How long does it take to walk through Munich's Altstadt?

A thorough walk through the Altstadt, including stops at major churches and courtyards, typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This route covers approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) at a leisurely pace.

Is the Asamkirche free to enter?

Yes, the Asamkirche is free to enter, though it is a place of worship, so visitors are asked to remain quiet and respectful. It is open daily, but access may be restricted during religious services.

Can I climb the tower at St. Peter's Church?

Yes, the tower of 'Alter Peter' is open to the public for a small fee. It offers the most famous view of Munich, including a direct look over Marienplatz and the New Town Hall, though it requires climbing over 300 steps.

What are the Fünf Höfe in Munich?

The Fünf Höfe is a modern architectural complex consisting of five distinct courtyards designed by Herzog & de Meuron. It combines luxury shopping, offices, and art galleries, featuring unique elements like vertical gardens and a suspended steel sphere.

Is Munich walkable for tourists?

Munich is exceptionally walkable, especially within the Altstadt (Old Town) which is largely pedestrianized. Most major historical sites, including the churches and gates on this route, are located within short walking distance of each other.

What is the oldest church in Munich?

St. Peter's Church, known as Alter Peter, is the oldest parish church in Munich. Its history dates back to the 11th century, pre-dating the official founding of the city in 1158.

When is the best time to visit Munich's churches?

The best time to visit is weekday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. This avoids the midday crowds and ensures you are not interrupting scheduled masses, which usually take place in the early morning or evening.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the bustling crowds of Marienplatz and discover a side of the Bavarian capital that many visitors overlook. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the architectural evolution of Munich, from its medieval origins to the soaring heights of the Baroque era and the sleek lines of modern design. The route focuses on the concept of 'hidden gems,' leading you through secluded courtyards and into some of the most breathtakingly ornate interiors in Europe. You will begin at the city’s oldest parish church before weaving through the sophisticated Fünf Höfe, a modern architectural masterpiece that reinterprets the traditional Mediterranean courtyard for the 21-century traveler. As you move through the Altstadt, the experience shifts from the minimalist to the maximalist. You will encounter the Theatine Church, with its striking yellow Mediterranean facade, and the Asamkirche, a tiny chapel that represents the absolute peak of late Baroque drama. This walking route is not just about the big monuments; it is about the quiet transitions between them. You will stroll through the medieval Sendlinger Tor, one of the few remaining gates of the old city wall, and conclude your neighborhood stroll in the atmospheric Alter Südfriedhof. This historic cemetery functions today as a peaceful park, offering a moment of reflection amidst the graves of the city's most famous former residents. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful way to explore Munich independently, this route provides a deep dive into the city's aesthetic soul without the pressure of a fixed schedule.

Highlights

Ascend the tower of 'Alter Peter' for the best panoramic views of Munich's skyline.

Walk through the 'Hanging Gardens' of the Fünf Höfe shopping arcade.

Marvel at the Italian-inspired yellow facade and white stucco interior of the Theatine Church.

Experience the intense, gold-leafed drama of the Asamkirche, a Baroque masterpiece.

Pass through the medieval Sendlinger Tor, a surviving 14th-century city gate.

Find tranquility among the historic monuments of the Alter Südfriedhof.

Tour Stops (6)

St. Peter (Alter Peter)

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided adventure. St. Peter’s, affectionately known by locals as 'Alter Peter' or Old Peter, is the oldest parish church in Munich, with foundations dating back to the 12th century. While the exterior has been rebuilt many times, it remains the spiritual heart of the city. If you feel energetic, you can climb the 306 steps of the tower for a view that encompasses the nearby Frauenkirche and, on clear days, the distant Alps. Inside, look for the gold-covered remains of Saint Munditia, a Christian martyr adorned with jewels. This church sets the stage for the architectural journey ahead, representing the solid, Romanesque and Gothic roots from which Munich grew.

Fünf Höfe

Moving from the ancient to the avant-garde, you now enter the Fünf Höfe, or Five Courtyards. This is a brilliant example of modern urban planning by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. Instead of a traditional shopping mall, they created a series of interconnected passages and courtyards. Pay special attention to the 'Viscardihof' with its hanging plants that create a vertical garden effect. The design uses steel, glass, and perforated metal to play with light and shadow. It’s a sophisticated interpretation of the hidden courtyards that have characterized Munich for centuries, blending high-end retail with artistic architectural expression. Take a moment to look up and appreciate the 'Sphere,' a massive steel lattice ball suspended above one of the courtyards.

Theatine Church

As you emerge onto Odeonsplatz, the bright yellow facade of the Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche) is impossible to miss. Built in the 17th century, it was a gesture of thanks from Princess Henriette Adelaide of Savoy for the birth of her long-awaited heir. The church brought the Italian High Baroque style to Munich, and its facade is a masterpiece of Mediterranean influence in Bavaria. Step inside to experience a stark contrast; while the outside is vibrant yellow, the interior is almost entirely white. The massive dome and intricate stucco work create an airy, celestial atmosphere. This church also serves as the final resting place for many members of the Wittelsbach dynasty, the royal family that ruled Bavaria for centuries.

Asamkirche

Tucked away on a busy shopping street is the Asamkirche, perhaps the most extraordinary small church in the world. Officially known as St. Johann Nepomuk, it was built by the Asam brothers—Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin—as their private chapel. Because it wasn't commissioned by the church, they had total creative freedom, resulting in a space that feels more like a theatrical stage than a traditional chapel. Every square inch is covered in gold, marble, and swirling sculptures. The lighting is intentionally designed to be darkest at the bottom, representing the suffering of the world, and brightest at the top, symbolizing heaven. It is the pinnacle of the Late Baroque and Rococo styles in Munich.

Sendlinger Tor

Continue your walking route to the Sendlinger Tor, one of the three remaining gates of Munich's medieval fortifications. Originally built in the 14th century by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian, the gate served as a vital entry point for traders coming from the south. Although it was heavily restored in the 19th and 20th centuries, the central arch and the two flanking towers still give you a sense of the scale of the old city walls. Standing here, you are at the threshold between the historic Altstadt and the vibrant Sendling district. It serves as a physical reminder of Munich’s defensive history and its growth beyond its medieval boundaries.

Alter Südfriedhof

Your journey concludes at the Alter Südfriedhof, the Old South Cemetery. Established in the 16th century outside the city walls during a plague epidemic, it later became Munich's primary burial ground. Today, it is a protected monument and a serene park. As you wander the paths, you will pass the graves of Munich’s intellectual and artistic elite from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the architect Leo von Klenze and the painter Carl Spitzweg. The ivy-covered headstones and quiet atmosphere provide a perfect end to your walk, offering a space to contemplate the deep layers of history you have uncovered today. It is a true local favorite for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Asamkirche is widely considered Munich's best hidden gem. Located on the Sendlinger Straße, its narrow, unassuming facade hides one of the most intensely decorated Baroque interiors in Europe, featuring stunning gold leaf and intricate frescoes.