Munich (Germany)

Munich (Munchen) is a Isar River cruise port in Germany. The city is the capital of Bavaria (state) and the Germany's 3rd largest - after Berlin and Hamburg. With a population of over 1,5 million (metropolitan area over 5,8 million) it is the Europe's 12th largest city. Mercer's Quality of Living Rankings place Munich number one in Germany.

Munich's main businesses are finance, advanced technologies, art, culture, education, sports, tourism. The city has many renown universities, museums, theaters, architectural attractions. Here are hosted international sporting events (football, basketball, ice hockey, Olympics), exhibitions, the famous Oktoberfest.

Among Munchen's landmarks and popupar attractions are Deutsches Museum (world's largest science museum), Kunstareal's art galleries (Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Brandhorst, Lenbachhaus), Glyptothek and Staatliche Antikensammlung (Greek and Roman art collections), Munchner Stadtmuseum (inner city), Museum Five Continents (with the Germany's 2nd largest collection of artifacts from outside Europe), Bavarian National Museum, Bavarian State Archaeological Collection, Schackgalerie. The concentration camp Dachau is located some 16 km (10 ml) outside Munich.

Hofbrauhaus am Platzl (world's most famous beer hall, located in the city centre) also operates the Oktoberfest's 2nd largest Bierzelte (beer tent). In its 2 weeks, Oktoberfest attracts millions of German and international tourists.

Munich is among the best German Christmas Market cruise destinations. The city's biggest markets are Viktualienmarkt (fresh food and delicacies), Auer Dult (held around Mariahilf church, antiques, hardware, trinkets) and Christkindlmarkt (opens 3 weeks before Xmas at Marienplatz).

• Worldwide famous culinary specialities available in Munchen are Weisswurst ("white sausage"), Leberkas (baked sausage loaf), Leberkässemmel (bun), Schweinsbraten (roasted pork, halbe Ente (roasted duck), Schlachtplatte (boiled pork), Leberwurst, Zwiebelrostbraten (beef), Leberknodel (soup with liver), traditional desserts - Apfelstrudel (apple), Millirahmstrudel (cheese), Auszogene (fried pastry).
• Famous beers in Munchen are Weissbier (wheat beer), Helles (gold-coloured lager), Dunkles (dark beer), Starkbier (6–9% alcohol), Marzen (stronger Helles beer served during Oktoberfest).
• The city's largest breweries are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hof, Lowen, Paulaner and Spaten-Franziskaner.