Munich

Munich likes you

Sprawling Munich, home to some 1.5 million people, is the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's major cultural centers--only Berlin outranks it in terms of museums and theaters. It's also one of Germany's most festive cities, and its location, at the foot of the Alps, is idyllic. Despite the effects of two world wars, Munich continues to sparkle, drawing temporary travelers and new residents like a magnet from virtually everywhere.

Some of the sparkle comes from its vitality. With its busy factories, newspapers and television stations, and service and electronics industries, it's one of Europe's liveliest places. More subtle is Munich's amazing ability to combine Hollywood-type glamour and stylish international allure with its folkloric connections. Few other large cities have been as successful as Munich in marketing folklore, rusticity, and nostalgia for the golden days of yesteryear. This rustic ambience coexists with the hip and the avant-garde, high-tech industries, and a sharp political sense, which is what lends the city such a distinctive flair.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.