Description
Magnet for Visitors
Viktualienmarkt is a permanent market in the heart of the Bavarian capital Munich. Located near Marienplatz and Heilig-Geist-Kirche in the city centre, it features 2 hectares of culinary delights sold at fixed stalls. The market is divided into seven sections, arranged around a beergarden where you can meet friends for a coffee or a beer, or get talking to the locals.
The beergarden is the perfect spot to just sit and watch all the goings-on around the stalls and shops. Furthermore, the market square is characterised by its many fountains, seven of which are named after famous German actors or singers like Ida Schumacher or Karl Valentin. Another thing that catches the eye is the over 120 feet tall Maypole. Day by day, Viktualienmarkt is a magnet for visitors and locals alike.
Name Origin and Offer
The name "Viktualienmarkt" originates in the Latin word "victus", meaning stocks or groceries. And sure enough you will find all types of foods to stock up on: from fruits and vegetables to sweets to sausages and fish. Besides local produce you can buy delicacies from around the world. In the past few decades, the market has become more and more of a gourmet place, counting among its rich offer many wines and cheeses from all over Europe.
Fountain Festival in August
Every first Friday in August, the annual Brunnenfest, or fountain festival, takes place. The fountains on Viktualienmarkt are decorated with flowers, and artists, actors, musicians and more are there to entertain the audience.
Historical Information
Until the late 19th century, Stadtmarkt on today's Marienplatz used to be Munich's trade centre. However, it became too small of a space over time, which is why King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria decided to extend the market square in May 1807. He planned with the area around the former Heilig-Geist-Spital, which was torn down in 1885. Over time, Viktualienmarkt became ever more important for Munich, as new merchants added their goods. However, it wasn't until 1870 that they got fixed stalls. Before then, they had to change their spot every day.
Viktualienmarkt was severly damaged during aerial attacks in the Second World War. After the war had ended, a full demolition of the market was considered to make room for high-rise buildings in the city centre. The idea was rejected, and Viktualienmarkt received a costly reconstruction. To this day, it remains a gourmet paradise in the heart of Munich.
How to get there
By car
You can get to Munich on motorways A8, A9, A92, A95, A96, and A99. If you want to park your car in the centre, follow the signs to one of the car parks. Another option is to drive to one of the P+R stations around the city. From there, public transport takes you to all the most important places in Munich.
On public transport
Munich Airport is situated outside of the city, and is connected to the centre by tram lines S1 and S8. Numerous trains go to Munich on a daily basis. From the main train station you can take tram lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 to Marienplatz, and follow the signs pointing to Viktualienmarkt.