Jewelery designer Saskia Diez in Munich.

Questionnaire: Saskia Diez

Isar or Eisbach, Mrs. Diez?

Munich is shaped by extraordinary women. In our questionnaire we would like to introduce a few of them. This time: the jewellery designer Saskia Diez. For one of her oldest collections, she polishes and works stones from the banks of the Isar.

Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I moved to Munich when I came here to train.

In which district are you at home?
In the Glockenbachviertel, where I work and live. What I especially like about it are the proximity to the Isar, how friendly the area is, and the many craft businesses in the rear courtyards.

What does Munich taste like?
Like pretzels, grilled fish and radishes.

What does Munich sound like?
Like the murmur of the Isar and the murmur of Munich in general. The city isn't loud, but it's not quiet either, there's more of a background noise on the streets.

What does Munich smell like?
Like a river that flows from the Alps and when the wind's in the right direction, it smells like beer brewing.

Munich is the only city where ...
... you can bathe in the river in the middle of the city, and even go naked if you want to.

Which Munich lady should everyone know?
Christine Sattler, the former gynaecologist on the Maistrasse who delivered more babies than anyone in Germany – including mine.

Your favourite Bavarian word?
Bazi – it expresses both Bavarian anger and warmth, which I find typically Bavarian. It's a sort of affectionate insult, and I really like that.

The most attractive building in the city?
The Frauenkirche (Our Lady’s Church). The onion-shaped towers remind me of a Russian church – and of my grandmother who was hugely fascinated by Russia.

The catchiest Munich song?
"Isarmärchen" by the Munich folk singer Bally Prell. The song was written by her father, the Munich composer Ludwig Prell. The songs describes the city as being "as beautiful as a fairy-tale". Recurring themes are, in particular, the Isar, the colours white and blue, and Bavaria.

Isar or Eisbach?
The Isar, because it's better for bathing.

Beer garden or bar?
If the weather's good at the weekend, a beer garden in the afternoon, otherwise I prefer a bar.

Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
Brass band music is nice in a beer garden, otherwise I prefer the Philharmonic.

A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
The lakes of course, because I prefer to be on the water.

The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
The Eisbach Wave at the Haus der Kunst (art museum) – especially when people are still surfing at night or in the winter.

What is the best place in Munich for an after-work beer?
The Hofgarten or the terrace at the Goldene Bar – where you can also get a very good after-work spritzer.

The best place in Munich for a romantic date?
The Isar – a date on the water is always good and you're on your own! The Isar is equally good for thinking, when you want to be alone.

The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
Go shopping at Eataly in the Schrannenhalle and then cook pasta at home.

 

 

Photos: Frank Stolle
A woman and a man in a coat in front of the shop of Eduard Meier in Munich

A visit to the former Purveyors to the Court

We visited the former Royal Bavarian Purveyors to the Court and did some shopping in the old town - from porcelain to perfume.

We visited the former Royal Bavarian Purveyors to the Court and did some shopping in the old town - from porcelain to perfume.

Our author wears a dirndl in the store of Gottseidank in Munich

Vintage Dirndls and Hirschlederhosen

From Second-hand to a traditional store – we made our way through Munich's selection of traditional dress. 

Second-hand, a local label, a traditional store and a hire service – we made our way through Munich's selection of traditional dress.

A man tries on a brown traditional leather shoe

Haferl shoes and Dirndl bags

We visited some traditional shops and young designers in Munich to explore their traditional costume accessories.

It's not just dirndls and lederhosen: We visited some traditional shops and young designers to explore their traditional accessories.

Two women stand in front of three large wooden doors in Munich.

A walk through Glockenbachviertel: Saskia Diez

Munich's districts through the eyes of Munich personalities: This time jewellery designer Saskia Diez shows us her Glockenbachviertel.

Munich's districts through the eyes of Munich personalities: This time jewellery designer Saskia Diez shows us her Glockenbachviertel.

Best place if longing for Italy, Mrs. Wetterich?

The fashion designer Rahmée Wetterich in our questionnaire.

The fashion designer Rahmée Wetterich her sister run the "Noh Nee" label, tailoring clothes that combine both Bavarian and African influences.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Around the Gärtnerplatz

Shopping far from the major department stores: at Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel individuality counts. A shopping tour.     

Shopping far from the major department stores: at Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel individuality counts. A shopping tour.     

A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopper's paradise

Shopping in an architecturally impressive atmosphere: a stroll through the inner city of Munich.

Shopping in an architecturally impressive atmosphere: a stroll through the inner city of Munich.

View of house facades at Maximilianstrasse in Munich reflected in the shop window of Valentino.

Chic flagship stores and premium brands

The density of international luxury labels in combination with long-established traditional brands is almost unique worldwide.

The density of international luxury labels in combination with long-established traditional brands is almost unique worldwide.

The Hanging Gardens in the Fünf Höfe shopping arcade

Hanging gardens and noble architecture

Explore Munich's elegant designer shops next to cafés, bars and restaurants in an extraordinary shopping ambience.

Explore Munich's elegant designer shops next to cafés, bars and restaurants in an extraordinary shopping ambience.

Pedestrian zone in Munich with one of the two towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich.

Everything under one roof

Anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour in the city centre.

Oberpollinger, Ludwig Beck or Konen – anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour at Karlsplatz-Stachus or Marienplatz.

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

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.

A man drives his rickshaw and guests through the Olympic Park in Munich.

Pedicab Tour S Olympiapark

Our guide pedals you between the green hills of the Olympic Park and along the Olympic Lake from sports venue to sports venue. The perfect exploration tour!

Book now for only 95 €!

Our guide pedals you between the green hills of the Olympic Park and along the Olympic Lake from sports venue to sports venue. The perfect exploration tour!

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...

Panoramic view of the Neues Rathaus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background.

Visit of the New Town Hall Balcony

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz.

Book now for only 6,50 €!

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz.