München Tourismus, the official tourism office of Munich, is enticing GCC nationals and residents to explore its hidden gems and cultural experiences as part of the German National Tourism Board’s (GNTB) German.Local.Culture. campaign.
The campaign highlights Germany’s unique cultural flair through four essential elements including craft featuring traditional customs and craftsmanship; taste where travellers are encouraged to explore regional cuisine, flair including historical culture of the city, and green which deep dives into pure nature and green sustainability offerings.
“The German.Local.Culture campaign provides travellers with a range of ideas to explore new regional cultural traditions, cuisines, and a diverse range of activities,” says Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing at the German Tourism National Office. “We look forward to welcoming travellers from across the Gulf region to experience Germany’s wealth of offerings.”
Germany began welcoming European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved, fully vaccinated travellers on 25 June. All travellers are advised to check individual German states entry requirements before travel.
“Following the news that fully vaccinated international travellers can now fly to Germany, the summer presents an ideal opportunity to explore Munich’s rich, cultural history, which provides something for everyone to enjoy,” says Clemens Baumgärtner, governing member of Munich’s city council and responsible for the activities of München Tourismus. “We encourage travellers to experience the city’s traditional professions and the people who are redefining their centuries-old craft, as well as enjoying views from vantage points across Munich.”
Travellers can enjoy the summer breeze above the city lights of Munich at a range of rooftop lounges, perfect to watch the colourful German sunsets. The Blue Spa Lounge Terrace at the Five Star Hotel Bayerischer Hof is a classic hotspot where guests can have a light meal and drinks while gazing over the towers of Munich’s old town. Travellers also looking for the latest hotspot in town can head to Mahjong Roof Bar at Mandarin Oriental to enjoy a stunning collaboration of Asian and Mediterranean vibes with an incredible view.
For those keen to explore the historical sights of Munich, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Marienplatz, is a great cultural spot to take in the city. The 85-meter-high elevator oversees a different highlight of the city in each direction, including the Alter Peter Church and the Altes Rathaus, Old Town Hall. Private, guided tours of the New Town Hall are also available for those curious to explore the interior of the estate with an expert who can go into detail about the intricate craftsmanship of the building.
High-end shopping in Munich has been a visitor favourite for many years. Former Royal Bavarian Purveyors to the Court continue to offer products such as fine leather shoes, with tours led by Royal Purveyors run regularly by München Tourismus.
Munich’s peaceful, rather slow-paced lifestyle makes the area ideal for those who want to go on a city-wide trekking tour. Explore the slower pace of the city, while enjoying its sights through a 12-kilometre-long east-west passage route that takes travellers right through Munich, from Prinzregentenplatz to Nymphenburg Palace.
A 21-kilometre north-south passage walk invites travellers on a magnificent journey from BMW Welt beside the Olympiapark to the lake at Hinterbrühl. Visitors can also roam off grid into the royal wanderlust of the Bavaria castles and palaces, widely cited as being among the most beautiful in the world.
With direct flights from the GCC to Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Frankfurt, the country is easily accessible for those looking to spend the summer holidays in Europe.