By name, Ludwigsvorstadt is quite an unknown district, although the focal point of the Bavaria statue and the Theresienwiese meadow below it are two of the most popular places in Munich. With St Paul’s church, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2006, the district is home to the second highest church in the city. Locals call it the ‘Vorstadtdom’, and its construction was financed by the wealthy inhabitants of the exclusive residential area north of the Theresienwiese.
On the Theresienwiese itself, the Frühlingsfest (spring festival) and the Winter-Tollwood (music festival), as well as many other events, set up their tents, not to mention the Oktoberfest. The Circus Roncalli and Cirque du Soleil have both been staged here. When the ‘Wiesn’ (Oktoberfest as it is known by locals) isn’t on, it’s a paradise for those who love a good walk, skaters and cyclists alike. A nice walk along the Bavaria Ring leads you past an array of wonderful old mansions.
The Bavaria statue, which stands proudly upon the Theresienwiese, was created by Ludwig Schwanthaler, to whom the whole area surrounding it is dedicated. The bear-fur clad patroness of the Free State of Bavaria is 18m tall, armed with a sword and protected by an oak wreath. At her side is a lion and the Bavarian coat of arms with its typical diamond pattern - how could it be any other way? The material used, 156,000 kg of iron ore, came from melted weapons, most of which were destroyed canons from naval battles. Inside the Bavaria statue, you can climb up to the top and enjoy a great view over the city. Leo von Klenze constructed the adjacent Hall of Fame between 1843 and 1853. On the other side of the three Doric marble columns, the portraits of legendary Bavarians are on display. Rudolf Diesel, Ludwig Thoma, Sebastian Kneipp and Lena Christ can be seen, amongst others.
Munich is alive at the Hauptbahnhof (central station) around the clock. The five-star-hotel Sofitel Bayerpost is quartered in the former post office on Bayerstraße, behind the listed facade. It’s also worth having a look inside the hotel and a tasty cocktail in the Isar Bar makes for a great end to a ramble through Ludwigsvorstadt. The biggest cinema complex in Munich is at the start of Bayerstraße: The Mathäser Filmpalast has fourteen auditoriums in total.
From Frederics Serviced Apartments, Ludwigsvorstadt is best reached on the U3 or the U6. If you get off at Goetheplatz, walk through Mozartstraße towards the Bavaria statue and then back towards the Hauptbahnhof, you’ll be occupied for the best part of two and a half hours. There is one other detour worth mentioning: There are some excellent Turkish specialities, mainly on Goethestraße, which are on offer at some of the supermarkets. Whether it’s goats cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables or a variety of spices and other foodstuffs, there’s plenty to add a bit of variety to your cuisine.
Those who are looking for a little relaxation before the trip home will find just the thing in Mariandl on Goethestraße, corner Beethovenplatz. You almost feel as though you are in a coffee house in Vienna with 13 different types of coffee, light meals and regular jazz sessions, sometimes classical too. It’s well worth a visit.
by Dietmar Stanka
Location: U4 / U5 Theresienwiese
Highlights: Kilombo - one of the quarter's first music bars
Gollierstraße 14a, 80339 München
www.kilombo.de
A Frederics serviced apartments service – short-term accommodation in Munich - boarding house Munich Schwabing and boarding house Munich Gern
Frederics -
furnished apartments in Munich >>
Apartment house
Hohenzollernplatz:
Hohenzollernplatz 7
80796 Munich
Apartment house
Dantestrasse:
Dantestrasse 18
80637 Munich
Office Frederics:
Ohmstrasse 18
80802 Munich
Phone 089 21 18 70 50
Fax 089 21 18 70 55
