Munich’s New Town Hall, or Neues Rathaus, is one in every of the most well-known landmarks in Munich.
Located in the bustling Marienplatz, this beautiful constructing isn’t just a seat of administration but additionally a preferred vacationer attraction. It gives distinctive architectural options, the well-known Rathaus-Glockenspiel, panoramic views of the metropolis, and a couple of attention-grabbing locations to go to.
In this information, I’ll take you thru every thing you could learn about visiting the New Town Hall in Munich, together with its historical past, high points of interest, architectural highlights, and insider tricks to make the most of your go to. I can even share with you why I used to be not capable of go to the Library (though I actually wished to see it with my household).
Let’s begin with a bit little bit of historical past.
A Brief History of the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
The New Town Hall was constructed between 1867 and 1908, a interval when Munich’s inhabitants was quickly rising. As the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) turned too small to accommodate the metropolis’s wants, a brand new, extra grandiose constructing was envisioned.
Designed by Georg von Hauberrisser, the New Town Hall was constructed in a neo-Gothic model that captivates guests from throughout the globe. With its ornate facade, towering spires, and detailed statues, the constructing displays Munich’s wealthy historical past and cultural pleasure. Today, it homes the Munich City Council and the places of work of the Mayor of Munich.
Architectural Highlights of the New Town Hall
The New Town Hall is an architectural marvel that exemplifies neo-Gothic design. With its intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and ornamental statues, the constructing is a visible feast for structure buffs, however additionally, you will prefer it and discover it spectacular even if you’re not an skilled.
I admit I appreciated it from the first second I noticed it on-line – images – previous to our journey (once I was creating the itinerary). I do know that many city halls don’t provide guests particular points of interest, however this isn’t the case in Munich. In truth, as I’m sharing beneath, there are many issues to see and do right here – so I’m telling you now> e-book a while to go to it completely!
Whether you’re an skilled or not, listed here are some key options and particulars to look out for:
The Facade: The facade of the New Town Hall is adorned with quite a few statues of Bavarian dukes, saints, and different vital figures from the metropolis’s historical past. One of the most distinguished figures is Henry the Lion, who based Munich in 1158.
Gargoyles and Ornate Details: Take a detailed take a look at the detailed gargoyles, carvings, and stained glass home windows. Each component tells a narrative, and the craftsmanship is a testomony to the inventive abilities of the period. I can’t let you know all the particulars, however I’m including that when you find yourself there, you’ll be able to merely admire every a part of the New Town Hall in Munchen. And, after all, you’ll be able to take photos.
The Main Tower: You can’t miss it 🙂 The constructing’s essential tower stands at 85 meters and is topped by a copper statue of Munich’s patron saint, St. Mary.
Top Attractions in the New Town Hall
When visiting the New Town Hall in Munich, there are a number of should-see points of interest that showcase the constructing’s historical past, structure, and cultural significance.
1. The Famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel
One of the New Town Hall’s largest points of interest is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, a big mechanical clock that performs every day. Installed in 1908, this clock options 32 life-sized collectible figurines and 43 bells, re-enacting scenes from Bavarian historical past, together with the wedding ceremony of Duke Wilhelm V and the Coopers’ Dance.
You can catch the Glockenspiel efficiency every single day at 11:00 AM, with extra exhibits at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM throughout the summer season months. To study extra about the Glockenspiel and its historical past, learn our full information to the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in Munich.
As I discussed, I included this place on our itinerary throughout our first day in Munich and I deliberate every thing round the 11:00 AM efficiency of the clock.
2. The Observation Tower
For breathtaking views of Munich’s skyline, don’t miss the commentary tower at the New Town Hall. You can take an elevator trip as much as the viewing platform, which sits 85 meters (279 toes) above the floor.
From right here, you’ll be able to see iconic sights resembling the Frauenkirche, the Alps on a transparent day, and the vibrant streets of Marienplatz beneath.
It’s one in every of the finest spots in the metropolis for panoramic images, and a should-go to for anybody trying to seize Munich’s magnificence from above.
While a few of the close by points of interest (particularly church buildings) provide different commentary decks, we selected the Observation Tower of the New Town Hall in Munich for this vital purpose (for my well being): You do NOT have to climb quite a few stairs, to crouch or something like that. Getting to the commentary deck is fairly simple. We used the elevator.
As a tip: be sure to learn your ticket! It has a particular time that it’s important to respect – in order to restrict the quantity of people that rise up.
3. The Courtyard (Prunkhof)
Hidden inside the New Town Hall is a gorgeous courtyard, often known as the Prunkhof, one other merchandise on this record of issues to do at the New Town Hall in Munich. This charming area is surrounded by the constructing’s neo-Gothic structure and encompasses a peaceable ambiance, good for a quiet stroll.
The courtyard additionally hosts numerous occasions all through the yr, together with festive Christmas markets.
There can be a remedy tower – smaller than the one on the facade, however lovely.
You may also eat right here – as that is a part of the Ratskeller Restaurant.
We didn’t eat right here – however entered the courtyard, and admired the structure and the view 🙂
4. The Town Hall Museum
For these in Munich’s historical past, the Town Hall Museum gives insights into the metropolis’s political growth and cultural milestones.
The museum options reveals on Munich’s metropolis council, historic paperwork, and artifacts, giving guests a deeper understanding of the position the Neues Rathaus performs in the metropolis’s governance.
5. The Ratskeller Restaurant
Located in the basement of the New Town Hall, the Ratskeller is a conventional Bavarian restaurant that has been serving locals and vacationers for many years.
The inside is adorned in a captivating, rustic model, and the menu gives a variety of Bavarian dishes, together with sausages, pretzels, and hearty stews. It’s the good spot to loosen up and take pleasure in a meal after exploring Marienplatz.
6. The Law Library
It is the final attraction at the New Town Hall in Munich on this record, however positively not the least vital or lovely.
In truth, once I noticed photos of it on the web, I instantly knew I wished to go to it.
But I didn’t know that you just must e-book a tour in advance if you wish to be sure it is possible for you to to go to it. We have been right here on a Wednesday and no tour was obtainable – one was on Thursday (we have been at Legoland then) and one on Sunday – I believe. Anyway, we weren’t capable of go to it – as you’ll be able to’t enter by yourself. That is what the folks at the Tourist workplace advised us – the vacationer workplace is at the floor flooring of the New Town Hall – and from right here you should buy a number of excursions, discover helpful details about the metropolis and purchase souvenirs.
Anyway, why did I wish to go to this place? Because the Law Library (Juristische Bibliothek) at the New Town Hall in Munich is a hidden gem that pulls guests with its beautiful structure and historic attraction. Located inside the New Town Hall, this library is one in every of the most lovely and effectively-preserved libraries in Germany.
Established in 1906, it encompasses a breathtaking neo-Baroque design with darkish picket bookshelves, intricate wrought-iron railings, and a grand spiral staircase that winds as much as a mezzanine degree. These particulars and the staircase made me wish to see it up shut!
The library’s design displays the class and consideration to element attribute of the period, making it a preferred spot for pictures fans and these in historic structure. Whether you’re a historical past buff, structure lover, or simply curious, the Juristische Bibliothek is value including to your Munich itinerary.
Tips for Visiting the New Town Hall in Munich
1. Plan Your Visit Around the Glockenspiel
To make the most of your go to, plan your journey to coincide with the Glockenspiel efficiency. Arrive a bit earlier to safe a great place in Marienplatz, as the sq. can get fairly crowded, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. We shared suggestions and tips in the devoted article on our web site – linked above.
2. Check Out the Christmas Markets
If you’re visiting throughout the vacation season, don’t miss the Christmas markets that arrange round the New Town Hall. The Marienplatz Christmas Market is one in every of the oldest and most well-known in Munich, providing every thing from handcrafted presents to mulled wine and conventional treats.
3. Take a Guided Tour
For a extra in-depth exploration of the New Town Hall, take into account becoming a member of a guided tour. These excursions can be found in a number of languages and provide fascinating insights into the constructing’s structure, historical past, and the every day workings of Munich’s metropolis council. Attention: you normally have to e-book it in advance to verify every thing is offered to you in your desired day.
4. Book Tickets for the Observation Tower
Tickets for the commentary tower might be bought at the entrance, however they have an inclination to promote out rapidly, particularly throughout the summer season. To keep away from disappointment, e-book your tickets in advance.
We have been fortunate – it was June twenty sixth after we visited – and discovered tickets on the spot. But there have been many individuals in line!
How to Get to the New Town Hall in Munich
The New Town Hall is centrally positioned in Marienplatz, making it simply accessible by public transport. You can attain it by taking the U-Bahn (U3/U6 strains) or S-Bahn (S1-S8 strains) to Marienplatz station. The constructing is seen whenever you exit the station.
Address:
Marienplatz 8, 80331 Munich, Germany
Conclusion: Experience the Beauty and History of the Neues Rathaus
The New Town Hall is a spotlight of any journey to Munich. Its mix of historical past, artwork, and tradition makes it one in every of the most memorable locations to go to in the metropolis. Be positive to incorporate it in your Munich itinerary and take the time to discover every thing this iconic constructing has to supply. And even for those who solely admire the clock, take a brief stroll round the constructing, admire the structure, and enter for a short time inside the inside court docket, you’ll nonetheless go away with a beautiful feeling, with reminiscences and images.
For extra info on planning your journey to Munich, take a look at our different guides on high points of interest, journey suggestions, and native experiences.
