Munich, in the heart of Europe

     Munich was  840 years old on June 14th 1998

In the 8th century, Munich was a small monastic settlement known as "bei den Munichen" (by the monks). The actual founder of Munich was "Duke Henry the Lion". He destroyed a toll bridge over the Isar river near Föhring, that used to carry the salt trade and built another one in "Munichen". This redirected the wagons over his bridge, were he collected the toll. Today that is called a competitive advantage.

A Reich-Council meeting in Augsburg on June 14th 1158 confirmed the Dukes action. This became the official birthday for the city of Munich.

June 14th 2009 was Munich's 851st Birthday. I could find no information on the official Munich website, so additional information and pictures will be added shortly. The main area for the celebrations will be Marienplatz, Weinstrasse, and the Odeonsplazt, with craft stalls, music, beer and food available.

As is very normal in Munich, local people often dress in the Bavarian style when going out. This is called "Bayerische Tracht".     This "Hochradfahrer" (high bike rider) certainly gets a great view of all the celebrations. The Geburtstag (birthday) stage set-up in the Munich Marienplatz. Many thousands of people packed the area to see the musical and dance events. Munich's famous"Schuhplattler", an old dance were the men slap their hands on their knees and shoes, in time to the music. "Volkstanzgruppe" performing a traditional Bavarian dance.   The "Schäffler tanz" is another part of the parade   "Handwerkerhof"  (handicraft centre) was set-up in Odeonsplatz.  Naturally there was good Munich beer and food available.       A view from Marienplatz towards Odeonsplatz in Theatiner Straße   A horse drawn Munich bus that was used in the city between 1873 and 1905. The name is a "Pferde-Trambahn"   These traditional music players are called a "Blasmusik Kapelle" and will be seen in most parades. These ladies from the "Heimat- und Brauchtumsverein Lechler - München e.V" are hand making the decorative custume jewellery used on most traditional dresses. The full name is "Biedermaier Tracht".     These "Gaukler"  are part of the festival. This picture was taken in the open square behind the Rathaus (townhall) called Marienhof.