Escorted group tours that involve several days in and around Europe’s major cities usually provide a “free day” in the city which can be the entire day or a part of a day. Munich, the largest city in Southern Germany and Bavaria’s capital, is no exception. Group tours tend to cover the major attractions such as the Nymphenburg Palace (although most group tours do not include an inside tour), Dachau Concentration Camp, and the downtown Marienplatz that features the Old City Hall’s “glockenspiel” several times during the day. During the free day, however, visitors can explore on their own and Munich has many opportunities and experiences to offer.
Free Day Activities in Munich
The BMW plant, located near the Olympic Park built for the 1972 Olympics offers daily, week-day tours that cost 6 euros per person. The 2.5 hour tour must be reserved in advance by calling the registration office or through email. BMW will accept reservations up to six months in advance of the visit. Tours are conducted in German and English. Visitors should note that photography is not permitted in the plant. The BMW museum, adjacent to the plant, is also worthwhile. Visitors can reach the plant via U3 (underground), exiting at “Olympiazentrum” station. Group tours are handled differently in terms of registration and are more expensive.
For visitors interested in the history of Bavaria under the Wittelsbach dynasty, one of Europe’s oldest aristocratic families, touring the interior of the Nymphenburg Palace is a good option. Of particular interest, however, is the Marstallmuseum, also located on the palace groups. This museum features the royal carriages of the monarchy, including a fabulous golden coach used by Ludwig II, Bavaria’s supposedly “mad king.” 10 Euros purchases a “combination ticket” that allows visitors to see all of the sites on the palace grounds.
Established in 1903, the Deutsches Museum, built on an island in the Isar River, represents one of Germany’s chief museums of science and technology. Interactive exhibits among the over 17,000 allow visitors to fully experience unique presentations. The exhibitions are varied and cover several floors; visitors can spend their entire free day just in this one museum. The entry fee is 8.50 euros and the museum is open daily.
The Residenz in downtown Munich is another example of superb workmanship highlighting the rich past of Bavaria. Of particular note are the Cuvillies Theater and the Antiquarium, a sublime example of Renaissance art. The Theater, built in rococo style, has been deemed the finest example of the style. An 11 euro “combination ticket” allows the visitor entrance to the museum, the theater, and the treasury.
Day Excursions outside Munich
Although group tours that feature Munich on trip itineraries frequently include visits to such nearby sites as Neuschwanstein Castle, the Gothic-style “Sleeping Beauty” castle built by Ludwig II, some escorted tours may not. Hence, using the free day to book a day trip to area sites not on the tour agenda might be an option.
This includes day trips to Oberammergau, site of the famous “passion play,” Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Linderhof, another superb palace built by Ludwig. No visit is complete without a night on the town. Perhaps the most famous German beer drinking song begins, “In Munich stands a Hofbrauhaus…,” referring to the most famous beer hall in all of Bavaria. An affordable menu of Southern German cuisine washed down with a tankard of beer, all to the accompaniment of an “oompapa” band is a great way to end a free day in Munich.
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