CULTURAL VIKTUALIENMARKET STROLL

Munich has always been a market town! However, salt, grain, bread, and everything else needed for life used to be traded on Marienplatz – until 200 years ago, when it became far too crowded, and the market was relocated to the current area between the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Schrannenhalle, and the Metzgerzeile. At that time, secularization played into the city administration's hands, as the demolition of the Holy Spirit Monastery freed up a prime location, so the food market is still located in the heart of the Old Town today. Here, the typical green stalls with their colorful awnings and umbrellas characterize the unique appearance of this Munich landmark.

On our tour, we'll wander through the labyrinthine alleys, savor the aroma of freshly baked pretzels, fresh fruit, or perhaps even the cheese displays, listen to the market women and stall owners haggling and grumbling, and, of course, talk about food: Bavarian specialties, meat, sausage, Munich's only horse-drawn butcher shop, game and poultry, fish, cheese, honey, fruit and vegetables, exotic fruit juices, and seasonal specialties like asparagus or mushrooms! You'll even find potato specialists, flower and spice vendors, and stalls with typical regional decorations.

The city's most central beer garden, with its approximately 1,000 seats, is an essential part of the experience. It's supplied by all six major Munich breweries in a seemingly inscrutable rotation. See how quickly you can name Munich's beer brands – here's a quick tip: There's a cheat sheet hanging on the white and blue maypole! But no matter what beer is on offer, the seats under the shady chestnut trees are sure to invite you to take a break in the unmistakable comfort of a Munich beer garden.

Of course, culture isn't neglected on our market tour either: We'll be happy to explain when and why the vendors let off steam during the Market Women's Dance, how the pretzel rider helped the hungry townspeople in the Middle Ages, or the story behind the many fountains that were set up around the market grounds not just for refreshment but also in honor of famous Munich folk singers. Perhaps we can even stimulate our brains with a Gstanzl from Roider-Jackl or one of Karl Valentin's unmistakable sayings? And if you're hungry or want to not just look but also try something: I'd be happy to take you on my Viktualienmarkt delicacy tour, where you can sample the delicacies at selected stalls.