What's New

Munich Accomodations

The Bavarian capital is always bursting forth with some new charmer of a hotel, or else an enduring favorite is being renovated or restored.

One of the largest hotels in Munich, with a total of 589 rooms, the Holiday Inn Munich City Centre (tel. 089/4-80-30) is the new name of that old favorite, the Forum Hotel München. The Holiday Inn people are now giving their spin to this 11-story concrete structure and are planning many improvements. Even so, the hotel will retain its government-rated four-star status.

After an award in 1998, the Monaco (tel. 089/545-9940) has not rested on its laurels. Quite the contrary, it has continued to make improvements, and now is a member of the elite group The Small Elegant Hotels of the World. Like its ritzy name, Monaco deserves this boast to its prestige and, as a result of its new status, will probably draw more discerning travelers. Even so, its prices stay remarkably moderate considering the accolades.

Munich Restaurants

The opening of top-rated new restaurants in Munich slowed in 2006, but the Bavarian capital still competes with Berlin for the title of culinary capital of Germany.

Right at the Marienplatz in the heart of Munich, Vinorant Alter Hof (tel. 089/220240) has been so vastly improved that it is now luring discerning locals, as well as visitors who come to sample the city's best Franconian regional cuisine. A wine bar in the basement features one of the city's best selections of regional wines. The new four-course, fixed-price menu is a winner.

Munich Attractions

Munich is a new city built over the old (after World War II), and it's filled with both ancient and modern treasures.

Many museum admission prices have remained the same or have been raised only slightly. However, the 1- or 3-day Munich Welcome Card, allowing unlimited travel on public transportation and discounts of 50% on some sights, has bowed to inflation. It's still a great deal, however, costing only 7.50€ ($9) for a 1-day card. The 3-day card also remains a bargain at 18€ ($21).

Shopping

Let's face it: Berlin is still the shopping mecca of Germany, but the city of Munich gives it close competition.

The restaurant and hotel scene remained relatively tranquil in 2006, but new shops started bursting out all over like spring edelweiss. One of the best places for both practical and sophisticated eyewear is now Pupille (tel. 089/24-24-3838). Shelf after shelf reveals why Germans are known for their optical products around the world, and are, in effect, the market leaders.

Herbert Kopp, a jewlery designer, is attracting media attention for his stunning handmade jewlery at CADA-Schmuck (tel. 089/25-54-270). His chic wares come in 18-karat gold or sterling silver.

Munich continues to forge ahead as a center of fashion, with the opening of Behringer (tel. 089/29-59-55), with its extensive array of chic shoes. It also sells fashionable bags, belts, and accessories.

Side Trips from Munich

Within an hour's drive of Munich, you can visit everything from the former concentration camp at Dachau to mountains, lakes, spas, and medieval towns.

Tegernsee -- On the eastern side of this lake, a former Benedictine monastery, Sankt Quirinus, has been restored, and with it, a brewery (Herzogliches Bräustüberl) and a more formal restaurant (Schlossgaststätte). Owned by her Royal Highness, Elizabeth im Bavaria, the complex with its beer hall is the oldest in the region. The food at this drinking and dining facility is vastly improved.

The Bavarian Alps

Stretching from Munich to the Austrian border, the fir-clad Bavarian Alps is a land of summer flowers, shimmering Alpine lakes, and half-timbered houses.

Berchtesgaden -- Near the site of Hitler's former Alpine retreat, InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden (tel. 08652/97550) has opened. The same snowcapped panorama viewed by the Führer and his dog, Blondi, can now be seen by the world's well-heeled vacationers in Bavaria. Skiers flock here in winter, golfers in summer. The hotel stands on the grounds where Göring had his rural retreat, just over a rise from Hitler's Berghof. The opening of the resort met with worldwide protests, notably from Jewish groups and the Green Party of Bavaria.