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Cars 4 Rental Guide To Munich
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The home of beer and leather trousers
Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps, on the River
Isar, Munich (München) is a city that combines proud provincialism with
international glamour. Founded by Duke Henry the Lion, in 1158, within a
century, the city had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the
duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I.
Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance,
Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich’s streets. Perhaps most
importantly, the Wittelsbach’s patronage of the arts and extensive collections
provided the basis for Munich’s world-class museums and galleries.
The city acquired the name München (‘home of the monks’) from its first
monastery, founded in the eighth century. Monasteries have since played an
important role in the history of the city, not least by starting the beer
brewing traditions for which the city has received worldwide renown. Successive
rulers, detecting a profitable source of tax revenue, actively encouraged beer
production as a means both of raising money and keeping the populace happy at
the same time. Following recent mergers, the city’s six breweries have been
reduced to four – Augustiner, Hofbräuhaus, Paulaner (who now own
Hacker-Pschorr) and the merged Spaten-Löwenbräu.
Beer quality is still based on the Reinheitsgebot (Purity Edict), introduced by
the Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV, in 1516, which forbids the use of anything other
than the core ingredients of barley, hops and water in the brewing process.
Drinking a foaming Mass of beer in one of the city’s beer halls or gardens is
an essential part of the Munich experience.
The period between the wars represents the low point in Munich’s history and
tends to be glossed over by tourist brochures. The city was the cradle of the
Nazi movement after World War I and was the scene of Hitler’s first attempt to
seize power – the infamous ‘Beer Hall Putsch’ on 8 November 1923. Moreover, in
1938, the treaty that surrendered a large portion of Czechoslovakia to the
Nazis was signed by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy in Munich – an act
of appeasement that started the slide towards World War II.
The city suffered intensive bombing damage during Allied air raids at the end
of the war but the economic success of the post-war years has supported a
comprehensive rebuilding and restoration programme, making the city the one of
the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
The citizens of Munich demonstrate a cosmopolitan refinement as well as genuine
passion for the region’s many traditions and tourists flock to the city for the
world famous Oktoberfest, to indulge in an orgy of beer and revelry. The
stereotypical images of lederhosen-clad Bavarians quaffing vast portions of
beer and sausage might apply at this time, however, with a strong cultural
scene, richly endowed art collections and excellent shopping, the city
certainly has more to offer than just light entertainment.
With warm summers accommodating lovely garden restaurants and open-air stages
and snowy winters with romantic Christmas markets, Munich is a place to visit
all year round.
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Car Hire Germany
Cars 4 Rental can provide car hire vehicles in many of Germanys most popular
tourist spots.
Hire a car in Munich as a gateway to the Alps. Or perhaps hire a car to take
you from the airport to enjoy a city break in the cultural capital of Berlin.
Hire a car in Munich
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