Welcome to Munich, the cultural metropolis with big city flair and rural charm, Alpine heartiness and Mediterranean chic, art treasures and Oktoberfest, traditional customs and hi-tech, This very special "Munich mix” is what makes the Bavarian capital so attractive for visitors from all over the world whether their interests lie in the fine arts or technology, Egyptian statues or post-modern design objects.

It offers world-renowned museums, such as the Alte Pinakothek or the Deutsches Museum but as impressive as the variety of the museum is its dynamism. Collections are continuously being added to its inventories, exciting new museums such as the Pinakothek der Moderne are being created. This enjoyment of the arts becomes an all-round experience through stimulating guided tours and inviting museums cafés. This is an endlessly new city that never loses its fascination.

The Munich Oktoberfest - known by the locals as the "Wiesn" - is the biggest public festival in the world and will be held in 2002 for the 169th time. Each year, the Oktoberfest is attended by around 6 million visitors, who drink around 5 million liters of beer and consume over 200,000 pairs of pork sausages - mostly in the "beer tents" put up by the traditional Munich breweries. At the foot of the Bavaria statue, the huge Oktoberfest grounds also provide carousels, roller coasters and all the spectacular fun of the fair for the enjoyment and excitement of visitors of all ages. The festivities are accompanied by a program of events, including the Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Costume and Riflemen's Procession, and a concert involving all the brass bands represented at the "Wies'n".

From the 30th of November to the 24th of December 2001 the Yuletide spirit comes to life in the Bavarian capital when Munich’s Lord Mayor formally opens the Christmas Market at 5.00pm on the Friday before the first Advent. Thousands gather into the Marienplatz, the heart and soul of the city, to watch the almost 30-metre-high Christmas tree sparkle for the first time in all its regal splendor as it is lit up by 2,500 candles. The aroma of Gluehwein (hot spiced wine) and the glistening of angel hair remind everyone of the magic of Christmas. Munich’s Christmas Market, or Christkindlmarkt, is almost as old as the world-famous local breweries. Originally called the Nicholas Market, the festive tradition dates back to the 14th century

The town’s annals first mention Christmas activity near the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) in 1642. “Oberammergau goods, Nuremberg Lebkuchen (ginger bread), cotton children's-wear, crib figurines, and chimney sweepers made from plum and almonds” were among the wide range of exciting products on display. In 1806 the Nicholas Market altered its name and it wasn’t until 1972 - after several changes of address - that the Munich Christmas Market found its final home in the city center.