After the tensions of the anti-Islamic protests in Germany on January 5, 2015, the Bavarian capital of Munich (which had its own protest) was a relaxed place on the Three Kings holiday on January 6. With all shops closed and many enjoying a last day of the festive vacation period, the streets were largely empty, making it an enjoyable opportunity to stroll round the city.
The recent snow had all but subsided and a warm winter sun was out, enabling the considerable number of tourists to enjoy a much more relaxed side of the Bavarian capital. While the central pedestrian zone close to the main square of Marienplatz was the main tourism focus, there were also plenty of visitors enjoying the parks, squares and historic buildings dotten around the city.
A walk through Munich on a public holiday, with commentary below.
A calm and almost deserted Sendlinger Tor in central Munich, with no sign of the tensions of the anti-Islamic march the previous evening.
A popular meeting spot with its pretty fountains in warmer months, Karlsplatz Stachus gives why to a popular ice rink over the winter period, while parents can enjoy mulled wine in the accompanying wooden bar.
Munich’s central square called Marienplatz, a must-see attraction with it dancing figurines on the Glockenspiel daily at 11:00 and 12:00. The square was home to the successful Advent fair over the Christmas period.
Guided tours at Odeonsplatz were proving popular.
Renovation Munich-style. A huge sheet portraying the facade of the building being renovated at Odeonsplatz.
Peak season it may not be, but there was plenty of demand in Munich’s most famous beer hall, the Hofbrauhaus.
A relatively empty central Marienplatz made the street artists all the more prominent.
The Hofbrauhaus band taking a well-earned break.
The imperious Maximilian Palace overlooks the most exclusive street in Munich, Maximilian Strasse.
The lungs of the city. Der Englischer Garten (The English Garden) is a popular naturist and sunbathing spot in the summer, as well as a year-round magnet for walkers, joggers and cyclists.
Munich is a city with plenty of hidden squares and corners. The impressive church at St. Anna Platz in Lehel is a haven of tranquility all year.
Being a public holiday, all shops were shut, but the cafes which were open, such as this one in St. Anna Platz in Lehel, were doing a brisk trade.
Detail at U-Bahn station Lehel. Munich’s integrated public transport system makes moving around the city a joy.
A last chance for Munich residents to bask in some welcome holiday sunshine at Arabellapark before the city returns to work the following day.
