An insider’s tour to Munich by football legend Philipp Lahm
A proud Münchner, he is among the finest fullbacks of all time. Lahm’s recommendations for things to do in Munich, both before and after Oktoberfest.
Munich welcomes millions of visitors each year in late September to take part in Oktoberfest.
A two-week long extravaganza of bacchic celebration.
When Munich residents were invited by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to celebrate his marriage in 1810.
The celebrations began, and they have continued ever since.
Today, Oktoberfest is the most popular beer festival in Germany.
Even though there are now Oktoberfest celebrations in numerous German locations as well as abroad.
Munich’s Oktoberfest still holds the title of greatest festival, drawing in about six million tourists annually.
But football legend Philipp Lahm state is much more than the sum of its parts.
Enviably offering a variety of cultural and natural distractions to keep any visitor occupied between chugs.
It is the epicenter of the German Baroque movement and the custodian of some of the nation’s oldest traditions.
We chatted with German football hero Philipp Lahm.
A lifelong Münchner who captained his country’s side to the 2014 FIFA World Cup victory, to get a sense of this dynamic city.
“With my family, I grew up extremely secluded,” Lahm claims. “Munich is a large city, but not overly so… Naturally, it also influenced my football career because I played for a top-tier team in my hometown.”
While several European locations have struggled with the more negative effects of tourism.
Munich nevertheless takes pride in Oktoberfest, which, as Lahm points out, reflects the “welcoming” attitude of the city.
Lahm advises visitors from other countries to adhere to the customs of the area, such as dressing appropriately and choosing the smaller tents that the locals prefer over larger ones.
However, he also hopes that tourists will explore the 42-hectare Theresienwiese, the location of the event, and take in the full splendor of the Bavarian city, including its lively marketplaces, tranquil parks, and the stadium where Lahm played for more than ten seasons.
The best place to eat locally is the Viktualienmarkt
Locals have been gathering to stock up on fresh goods for almost 200 years in Munich’s Viktualienmarkt.
Located in the Aldstadt (old, medieval district).
Once located in the neo-Gothic Marienplatz, the unmistakable icon of the Bavarian capital.
The market was eventually transferred to a nearby plaza.
Where the once farmers’ hub is today known for its sophisticated culinary delicacies.
It is also where Lahm goes to start tasting Munich culture. He claims that “you can get the complete concept of what Munich is about.”
With little fountains tucked in between more than 100 food stalls selling a variety of regional specialties.
Such Bavarian cream doughnuts and cheese spreads (Obatzda) and the renowned local white sausage (Müncher Weißwurst).
Which is said to be a hangover cure, the market has a charming and subdued vibe.
Lahm notes that “there are many of various stalls.” “The town center has a nice vibe, with restaurant and drink options as well as fruit and vegetable stands.”
Munich has no shortage of beer, and after a stroll you can enjoy a pint or two in the beer garden of the market.
Which is open daily from 09:00 to 22:00, beneath the shade of the chestnut trees.
Olympiapark offers the best views.
Munich, surrounded by verdant hills and lush forests, is a haven for nature lovers, situated at the base of the Bavarian Alps.
The Olympic Park, also called Olympiapark locally and opened for the 1972 Olympic Games.
Is about 7 kilometers outside the city center and provides access to the more peaceful parts of the city.
“The park is quite big remarks Lahm The Olympic Park is a beautiful place to be active as well as to experience the history of the Olympic Games the speaker said.
The roofs are still the same as they used to be, and the stands in the indoor swimming pool are still identical to what they was back then.
Olympiaberg, the park’s 60-meter-tall hill, has an added benefit in addition to providing visitors with unmatched views of the surroundings: a glance inside the Olympic Stadium.
Videos that had previously been kept a secret went popular on social media this summer, showing thousands of people watching Coldplay and Taylor Swift concerts for free from the top of the hill.
But Lahm suggests climbing to the top of the TV tower for the best views over the city and its environs.
“You just have a beautiful view over Munich from there,” he remarks. “From there, you can [even] see the Alps.”
