Munich is shaped by extraordinary women. In our questionnaire we would like to introduce a few of them. This time we would like to present: Bettina Gundler, Director of the Verkehrszentrum (Transport Centre) of the Deutsches Museum in Munich (until April 2026)
Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I moved here and have stayed.
In which district are you at home?
Isarvorstadt (a district in Munich north-west of the Isar river).
What does Munich taste like?
Zwetschgendatschi (plum cakes) and wheat beer.
What does Munich sound like?
Tubas, trombones, banjos, drums and the clattering jazz played by the Hochzeitskapelle group.
What does Munich smell like?
Charcoal barbecues on summer evenings on the banks of the River Isar.
Munich is the only city where …
… you can stroll around the interesting urban area on foot but still feel like you are in a metropolis.
Which Munich lady should everyone know?
I oscillate between the activist Anita Augspurg, the resistance fighter Sophie Scholl, and the cabaret artist Luise Kinseher, all typical examples of Munich ladies who moved to the city.
Your favourite Bavarian word?
I can't say it out loud!
The most attractive building in the city?
The three historical exhibition halls at the Bavariapark (Bavaria Park).
The catchiest Munich song?
“Schweben” (Floating) by the band Mundhaarmonika.
Isar or Eisbach?
The Isar – it's unbeatable for long walks.
Beer garden or bar?
Biergärten are the greatest invention Munich has ever come up with – and really great for families. Who on earth takes their kids to a bar?
Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
The type of brass band music that can also be played by a philharmonic orchestra.
A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
I like both – but never in high season.
The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
The Deutsche Museum.
What is the best place in Munich for an after-work cocktail?
The district of Isarvorstadt.
The best place in Munich for a romantic date?
The Schlosspark Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace Gardens) in the early evening.
The best place in Munich to think?
The Alte Südfriedhof (The Old Southern Cemetery).
The best place in Munich for music lovers?
The music floor of a well-known department store on Marienplatz.
The best place in Munich to experience culture?
The Lenbachhaus (art gallery).
The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
The ice-cream parlour on Roecklplatz (square).
Straight through the centre: a tram journey with Bettina Gundler
A tour not only for women! Learn more about the famous and less famous women of Munich during a walking tour. Read more
