Discover the
City by
Bike
Discover the
City by
Bike
Here is a terrific way to get a head start in discovering a new - or
as in our case well known - city the fun way. Instead of limiting
yourself to the typical Munich Karlsplatz to Marienplatz excursion
this comfortably paced city tour shows you many of the beautiful and
famous places you may want to explore in more depth later on.
The tours start at the Marienplatz next to entrance of the
Spielzeugmuseum at 11:30 am and 4 pm sharp every day. Our guide,
a very friendly and outspoken traveled Englishman, fills us in on the costs andtells us satisfaction guaranteed, you pay at the end of
the tour only if fully satisfied. I wish we had a few more of these
guys in town ! With the museums closed on Monday, it has become very
popular on that day.
The tour starts with a witty introduction to Munich's history and symbols and the names of places surrounding the Marienplatz. From the 30 year war, Swedes, Napoleon and Ludwig to the Wittelsbach's reign you pick up tidbits of historic events which become quite fascinating when linked to real places.
We leave the Marienplatz to pick up the bikes a few blocks away. They
are in good shape and it takes less than 10 minutes for everyone to
adjust the saddle and get familiar with gears and brakes. And off we
go, a small crowd split into groups of about 20 people from all over
the world, Australia, America, England, Ireland and France and
Munich.
First stop at the Platzl with the famous
Hofbräuhaus and a brief introduction to malts and
beers. Good insider tips too, it is true that you will find many
tourists in the place but many locals also. The ride goes on to the
Residenz's inner courts and its impressive "fake facades" further to
the Hofgarten and its music pavilion. A talented musician plays a
private violin concert to a young couple in love sitting next to him,
what a sight.
Next the Odeonsplatz and Feldherrnhalle with the baroque-famous
Theatinerkirche. Our guide notes that the group is in good shape and
decides to extend the tour to the Königsplatz with the
Glyptotek. From here it's back down to the Leopoldstrasse along
Schellingstrasse. Located right next to the universities a good spot
for pubs and restaurants, check out the neat stores on
Türkenstrasse also. We pass "the huge naked white man" before
turning right into the English garden.
Next: pit stop at the Hirschau beer garden. We all sit down with good
food an a refreshing "Radlermass" (biker's quart, half beer half
sprite) to exchange travel information and experiences. A group
feeling has formed and people get to know each other. Our guide has
many interesting tips for travelers in Munich. From reasonably priced
and clean hotels such as the "La Cana" opposite the train station to
the "Helvetia" in the Schillerstrasse near by. Make sure to get one
of Mike's brochures with a lit of helpful and amusing FAQs and a
good city map.
We thank our guide for this very enjoyable tour that we highly recommend
to all city explorers and Münchners as well. The tour continues
from here on back up and along the Isar past the
Prinzregentensßle and Maximilaneum.
Get all the latest information and meet the fantastic guys and gals behind Mike's Bike Tours
