You can't get cheaper than a free tour, right? But free does not have to mean cheap, far from it in the case of the famous Sandeman's New Munich Tours free walking tour of central Munich.
The guides are not paid by the company either, and so are reliant on the brilliance on their tours to generate their daily bread from satisfied tourists. And with the tours currently rates as number two on TripAdvisor for Tours and Activities in Munich, it would appear that this is an arrangement which suits everybody.
One blogger posted some snippets of her tour below to give you a flavour.
The free walking tour is just one of many that the company offers, and with more than 5 million guests since it started operations in 2004, Sandeman claims to be one of the biggest walking tour companies in the world. What is definitely true is that an awful lot is packed into this three hour tour, which takes place daily whatever the weather. The company website explains:
We begin the tour on Marienplatz (Mary’s square) and watch the most famous Glockenspiel in the world. We then head through the medieval heart of Munich admiring the simple beauty of the Frauenkirche whose twin towers dominate the city’s skyline before hearing tales of the Bavarian royal family, the turbulent 20th century and the early days of the Nazi Party. Of course no visit would be complete without discussing why beer matters so much to Bavarians and why it tastes so good – there’s even time to see the world’s most famous beer hall. You’ll discover a vibrant, historic city centre that combines modernity and proud traditions with one of the highest qualities of life in Europe.
The Feldherrnhalle
Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass)
Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady)
Viktualienmarkt
The National Theater & Opera House
Marienplatz (Mary’s Square)
Origins of Oktoberfest
Hitler´s Beer Hall Putsch
The Hofbräuhaus
Odeonsplatz
Theatinerkirche
Mary´s Column
The Royal Residence
Church of St. Peter
Maximilianstraße
The Glockenspiel
…and much more!
The tours run twice daily, at 10:45 and 14:00 from in front of the large column in Marienplatz, and there is also an optional pickup at 10:00 from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in front of the Starbucks by platform 11. Look out for the guide in company red t-shirt.
For more information about this and all the other tours offered, click here.
