Multi-cultural life in Isarvorstadt

Glockenbach, Gärtnerplatz and Schlachthof are all part of a district that has become the most "in" area in Munich over the last few years. High-earning singles live in the streets between the Isar and the city centre. The name Isarvorstadt first appeared in December 1812 and simply describes the place ("Suburb by the River Isar"). Plenty of pubs, as well as lots of nice little shops, make for a residential area which, on the one hand, exudes big city life, and on the other, is homely enough to feel right at home in.

The attitude of the area is indeed colourful and multicultural, alive and tolerant, yet despite all of that, down to earth. This colourful spot isn’t just the home of the gay and lesbian scene in Munich, but also Christopher Street Day, which takes place once a year and covers the district in a colourful mixture of flamboyancy and show for an entire weekend.

On a walk down Klenzestraße or even Hans-Sachs-Straße, not only will you discover interesting and funny shops, but also plenty of hidden treasures and hip pubs and restaurants. The best way to get there from Frederics Serviced Apartments is via any of the four U-Bahn lines U1, U2, U3 and U6, making a visit to this corner of Munich nice and easy.

Also worth a look is the Alte Südfriedhof (Old Southern Cemetery), not least because of its tombs and the people who have been buried there. One particularly good anecdote, which has led to a Bavarian saying that it still very popular today, can be attributed to Franz Xavier Krenkl (grave number: 17-9-57). The Landshut-born horse trader took part in the horse race during the first Oktoberfest in 1810 on the occasion of the marriage of the late King Ludwig I to Princess Therese. It was the highlight of the festival. Being as rude and rebellious as he was, Krenkl overtook the crown prince in his carriage in the Englischer Garten, something which was completely forbidden, and yelled: “Majestät, wer ko, der ko!” (“Your majesty, those who can, do!”). Among others, the inventor Joseph von Fraunhofer and the architect Leo von Klenze were laid to rest in this introspective spot.

The Schlachthof (Butchers) quarter, not far from Alter Südfriedhof, is still home to many top-quality butchers. The ‘Wirtshaus im Schlachthof’ is the best known tavern. The hall, which can hold up to 600 people, is one of the most important cultural venues in the city. Once a month, ‘Ottis Schlachthof’ is broadcast live on Bavarian television, among other events. The last Friday of every month goes by the motto ‘Ausgewogen bis aufs Messer’ (‘balanced on a knife edge’). Bavarian cuisine dominates the menu and the drinks also adhere to regional tastes.

Both the Deutsche Museum and the Planetarium are on the Museumsinsel (museum island) in the middle of the River Isar. Also located in the neighbourhood are the German and European Patent Offices, celebrating the creative minds of the past.

The bridges and the banks of the Isar are perfect for picnics and sporting activities, predominantly roller-skating, jogging and cycling and, in the summer months, the pebble shores are awash with sunbathers.

by Dietmar Stanka


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