7 Munich Facts for True Know-it-Alls
Think you already know Munich inside out? Wait till you hear about the devil’s shoe size, the beer that inspired a rock band, and why you won’t hear bagpipes on Marienplatz (well, almost never). Here are seven fun facts about Munich that will surprise even true locals!
The Zero-Kilometer Point on Marienplatz
Mariensäule, the Marian Column, has been on today’s Marienplatz since 1638 and commemorates the fact that Munich was spared destruction by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years’ War. What many don’t know: the Marian Column marks the metric zero point for all roads leading out of Munich. So next time you drive into the city, remember — as soon as you’re nearing the zero-kilometer point, you’re already in the pedestrian zone!
What Mötley Crüe Has to Do with Munich Beer
Sounds strange, but it’s true: the American rock band Mötley Crüe added German umlauts to their name because Löwenbräu was supposedly their favorite beer at the time the band was founded. Or, in the words of lead singer Vince Neil: “We were drinking Löwenbräu and when we decided to call ourselves Mötley Crüe, we put some umlauts in there because we thought it made us look European.”
No Bagpipes in the Pedestrian Zone
Anyone who wants to play music in Munich’s pedestrian zone needs an official permit from the city. Some instruments — like the bagpipe — are banned altogether. There was one exception during the 2024 European Football Championship, when the Scottish team played against the German national team, and the sound of bagpipes filled Marienplatz. Rightly so, we think — after all, the Scottish fans brought not only their typical instruments and kilts but also a great deal of good cheer to the city center.
What the Letters J and W Stand For in Augustinerbräu
Munich’s oldest brewery was founded in 1328 by Augustinian monks. After secularization, ownership passed to the Wagner family. The letters “JW” in the Augustiner logo stand for the initials of their son Josef Wagner, who took over the brewery in 1858.
What the Munich Kindl Has to Do with Pumuckl
Traditionally, the Einzug der Wiesnwirte (parade of Oktoberfest landlords) and the Trachten- und Schützenzug (costume and marksmen’s parade) are led by the Munich Kindl. Our little monk isn’t an old man anymore — the city now appoints a young woman from Munich as its symbolic ambassador. The very first official Munich Kindl was none other than Ellis Kaut, the creator of Pumuckl. In 1938, at just 17 years old, she took on the role for the first time.
The Devil Had Pretty Average Feet
You probably know the story: once upon a time, the devil stamped his foot in fury inside the Frauenkirche, leaving a footprint in the floor for all eternity. But what you might not know is that, by modern standards, the “Devil’s Footprint” is only about a European size 43 — not exactly infernal!
More Surprising Facts About the Frauenkirche? Here You Go!
It took just 20 years to build Munich’s iconic cathedral — a true architectural feat for the 15th century. But what’s even more impressive: when it was completed, the Frauenkirche could hold 20,000 people. Standing, of course — but still! At that time, the entire city had only about 13,000 inhabitants. Imagine that today — a church big enough for one and a half times Munich’s population!
Want Even More Gscheidhaferl-Knowledge?
Then book your own private tour with us! Our Tour Munich For Know-It-Alls is for everyone who thinks they already know (almost) everything. It doesn’t matter whether you’re from Munich or somewhere else — what counts is your curiosity and your love for those “I’ve never noticed that before!” moments. You’ll find more info about the Tour Munich For Know-It-Alls and our contact form here.