Towers ot the St Luke's Church in Munich photographed from the air.

Lehel

A beautiful spot

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case: It used to be an area populated by day labourers and their families who were not allowed to settle within the city walls.

Lehel was integrated as the first of the Munich suburbs as early as 1724, but the area between the river Isar, the old town and the English Garden remained, for a long time, a quarter predominantly inhabited by the less financially robust. Crafts played an important role in economic life here: Millers, washers, builders, bakers and butchers established their livelihoods there.

The Isar – still unregulated – was a curse and a blessing at the same time. On a regular basis, the area was flooded and devastated, but on the other hand it also benefited greatly from its vicinity to the right of the river: The rafting grounds in Lehel were once among the largest in Europe. Passengers could travel from Munich to Passau, Freising or even Vienna. The people of Munich, for their part, bought wood, furniture, beer or food that came to the city on the rafts from the "Oberland" ("Uplands").

Towards the end of the 19th century, the bourgeoisie started building upscale residential and apartment buildings in Lehel, forcing hostels and simple houses that were home to whole extended families to increasingly give way.

Lehel was never a bohemian quarter like Schwabing. Nevertheless, writers such as Rainer Maria Rilke (Widenmayerstrasse 32), Ludwig Ganghofer (Steinsdorfstrasse 10) or Frank Wedekind (Prinzregentenstrasse 50) were at home here. Wolfgang Koeppen wrote some of his novels at Widenmayerstrasse 45. At the traditional Wilhelmsgymnasium (grammar school) situated on Thierschstrasse, it was Lion Feuchtwanger who graduated along with other well-known citizens of Munich including Carl Spitzweg, Ludwig Thoma and Ödön von Horvath , as well as Klaus and Golo Mann who also spent their school lives here. Comedian Karl Valentin lived in Lehel for almost thirty years – from 1909 on Kanalstrasse and later on Mariannenplatz.

The rafting grounds in Lehel were once among the largest in Europe. Passengers could travel from Munich to Passau, Freising or even Vienna.

Today, the old buildings have been renovated, and Lehel is now considered one of the most beautiful districts in Munich. Anyone wishing to live behind one of the prestigious stucco façades of the Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau periods must be able to pay maximum prices for rent and property. It is situated very close to the old town, and places anyone stepping out of their door at the centre of the action.

Lehel is by no means, however, a hip scene. Night owls are in better hands in Glockenbach and the Gärtnerplatzviertel. It is always the exception, however, that confirms the rule: With the P1, the meeting place of professional footballers, as well as other rich and famous people and those who just want to be like them, Lehel is home to one of Germany's most legendary clubs.

The abundance of churches, buildings, monuments and museums are well worth seeing. As well as splendid boulevards, of which Lehel can count two as its own: Maximilianstrasse leads through the middle of the quarter - its western part, which actually belongs to the old town, is world-famous as a gold mine for luxury with its exclusive shops.

However, it would be doing Maximilianstrasse a disservice to simply reduce it down to its businesses: in architectural terms, it is also something special. It was built from 1853 onwards by the architect Georg Friedrich Bürklein on behalf of King Maximilian II. The monarch wanted to implement his plans for urban development to the east and, at the same time, establish a new architectural style. The mix of different elements of architectural history, strongly influenced by English neo-Gothic and Italian façade architecture, is known today as Maximilian's style. Particularly impressive examples include the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, the Museum Fünf Kontinente (former Ethnographic Museum) and the government of Upper Bavaria.

When heading further east in the direction of the river Isar, the patron of Maximilianstrasse is immortalised as a bronze monument: The "Maxmonument" by Caspar von Zumbusch shows the king in full coronation regalia with a constitutional scroll and a sword. Four figures seated at the lower section of the monument allegorically depict four ruler virtues: the love of peace, justice, strength and wisdom.

Lehel is also home to part of another Munich boulevard – the Prinzregentenstrasse – which leads across the river Isar to Bogenhausen and some of the most famous museums in Munich: This is where the Haus der Kunst (art gallery) museum resides – a world-leading exhibition centre with interchanging exhibitions on contemporary art. In 2014, Haus der Kunst also opened an exhibition and research room on the building's eventful history, stretching from 1937 until today.

Writers such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Ludwig Ganghofer or Frank Wedekind were at home in Lehel.

Situated right next door, visitors can discover 1,500 years of Bavarian art and cultural history when visiting the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum. A visit to the in-house nativity collection, considered one of the most valuable and extensive in the world, comes highly recommended. When heading further in the direction of the river Isar, the Sammlung Schack (Schack Collection) is a branch of the Pinakotheken (art galleries). The collection belonging to Count von Schack is a real gem among Munich's museums – visitors can enjoy masterpieces of the 19th century by painters such as Moritz von Schwind, Carl Spitzweg or Franz von Lenbach.

Anyone interested in the world of mountains is right at home on Prater Island, situated on the Isar, where the German Alpine Club has been revealing the history of mountaineering at the Alpine Museum for more than 100 years.

Among the district's important churches is Lukaskirche (St. Luke's Church). With its impressive dome, it can not be overlooked on the banks of the Isar when between the Ludwigsbrücke and Maximiliansbrücke bridges. St. Luke's Church was completed in 1896 and is the only (almost fully preserved) Protestant church of historicism in Munich.

One special gem is the small monastic church of St. Anne, which was built between 1727 and 1733 on St. Anna's Square. Its splendid design is attributable to the involvement of the country's most renowned artists at that time: Cosmas Damian Asam painted the ceiling frescos and altarpieces. His brother Egid Quirin was responsible for the stucco, the sculptures and the altar constructions. The pulpit and the tabernacle construction come from Johann Baptist Straub. During a bombing raid in 1944, the church was all but destroyed, save for the outer walls – the façade and the interior of the church were still being reconstructed up until 1979.

If you are looking to relax a little after some amazing sightseeing, it is best to stay at St. Anna Square, a small oasis in the middle of Lehel, where you can take five from the hustle and bustle of the city. Every Thursday from 10.30 am to 6 pm you can also buy local food at the farmer's market.

A good place for a break is, of course, the English Garden, part of which also belongs to Lehel. Munich residents and guests come here to enjoy sunbathing, walking, ball games or picnics. A popular meeting place on sunny days is the beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower). The Eisbachwelle (river wave) situated on Prinzregentenstrasse is definitely worth seeing, where surfers from all over the world ride the standing wave with varying levels of confidence and skill.

Oh, and by the way: Whether it is pronounced "Lehel" or "Lechel" is something the citizens of Munich are happy to argue about. You hear both variants in everyday life. It is almost certain that the name derives from the name "Lohe", used to refer to a sparse riparian forest that used to be typical of the Munich gravel plain.

 

 

Text: Eveline Heinrich; Photos: Redline Enterprises, Frank Stolle, Dominik Morbitzer
People at the Siegestor in Munich

Maxvorstadt

A district full of life and adventure

Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: education, culture and business meet a colourful urban offering.

Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: universities, cultural temples and business meet small cafés, bars, restaurants and colourful shops.

Weissenburger Platz in Munich photographed from above with a drone.

Haidhausen and Au

A village in the city

Haidhausen and Au have developed from working-class quarters into popular residential areas.

When strolling along the narrow streets of the districts Haidhausen and Au with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city.

The Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in autumn.

Schwabing

From artists and writers

Around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

In the heyday of the Schwabinger Bohème around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

Towers ot the St Luke's Church in Munich photographed from the air.

Lehel

A beautiful spot

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.

View of Nymphenburg Palace across the canal and its bridge.

Nymphenburg-Neuhausen

Around Schloss Nymphenburg

Neuhausen-Nymphenburg offers a wealth of things to discover besides the palace.

In addition to the palace, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg also has the Botanical Garden, numerous museums and the vibrant neighbourhood of Neuhausen with its vibrant shopping and café scene.

Various house facades in the sunlight in Munich.

Giesing

A district full of variety

Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood’s lively diversity.

Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood’s lively diversity of architecture, culture, and people.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach

Where the night begins

Independent labels, hip bars, pubs and cool inns attract the young and the young-at-heart.

The Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods are known as trendy quarters. Their independent labels, hip bars, pubs, cool inns and calm backyards attract the young and the young-at-heart.

Panoramic view of Karlsplatz / Stachus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background photographed from the air.

Munich's city centre

Classical and curiosities

Numerous Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Numerous interesting Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Maximilianeum in Munich at sunset.

Bogenhausen

Once a village, now a noble district

The Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.

There's a lot to discover here: the Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.

Panoramic view of the Olmpic Park with Olympic Tower, Olympic Swimming Hall, Olympic Lake and the headquarter of BMW in Munich in the background.

Munich's north

Masterpieces of architecture and entertainment

BMW Welt, Allianz Arena and Olympic Park - Munich's north has much to offer.

With the Olympiapark, BMW Welt and Allianz Arena and the city's oldest church, the north of Munich has a lot to offer.

A group of humans is tasting Baklava in front of a vitrine in a shop in the station district in Munich.

Bahnhofsviertel

Many cultures, one neighborhood

The charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.

The aroma of mocha and black tea fills the air: the charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.

Café Gans am Wasser in Westpark in Munich.

Sendling

From Westpark to Harras

The district of Sendling is divided into different areas, with each offering its own charm and special highlights.

The district of Sendling is divided into the areas of Untersendling, Mittersendling and Obersendling, with each area offering its own charm and special highlights.

Munich Card & City Pass

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Vouchers

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

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

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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.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

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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.