renowned Deutsches Museum and the BMW Museum. Both museums offer unique experiences and provide valuable insights into the fields of science, technology, and automotive history.
Let's start with the Deutsches Museum, located on a small island in the Isar River. Founded in 1903, it is the world's largest museum of science and technology, showcasing approximately 125,000 exhibited objects from 50 fields. The museum covers a wide range of topics, including astronautics, chemistry, robotics, health, and classical optics. With hands-on activities, laboratory programmes, and interactive stations, visitors can actively engage in exploring the exhibits. The museum also offers audio guides in multiple languages to enhance the experience. The Deutsches Museum Bonn, located in the historic city of Bonn, provides an immersive experience in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the museum has two other branches: Flugwerft Schleißheim, which displays a range of aircraft, and Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum, dedicated to transportation technology.
The BMW Museum, located near the BMW Group headquarters, offers an intriguing journey through the evolution of the BMW brand. From vintage cars to modern prototypes, visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits showcasing BMW's history. The museum is well-organised for public tours, and the nearby BMW Welt provides an opportunity to discover the latest models from BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. The workshops at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum offer interactive and educational experiences for all ages, making it a great choice for families.
Both the Deutsches Museum and the BMW Museum provide online ticket purchases and guided tours. While the Deutsches Museum is suitable for those seeking a deeper understanding of science and technology, the BMW Museum caters to automotive enthusiasts and those fascinated by the BMW brand.
With their distinct focuses and offerings, these museums contribute significantly to Munich's cultural landscape, attracting visitors from around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for an engaging day out, these museums are definitely worth considering during your time in Munich.
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Frequently asked questions
Munich is known for its beer tastings and Oktoberfest, so those are must-dos. Beyond that, you can visit museums near Marienplatz, take a bike tour of the famous English Garden, and visit the Olympiapark, a successful reuse of an Olympic venue.
The Englische Garten is the equivalent of around 640 football pitches, making it the largest inner-city park in the world. The Hofgarten (Royal Garden) at the Residenz palace is another idyllic green park on the edge of Munich's historic old town.
Austria is known for its epic Alps, classical concert halls, Old Towns, snow sports, and lakes. The historic centre of Vienna is rich in beautiful architecture, including Baroque castles and gardens.
Schönbrunn Palace is Austria's most frequently visited tourist attraction. The Kunstkammer Vienna features famous works by Dürer, Raphael, Titian, and Velázquez. The Styrian Armoury in Graz is the world's largest, and the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) tells the story of the city surviving the French invasion.
Austria boasts the world's largest ice cave, the last occupied European hermitage, and the planet's oldest restaurant. Innsbruck is great for skiing in winter, and in summer, you can take a cable car up to the Nordkette, the city's highest peak.
