Viktualienmarkt

Munich's famous outdoor marketplace

When you stand on the Viktualienmarkt you are also very close to where the founding fathers erected the first benedictine settlement in the year 1000. It is arranged like a village with solid little food stands, a fountain commemorating Karl Valentin, Liesl Karstadt and Weiss Ferdl - all local comedians of the past - and the mandatory maypole. An incredible array of exotic fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olives, sausages and meats fill the place with enticing perfumes awakening the Pavlov in you. A cute litte beergarten welcomes the thirsty summer shoppers.

The maypole: tree of may

An old tradition in and around Munich. Every year a tree is planted in the center of towns and villages, young and brave young men climb up to prove their bravery to the girl they desire. This one stays on a permanent basis, painted with the classic bavarian colors and displaying figurines representing arts and crafts of the people.

Vampires watch out!!

Should your system be incompatible with abundant garlic keep a safe distance from this "victuals" stand. The shelves litteraly look like they will burst any time under the weight of kegs of marinated olives, grapes of garlic and wooden boxes filled with dried mushrooms. Beautiful girls dressed in greek costumes sell the irresistible goods.

Mardi gras with cabbage, flowers and cheese

Did you ever wonder if and when germans and bavarians "loosen up" from their "business seriousness" and "sense of duty" ? It sure is during the carneval season and not just a couple of days but for months the mood switches from the "it-is-not-allowed" to the "now-everything-is-permitted". On a special day the vigorous market women dance the Tanz der Marktfrauen with full costume and makeup. You would not recognize them even if they were not in diguise, wildly dancing and singing, swearing, flirting and picking up.

Victuals stand hours:

Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday from 7:30 am to 3 pm
More Infos: www.vitkualienmarkt.de