Exploring a new city isn’t just about visiting the usual museums, palaces, gardens, lakes, and historic monuments. While these popular attractions have their charm, the more unusual and unique spots often offer a deeper, more intriguing insight into the city’s culture.
Munich exemplifies this blend of the familiar and the extraordinary. Alongside renowned spots like the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, the Eisbachwelle, and the English Garden, Munich also hosts a range of lesser-known yet truly fascinating sites.
For those eager to venture beyond the conventional tourist paths, the strangest attractions in Munich await! This guide will introduce you to these hidden gems, perfect for anyone seeking a distinctive experience in Munich.
Jewelled Skeleton of Saint Munditia
As far as odd attractions go, the bejewelled skeleton (featured image) in St. Peter’s Church is one of the strangest attractions in Munich. The church, known as the oldest in the city, is home to a glass coffin where the skeleton of Saint Munditia lies.
The skeleton is covered by a gem-studded, transparent bodystocking fitted with gold and various jewels, with glass fitted in her skull in place of her eyes giving her a (literally) glassy stare. Often referred to as the patron saint of spinsters, her hand holds a glass filled with dried blood, adding a level of eeriness to the macabre display.
Image credit: Aleister Crowley / Public Domain
The Devil’s Footprint
Image credit: Oliver Raupach / Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.5
Endless Staircase (Umschreibung)
The Relics of Munich Residenz
The Munich Residenz, once the grand palace of Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings, now serves as a museum showcasing a blend of royal artefacts and some of the strangest attractions in Munich. This historical gem is not only a testament to centuries of regal splendour but also houses an eclectic collection of curiosities.
Prominently displayed among the myriad treasures is a richly adorned skull, reputed to be that of John the Baptist. Intriguingly, there are three additional skulls alleged to belong to John, each housed in different locations globally. Furthermore, the Residenz is home to another extraordinary relic — a skull believed to be that of Pope Eleuterus, adding to the palace’s fascinating assortment of oddities.
Image credit: Thilo Parg / Wikimedia Commons (License: CC BY-SA 3.0)
Georg Elser Plaque
An unconventional memorial in the form of a plaque is set among the paving stones of a beer hall pillar at Burgerbraukeller in Munich. This plaque commemorates Georg Elser’s attempt to assassinate Hitler in 1939.
Elser’s plan involved constructing a time bomb and hiding it within one of the beer hall pillars where Hitler was scheduled to give a speech. Unfortunately, on the day in question, Hitler’s speech was shorter than usual and he left the building before the bomb exploded. Elser was later arrested and executed by the Nazis. His valiant effort to single-handedly end the Second World War is now commemorated by the plaque, as well as a bust depicting his likeness set up near the Interior Ministry in Berlin.
The People’s Observatory
Smokey Joe’s
Bier-und Oktoberfest Museum
Oktoberfest is a beloved festival in Munich where Bavarian culture and traditional beer are widely celebrated. Even though the festival only takes place once a year, the Bier-und OktoberfestMuseum that’s open all year is another way to experience Munich’s culture.
This fascinating museum is divided into two parts. The first is all about beer; from brewing methods to stories about beer barons, and a trip back in time to the history of beer in Bavaria. The other part gives insight into Oktoberfest through old posters, clothing, and art from the inaugural celebration.
Image credit: Martin Falbisoner / Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Hertz-Jesu-Kirche
The Sacred Heart Church in Munich is unlike any other, with a modern design that makes it stand out above the rest. Besides its unique architecture, the place of worship is also known for having the largest church doors in the world.
The large gate-like structure stretches across the front of the church. The layers of blue glass making up the gates have contrasting shades in such a way that, in a certain light, you can see a cross on them. The gates also have white nails on them, arranged by an artist named Alexander Beleschenko, said to depict the Passion story as it is told according to the gospel of John.
Image credit: Hellerhoff / Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Bruno the Bear
Also known as the Problem Bear, Bruno was famously known for his exploits in Germany, killing livestock and other animals. With time, the bear started wandering closer to humans until he was killed during an attempt to humanely capture him.
Since then, Bruno has been part of the exhibitions at the Nymphenburg Castle Museum of Man and Nature. In addition to his stuffed body, the exhibit also has articles and reports relating the wild adventures of the Problem Bear.
Final Word
The strangest attractions in Munich highlight a fascinating and peculiar side of the city that’s mostly known for its history and culture. Awe-inspiring discoveries, unique architecture, and odd mementos offer an enticing trip into the unusual that are a must-see whenever you visit Munich.
From the Devil’s footprint to the stairway to nowhere, there are plenty of oddities for a curious mind to explore. If you’re visiting Munich, be sure to stop by any of these and embrace the weird and wonderful while you’re there!
Now read: Avoid The Crowds And Discover A Very Alternative Munich
Featured image credit: Andrew Bossi / Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.5
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