Modern Munich: Munich  City is the capital of Bavaria, Germany. It is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. There are approximately 1.35 million people living within city limits, while the Munich Metropolitan Area (including the urban areas of Augsburg, Ingolstadt, Rosenheim and Landshut) is home to over 5 million people. Munich hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics and is a candidate city for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

History of Munich: Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps it is a city that combines proud provincialism with international glamour. Founded in 1158 by Duke Henry the Lion, within a century it had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I. Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich’s streets. Perhaps most importantly, the Wittelsbach’s patronage of the arts and extensive art collections provided the basis for Munich’s world-class museums and galleries.

The city acquired its name München – ‘home of the monks’ – from its numerous monasteries. These have played an important role in the history of Munich, not least by starting the brewing traditions for which the city is renowned world-wide. Successive rulers, detecting a profitable source of tax revenue, actively encouraged beer production as a means both of raising money and keeping the populace happy at the same time. There are currently six breweries in the city: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. Beer quality is still based on the Reinheitsgebot (Purity Edict), introduced by the Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV in 1516, that forbids the use of anything other than the core ingredients of barley, hops and water in the brewing process. Drinking a foaming Stein of beer in one of the city’s beer halls is an essential part of the Munich experience.

However, it wasn’t till October 12, 1810, four years after Bavaria had become a kingdom, when crown prince Ludwig of Bavaria (who was to be King Ludwig I) married princess Therese of Saxon-Hildburghausen that today’s orgy of beer drinking really begun to take shape. The official wedding festivities lasted five days and included parades of riflemen, music, eating and drinking. The festivities ended with a horse race held on a green which was situated in those days outside of the city limits and named “Theresienwiese” (Theresa’s green) in honour of the bride. Over the next years the horse race was repeated and the Oktoberfest, also called “Wiesn”, was born.

Oktoberfest is among many of Munich's attractions and it's heritage provides many sights to see and things to do. At Hotel Rooms Munich we provide you with the best Hotel room deals so book now to ensure a great stay! See Getting here for information on travel to and around Munich.