Munich Things to Do

Not for the faint of heart, the climb up the 302 steps that lead to the top of the main steeple at Peterskirche (one of the oldest and most notable churches in Munich’s center, also known as St. Peter’s Church) is worth every gasp and every strain. The view from the top is truly impressive, and the church itself is deserving of a proper, lengthy stay, and some careful investigation.

Nuremberg is probably best known for its association with the Nazi party during World War II, its defeat by US army forces in 1945 and the subsequent war crime trials that occurred there. But the city has a much longer and richer history than just this terrible time.

Located in Bavaria, 110 miles (170-km) north of Munich, Nuremberg is a fortified medieval city of castles, first established in the 11th century. Until the early 19th century it was unofficially the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, a loose amalgamation of Central European states which all had their own separate kings, princes and dukes.

Green green green, oh my! Munich’s city park, the 18th-century Englischer Garten is one of the largest parks in not only Germany, but in all of Western Europe. No small praise, but it’s this idea of lush greenery that keeps visitors coming to Munich year after year and keeps locals loving the outdoor scene. If you’ve heard about the many and sundry “gartens” available to you during your visit, you should get out there (perhaps on a bike) and go see them. If you haven’t, it’s not too late – here are some of Munich’s best.