Flights to Munich

Munich has always been a popular holiday destination with history buffs, beer-lovers, and foodies alike and today more so than ever thanks to the city’s vibrant culture. Get ready to soak up the very best of Germany in the Bavarian capital.

Fly with SAS to Munich International Airport and you’ll be ready and raring to begin your holiday feeling relaxed and well rested.

Munich International Airport

The nickname for Munich, Milliondorf, is an accurate description of the city – the village of millions. All though Munich might be urban and huge, it feels smaller and the pace low key. Enjoy the city’s quiet and relaxed atmosphere – it’s worth a visit.

DECEMBER 2023

When visiting Munich – try the excellent Bavarian beer, sample some of Munichs eclectic cuisine, and don't miss these absolute musts.

A tour at München Residenz Museum

Residenz München

The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918 and has been open to the public as a museum since 1920. You need to be prepared dedicate at least half a day to exploring the Residence, plus be sure to make use of the free audio guides. It's worth noting that the Residence Museum and the Treasury are only accessible via numerous stairs and steps so sensible and comfortable footwear is recommended.The Munich Residence is open daily. Exhibitions opening hours may vary. All of the buildings are closed during the following public holidays: 1 January, Shrove Tuesday and 24, 25 and 31 December.

Munich's oldest beer

Augustiner Bräustuben

Welcome to the home of Munich's oldest beer. Augustiner Bräustuben microbrewery with its rustic and authentic setting is popular with both locals and tourists. Live music and Bavarian dancing events are frequently held in the beer hall and courtyard. There's also a rooftop terrace that is glorious during the summer months and hearty Bavarian fare on the menu. Additional information: Augustiner Bräustuben is open daily from 10am to midnight and serves warm & cold dishes continuously from 11am to 11pm. You can book a table online in advance.

Fun for the whole family

Olympiapark

If you're not brave enough to take a guided walking tour on the roof of the Olympic Stadium, then you could always fly 200m across the venue whilst suspended 35m above the ground in the latest Flying Fox attraction. From the Olympic Tower viewing deck, to the Walk of the Stars and the Ice Sports Centre, it's easy to find entertainment here that will suit the whole family – and at reasonable prices. Check the Olympiapark website for the most up to date events, activities and admission details.

The famous cathedral

Frauenkirche: Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau

You simply cannot visit Munich without making a trip to explore the most famous landmark in the city. This imposing triple-naved late-Gothic cathedral set in Munich's Old Town is also famous for a particularly odd attraction – it bears the devil's footprint inside its hallowed entrance hall. Frauenkirche, constructed between 1468-88, is also the burial place of the Holy Roman Emperor, Louis IV, along with members of the Wittelsbach dynasty, and King Ludwig III, the last king of Bavaria.

The cathedral is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tourist visits are not possible during religious services.

Photo: Unsplash

A green oasis

Englischer Garten

This sprawling 900-acre park is best known for its beer gardens and sunbathers, although it should be at the top of your list for prime picnic locations, too. The English Garden is one of the largest parks in the world, even bigger than Central Park in New York City, and there's plenty to keep you entertained during your break from the bustling city. From the Greek Temple, paddleboats, a sheep farm, traditional restaurants and the signature 82-feet high Chinesischer Turm or Chinese Tower, there's enough going on to warrant a day trip.

Discover German cuisine

Spatenhaus an der Oper

Spatenhaus an der Oper is the best of both worlds—no-frills Bavaria downstairs and elegance upstairs. This is where you go if you’re looking for traditional food of the highest quality, such as classic schnitzel, braised meat or the refreshing Spaten beer. But half the fun is in the decor when you visit the Spatenhaus an der Oper.

Classic opera

Bayerische Staatsoper

The State Opera House is a must-see when visiting Munich. This beautiful building, now one of the world’s leading opera houses, has a long and rich history. It hosts fantastic performances that are shown to over 600,000 guests annually. Make sure you book a guided tour for a behind the scenes look at the opera house.

JUNE 2023

Even after 200 years, Oktoberfest still remains a unique experience. Aside from the famous beer gardens, Munich offers traditional German cuisine, festive music, the trademark lederhosen, and countless entertainment options.

Can you really call yourself a beer lover if you’ve never been to Munich’s Oktoberfest? While that may be open to debate, what can’t be disputed is that the world’s largest beer festival attracts millions of visitors each year from every corner of the planet.

But what is Oktoberfest actually? A little known fact is that the festival was initially intended to be a one-time event to celebrate the marriage in 1810 of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Residents of Munich were invited to participate in the festivities, which included horse races, musical performances – and, of course, beer.

The event was so popular that it eventually became an annual tradition, and over the course of roughly 200 years, it’s evolved into what it’s become today, an extravaganza with everything from merry-go-rounds and photo booths to weightlifting competitions and brass bands.

Photo: Shutterstock

Beer tents, food stands, and folk costumes

While you can experience Oktoberfest all over Germany, the festival in Munich is the original and the real McCoy. Theresienwiese, an open space with countless beer tents, is the main stage for the event. The tents, which have room for thousands of guests, are often sponsored by breweries and feature different themes, music, and atmosphere. Book in advance if you want to visit any of them unless you don’t mind standing in line with everybody else.

The beer at Oktoberfest must be brewed in Munich and preferably served in a Maß, a mug that holds a liter of beer. Don’t forget to chase the alcohol with a little food: traditional Bavarian dishes such as pork loin and dumplings, various sausages, sauerkraut, or käsespätzle (dumplings baked with Swiss cheese- and caramelized onions) obviously go the best.

The festival also serves as an important celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions. Many of the visitors wear folk costumes: lederhosen for the men and dirndl dresses for the ladies. In addition, Loferl, local leg warmers, are often worn with a pair of low-cut socks.

Oide Wiesn and Rosa Wiesn

If you’d like to experience the Oktoberfest of days gone by, you can visit Oide Wiesn, which features several amusement park rides dating back to 1919 and the 1950s. Adjacent to the rides, you’ll find tents with traditional folk singers, cabaret artists, and the famous Ententanzen (chicken dances). As this part of the festival grounds is more tranquil, it’s perfect if you need a break from the raucous partying.

For LGBTQ visitors, there’s also Rosa Wiesn, more colloquially known as “Gay Oktoberfest”. Gay Sunday, which takes place in the Bräurosl tent on the first weekend, is the most popular event.

The top 5 things to do at Oktoberfest

Enjoy the folk costume parade

On the first Sunday of Oktoberfest, a Trachten- und Schützenzug (a parade of around 9,000 people dressed in traditional costumes and riflemen outfits) marches through Munich. With all the lederhosen and dirndl dresses, it’s the perfect photo op!

See the opening parade

On Saturday, the opening day of Oktoberfest, Munich’s mayor leads a festive parade down the city streets as the beer tent organizers carry kegs of beer into Theresienwiese. Once the contingent arrives, the mayor christens the festival by pouring a beer from the first keg and shouting “O’zapft is!” (The beer is on tap!).

Ride the Ferris wheel

While there are so many rides at Oktoberfest, your head will spin, we recommend getting your bearing on a familiar old standby. Board the Ferris wheel and enjoy a panoramic view of the festivities below – or if you’re more adventurous, enjoy the chills and thrills of a rollercoaster!

Attend a concert

The big concert with all the brass bands is on the second Sunday of Oktoberfest, with the mayor acting as the conductor. It’s a lively, fun concert with free admission. After the show, enjoy one of the many smaller concerts, cabarets, or other types of musical entertainment.

Explore Munich

Munich is an incredible city with a rich history. Attractions such as Marienplatz, the old carillon in the Town Hall, and the Frauenkirche church shouldn’t be missed, but you can also just wander around and enjoy the beautiful architecture and lush parks or go to the English Garden and watch people “hang ten” in the river (yes, they really do go surfing there!).

Do you want to travel in even more comfort? You can always upgrade your SAS flight ticket to the next travel class. This gives you access to fast track, priority boarding and meals & snacks onboard.

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