Where to Find the Best Views in Munich
After being heavily bombed in World War II, Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) was painstakingly reconstructed, ensuring an old-world atmosphere pervades. The city’s historic architecture, charming squares, and attractive Alpine backdrop makes a photogenic stop. Here’s where you can discover the best views in Munich.
The Tower of St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche)
Classic old town views.
The 184-foot (56-meter) observation platform at this 12th-century church affords unhindered views out across Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt). On a clear day, the Alps are visible in the background.
Hop-on hop-off buses
Cover more ground with ease.
One of the best ways to sit back and soak up views of Munich’s grand avenues, monuments, parks, and squares, is from the upper deck of a hop-on hop-off tour bus. Gaze out at Odeonsplatz, Munich Residence (Residenz München), and Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg).
Lake cruises
On-the-water panoramas.
Day-trippers to the nearby lake district, which stretches south of Munich toward Austria, are in for a treat, scenery-wise. Take a boat trip out on the still waters of King’s Lake (Königssee) or Austria’s Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) and admire views of mountains rising up beyond the shore.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Fairy-tale vistas.
This 19th-century Romanesque Revival castle perched on a ridge amid forested mountains looks like a fairy tale come to life. Among the best places to view Neuschwanstein is from the nearby Queen Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke), which spans a gorge just south of the estate.
The Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm)
Alpine vistas and Munich cityscapes.
Situated within Olympiapark, this 950-foot (290-meter) tower features an open-air viewing platform. The city of Munich spreads out below against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps.
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Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.