Actress Viola von der Burg Leaning against a house wall in Munich.

Questionnaire: Viola von der Burg

Best place for a date, Mrs. von der Burg?

Munich is shaped by extraordinary women. In our questionnaire we would like to introduce a few of them. This time: Viola von der Burg. The actress has appeared on many stages in Munich. Including the Bavarian State Opera and the Gärtnerplatztheater.

Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I was born in Munich, although a little outside the city, in Munich-Furth. But I live right in the centre now.

In which district are you at home?
The Fraunhoferstrasse. I used to live in Westend, but I kept coming back here because I loved the area so much. By coincidence, I then found an apartment here.

What does Munich taste like?
Like home-made Dampfnudeln (steamed dumplings) at the Schellingsalon. You can hardly even find them in Austria.

What does Munich sound like?
During the Oktoberfest, the dray horses pass by on the Fraunhoferstrasse, taking the beer to the Theresienwiese. I always hear their hooves on the street.

What does Munich smell like?
It smells of hops, malt and grains when beer's being brewed, and during the Oktoberfest, it smells of roast almonds, grilled fish and candy floss.

Munich is the only city where ...
… you'd want to spend your whole life. I've lived in a lot of other cities because of work, but I wouldn't swap Munich for any of them. Every time I arrive at the train station, I sense an incredible warmth and friendliness.

Which Munich lady should everyone know?
Maja Einstein. She is Albert Einstein's sister, but unlike her brother, she was born in Munich. After graduating in Romance Languages and Literature, she and her husband ran a farm estate close to Florence, before she emigrated to the USA in 1939.

Your favourite Bavarian word?
"Mausdodschmatza", although it's more from Lower Bavaria or the Upper Palatinate. It's when someone babbles on at you without pausing for breath. We've all known that happen!

The most attractive building in the city?
The Müllersche Volksbad indoor pool is well worth a look - especially on the inside. It has a very individual charm. But you have to be wearing a bathing suit to get it!

The catchiest Munich song?
The title music to the Monaco Franze series. The series was produced in the 1980s by Helmut Dietl, and was hugely popular.

Isar or Eisbach?
The Isar, because I live very close to it.

Beer garden or bar?
I'm not a bar person, so I prefer a beer garden. I sometimes like to spend time in the pub too. When I lived in Frankfurt, I found a pub with a beer garden and I went there a lot.

Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
Both. Brass band music is a tradition and is very important. I go to the Philharmonic when I want to hear a good concert.

A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
Preferably a mountain lake! Although I'm usually unfaithful and I get the train to Kufstein in the Tyrol region of Austria.

The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
A meal at the "Bratwurstglöckl am Dom" restaurant at the cathedral.

What is the best place in Munich for an after-work beer?
I like to sit outside in the summer. "Zum Kloster" in Haidhausen is great for that, or in front of the "Tabula Rasa" in the Glockenbachviertel.

The best place in Munich for a romantic date?
The "Mariandl" café on the Beethovenplatz. They have a sweet little garden.

The best place in Munich to think?
The Old South Cemetery. You can find peace there among the graves of famous Munich personalities.

The best place in Munich to experience art?
The Villa Stuck is a complete work of art from the 19th century with an unconventional room design. Franz von Stuck lived here and even designed the furniture himself. It brings together art, music and theatre and you're in the midst of the 19th century – I find it wonderful.

The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
There are three possibilities. "Bar Centrale" in the centre offers original Italian flair. The restaurant Pasta e Basta in the Fraunhoferstrasse has the atmosphere of an Italian cafeteria, and if you're religious, there's an Italian service at 6 o' clock every Sunday evening at the magnificent Bürgersaalkirche. The church is always packed with Italians.

Without Women Nothing Works

A tour not only for women! Learn more about the famous and less famous women of Munich during a walking tour. Read more

Fotos: Frank Stolle
A man and a woman record a podcast in a laundromat.

Munich Podcasts

A feast for the ears

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. An overview.

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. Here we present a few examples that are particularly worth listening to.

A man and two women, one of whom has a small child on her lap, in a sitting position but without a seat in a room lined with red granite.

A sneak preview of Munich's 2024 gallery exhibitions

Hungry for art

You'll definitely want to catch these exhibitions in Munich's museums and galleries in 2024!

From the Old Masters to the new young things: Munich's museums showcase art from all branches and eras. Here are some exhibitions that you'll definitely want to catch in 2024!

A wall with graffiti in Munich.

The writing's on the wall

Get graffitiing!

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Fountain in Grottenhof of the Residenz photographed through a window of the Residenz in Munich.

Royal Munich

Bisou, Bisou with the Sun King

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Hiking guide

Royal wanderlust

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Endless Staircase in Munich.

Art in public spaces

At second glance

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for only 20€ !

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bag on green background

Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.