"MUNICH: For Students of LIFE" a Munich Travel Page by pedersdottir

Founded in 1158 as a mint by Duke Henry the Lion (Heinrich der Loewe), the city of Munich is named for the monks (Moenche) who first had a monastery in this part of Bavaria and to whom the Duke gave permission to establish a marketplace and trade in his silver. The area around Marienplatz lay along an important trade route, where the Isar River met the road to Salzburg. Money for salt.

You will think of the city's founding order each time you see the Muenchner Kindl - the childlike figure dressed in a monk's habit and clutching a beer mug that has become Munich's symbol. You will remember Duke Henry, every time you pass the Bavarian Lion as sculpture in the streets or as part of a regional logo. Munich itself is living history. You will absorb it and breathe it in with every walk through the Old Town streets and squares. For visitors there are 3 things to know about Munich:

1. A river runs through it. The Isar connects-the-dots of principal tourist sites: the Altstadt and Schwabing, the Maximilianeum and the Deutsches Museum. It runs the length of the English Garden. It is cold and it is swift.

2. Beer flows through it. Don't be limited to the Hofbraeuhaus 'mystique'. There are 5 other major breweries in town producing over 123 million gallons annually, with another dozen smaller workshops generating their own fine brews. And there are festivals and Biergartens in abundance to sample them all should you be so inclined.

3. Due to items number 1 and 2, students from around the world are magnetically drawn to this city. The University is here, of course; but this is no MIT theoretical crowd. These are hands-on students pursuing knowledge in the finer points of German Existentialism: Weinkeller vs. Brauerei? Helles, Dunkles or Bock? The typical student conundrum is summed up in a Munich dictum: 'Wahl macht Qual'. The research is ongoing....

With nearly 100,000 students enrolled in the University, the Technical University, the Military School and half a dozen colleges, Munich is the largest college town in Germany. Offering higher education - and employment - in drama, music and broadcast communications Munich also is the arts capital of the country. The moderate weather combined with the generally easy-going nature of the locals gives Munich a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. It is often called the village of 1 million inhabitants. With a tenth of those being students, old Munich maintains a youthful attitude.

Ever considered continuing your education in Munich? You may find answers to some of your questions here in the General Tips. The Restaurant Tips will help you understand foods found on local menus, and Local Customs provides NEED TO KNOW info. Enjoy your visit to the Heart and Soul of Bavaria!