The city
Munich is the third largest city in Germany and the capital of Bavaria, Germany. The city’s name, also known as Munchen, is derived from the Old German word “Monche”, which means monks. The city, with its two local rivers (The Isar and the Wurm), lies about 50 km north to the edge of the Alps.

The Climate
Munich is known for rather high precipitation and has a continental climate. Violent and unexpected rain storms are common in the city. Temperatures can change completely within hours, differing extremely between winter and summer, and even between night and day.

Winters
Munich winters are rather cold, starting in December and lasting until March. Heavy rainfall is rarely seen in winter, but in January the average temperatures fall to around -1°C and snow can be expected. The snow cover lasts for at least a couple of weeks.

Summers
May to September is summer in Munich and is known to be fairly warm with average temperatures of around 22°C.

Architecture
The city is an inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture.  The National Geographic Traveler chose Munich as the 30th best destination of historic places around the world. The Frauenkirche,in the center of the city, is the most famous of all the buildings and serves as a cathedral. The large Residenz palace complex, begun in 1385, is another amazing building and a significant museum of interior decoration.

Markets
Munich’s most popular market, the Viktualienmarkt, is known for its fresh food and delicatessen. The Auer Dult is held three times a year on the square around Mariahilf church and is one of Munich’s oldest markets, well known for its hardware, tat and antiques. The Christkindlmarkt opens at Marienplatz three week before Christmas, selling Christmas goods.

Economy
Munich has the strongest economy as well as the lowest unemployment rate of any German city. The city is considered a global city and the economic centre of southern Germany, holding the headquarters of Siemens AG, BMW, MAN AG, Linde (gases), Allianz (insurance) and Rohde & Schwarz (electronics).  

Transport Network
Munich has one of the most comprehensive and very punctual transport systems in the world, incorporating the Munich U-Bahn (underground railway), the Munich S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams and buses.

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The city is an integral part of the motorway network of southern Germany. {Motorways from Stuttgart (W), Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Berlin (N), Deggendorf and Passau (E), Salzburg and Innsbruck (SE), Garmisch Partenkirchen (S) and Lindau (SW) terminate at Munich, allowing direct access to the different parts of Germany, Austria and Italy.} Heavy traffic in an around Munich is very common. Traffic jams can be expected during rush hour and at the beginning and end of major holidays in Germany.

Cycling is recognized as a good alternative to motorised transport and the growing number of bicycle lanes are widely used throughout the year. A modern bike hire system is available in the central area of Munich that is surrounded by the beltway.

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