Múnich

Múnich is the capital and largest city of the Free State of Bavaria in southern Germany. It lies on the River Isar, north of the Bavarian Alps. The city proper has about 1.5 million residents, and the Munich metropolitan area is home to roughly six million people, making it one of Germany’s major urban regions.

Historically, Múnich emerged as a market town in the 12th century after the construction of a bridge over the Isar. It gained city rights in the Middle Ages and became the capital of Bavaria in 1806, a status it retains as the seat of the Bavarian government. The city hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics and has since developed into an important center for politics, culture, and industry in southern Germany.

Múnich is a major economic and cultural hub. It hosts global companies such as BMW, Allianz, and Munich Re, and houses renowned cultural institutions including the Bavarian State Opera and the Pinakothek museums. The city is famous for its beer tradition and hosts annual events such as Oktoberfest. Notable landmarks include Marienplatz with the Neues Rathaus and its Glockenspiel, the Frauenkirche, the Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden. The city’s architecture blends medieval, baroque, and modern styles.

Education and research are strong in Múnich, home to universities such as Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The city is served by a comprehensive public transportation network (MVV) and a major air hub at Munich Airport, as well as a central railway station.

Climate is temperate with distinct seasons, featuring cool winters and warm summers, and notable snowfall in the colder months.