North Travel Guide

Plan your visit to North, Munich and explore the culturally significant museums, natural landscapes, hiking/biking trails, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to North

North is one of the neighborhoods in Munich, a city located in Upper Bavaria in the state of Bavaria, in Germany. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic natural landscapes, and outdoor adventures. The neighborhood has a good mix of modern and traditional architecture, with many museums, parks, and historical sites to explore. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, North is a great place to spend a few days and experience the best of Bavaria.

List of Places to Visit in North

Here is a list of places you must visit in North:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bavarian National Museum – This museum showcases German art, culture, and technology from the Middle Ages to the present day.
  • Nymphenburg Palace – This magnificent palace is located in a vast park and has impressive interior and exterior designs.
  • BMW Museum – A must-visit for car enthusiasts, it displays the history and evolution of BMW cars.
  • St. Peter’s Church – This is the oldest church in Munich, dating back to the 12th century. The tower offers a great view of the city.
  • Munich Residenz – A former royal palace, it now serves as a museum displaying the history of Munich.

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Olympic Park – This park, built for the 1972 Olympic Games, has many sports facilities, a lake, and a tower for panoramic views of Munich.
  • Englischer Garten – This is one of the largest public parks in the world, with numerous paths for walking and biking, beer gardens, and a river for surfing.
  • Isar River – This river flows through Munich and is great for swimming, canoeing, and picnicking.
  • Allianz Arena – This is the home stadium of FC Bayern Munich and is world-famous for its unique architecture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

For those who want to explore North’s natural beauty, here are some popular hiking and biking routes:

  • Schleißheimer Canal Bike Path – This 18-kilometer route takes you along the Schleißheimer Canal to the northern districts of Munich.
  • Cycle Path along the Isar River – This 10-kilometer path along the Isar River offers scenic views of the city and surrounding nature.
  • Olympic Park Circuit – This 3.5-kilometer circuit is perfect for jogging, biking, or walking and offers views of Olympic Park and the city skyline.

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

Here are some must-try activities and tours in North:

  • Beer Tour – Munich is famous for its beer, and a beer tour is a great way to learn about the city’s brewing history and culture.
  • Food Tour – A food tour will take you to the best local pubs and restaurants, where you can try the traditional Bavarian cuisine.
  • River Surfing – If you’re adventurous, try river surfing in the Eisbach River.
  • Viktualienmarkt Farmers’ Market – Shop for fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other local specialties at the city’s best farmers’ market.

Week-Long Itinerary for North

Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending a week in North:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Bavarian National Museum and Nymphenburg Palace
2 Explore North’s outdoor attractions, such as Olympic Park and Englischer Garten
3 Take a bike ride along the Isar River and visit Munich Residenz
4 Go river surfing in the Eisbach River and visit St. Peter’s Church
5 Take a food tour and visit the Allianz Arena
6 Visit the BMW Museum and shop at Viktualienmarkt Farmers’ Market
7 Explore more of Munich and nearby destinations such as Augsburg or Salzburg

Food and Drink Scene of North

Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in North:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Weisswurst – This is a traditional Bavarian sausage made with veal and pork.
  • Schnitzel – A breaded and fried thin meat cutlet with potatoes or noodles.
  • Bretzel – A salty and crispy pretzel, usually served with sweet mustard.
  • Leberknödel Suppe – A thick soup made with liver dumplings.

Local Beverages

  • Beer – Munich is famous for its beer, with the Hofbräuhaus being the most famous beer hall in the city.
  • Weissbier – A wheat beer, cloudy in color and nutty in flavor.
  • Radler – A beer mixed with lemonade or Sprite.
  • Glühwein – A hot spiced wine usually served during winter months.

Where to Stay in North: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North offers a range of accommodations options to suit every budget and requirement. Here are some of the best places to stay in North:

  • Hotel Königswache – This elegant hotel is located in the heart of North and offers easy access to many attractions.
  • Smart Stay Hostel Munich City – A budget-friendly option, this hostel is clean, comfortable, and centrally located.
  • Hotel BMW Welt – This modern hotel overlooks the BMW Welt and is located in the Olympic Park area.
  • Hotel The Flag München – This eco-friendly hotel is close to the Munich airport and offers clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in North: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from North:

  • Dirndl or Lederhosen – Traditional Bavarian clothing.
  • Beer Steins – These are mugs made of glass or stoneware that are used for drinking beer.
  • Schokoladen – Chocolate from local manufacturers such as Schokoladenhersteller Feinkost Käfer.
  • Wurst and Cheese – Take home some traditional Bavarian meat and cheese specialties from Viktualienmarkt Farmers’ Market.

Local Culture and Customs of North

Munich is known for its traditional festivals, such as Oktoberfest and Fasching, which attract visitors from around the world. The local culture emphasizes kindness, hospitality, and respect for traditions. It is customary to greet people with “Grüß Gott” or “Servus” (the Bavarian equivalent of “Hello”) and to offer a toast before drinking beer.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Munich is also famous for its traditional festivals, such as Oktoberfest and Fasching, which take place in the fall and winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beer. Bavarian food and drink are an essential part of the local culture, and trying them should be a part of your visit.
  • Respect local customs and traditions. Munich is known for its strong adherence to traditions, and it’s essential to respect them.
  • Be polite and courteous. Germans value good manners, so it’s important to be polite and courteous in all your interactions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or smoke in public places. Munich is a clean and green city, and it’s important to keep it that way.
  • Be noisy in public places. Germans value peace and quiet, and it’s important to maintain that while visiting North.
  • Miss your train or bus. Munich has an excellent public transportation system, and missing your ride can cause unnecessary delays and inconvenience.

Safety and Health

Safety in North

Munich is a safe city, and North is no exception. However, it’s always important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Pickpocketing is not common but can occur in busy tourist areas, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in North

Munich is known for its high-quality healthcare system, and North has many hospitals and clinics to cater to visitors’ needs. It’s always important to have health insurance before traveling to any foreign destination.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

Munich is well-connected to other major European cities, making it easy to reach North. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near North

  • Munich International Airport – This is the largest airport in Munich, located 28 kilometers from North.
  • Augsburg Airport – This is a smaller airport located 61 kilometers from North.

Bus Stations Near North

  • Munich Central Bus Station (ZOB) – This is the main bus station in Munich, located 8.5 kilometers from North.
  • Munich North Bus Station – This is a regional bus station located 1.5 kilometers from North.

Other Options

  • Train – Munich has an excellent train network that connects the city to other major European cities, including Paris, Vienna, and Rome.
  • Car Rental – There are several car rental agencies in Munich and at the airport, making it easy to rent a car and explore North on your own.

How to Get Around in North

North is relatively compact and easy to get around on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. The city has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro trains. Bike rentals are also available for those who want to explore North’s outdoor attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North is well-connected to other nearby destinations by train, bus, or car. Here are some places to consider:

  • Augsburg – This historic city is known for its beautiful architecture and museums, and is just a short train ride from Munich.
  • Salzburg – This charming Austrian city is famous for its music and history, and is located just a few hours from Munich.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle – This fairytale castle is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Germany, and is located about a two-hour drive from Munich.

Conclusion

North is a beautiful and vibrant neighborhood in Munich, offering visitors a mix of cultural and natural attractions. From museums to hiking trails, beer halls to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in North. Plan your visit today and experience the best of Bavaria.