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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2016 44 WHEN you think of a holiday in Munich the first things that comes to mind are fat Germans in leder- hosen clutching great tankards of beer at the Oktoberfest. And while this is a great source of amusement – and merriment – for beer lovers and avid travellers alike, there is so much more to this German city than Bavarian beer. With Christ- mas just round the corner, plan- ning a trip to one of the world's best Christmas markets is a must. Christmas market With Christmas soon with us, any trip to Munich will have to include a visit to the Christekindl Markt, their Christmas market in the heart of the Old Town. The first market was held in 1642, though it has seen a surge in popu- larity since 1972. If the 160 decorated booths sell- ing Bavarian wood, traditional toys, bees' wax candles and chim- ney sweep figurines made from almonds and plums don't put you in the Christmas spirit, then the 30 metre tall Christmas tree lit by 2,500 candles surely will. Gluhwein (German mulled wine), bratwurst, gingerbread, sugared almonds and baked apples will keep you warm through the winter chill. There are free Christmas con- certs on the balcony of the Town Hall and inside a Heavenly Work- shop for kids where they can do arts and crafts and bake Christmas cookies. For a glimpse at the darker side of Christmas, take part in the sin- ister Krampuslauf, Krampus Run, where the counter to Santa Clause – Krampus – runs through the streets scaring both children and adults. Marientplatz Marienplatz, or Mary's Square, is the heart of Munich. Dating back to the 12th century this was where you'd find all the medieval markets, celebrations and tourna- ments. Today it is a meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. While you're here be sure to see the New Town Hall, almost 100 metres tall and elaborately deco- rated with hundreds of statues, turrets and arches. Be sure to be there at 11am or noon when the 100-year-old carillon in the Glock- enspeil – the tower in the New Town Hall – chimes. 32 life-sized figures re-enact historical Bavar- ian events, with a golden bird that chips three times to mark the end of the show. On the other side of the square, the Old Town Hall which dates back to the 14th century but was rebuilt after it was completely de- stroyed in the Second World War now houses a toy museum with a collection of unique, historic toys from Europe and the USA. The golden statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the Mariensaule was erected in 1683 to mark the end of the Swedish invasion after the 30 Years' War and dominates the centre of the square. Dachau concentration camp memorial Ten miles north of Munich is Dachau, one of Nazi Germany's first concentration camps, which would later serve as a model for all camps throughout the Third Reich. Built in 1933, it was op- erational for 12 years and saw 200,000 people from 30 countries imprisoned there, more than 43,000 of whom died in the camp. You can expect to walk the "path of the prisoner", from the iron gate with the cruel inscrip- tion Arbeit Macht Frei which translates into work will set you free, to the shunt rooms where prisoners were stripped of their belongings as well as their iden- tities. You will see the original pris- oner baths, barracks and the cre- matorium as well as extensive exhibitions and a monument by Yugoslav artist and holocaust survivor Nandor Glid. Deutches museum The history of science and tech- nology has a home on an island in the river Isar that runs through Munich's city centre and sees 1.5 million visitors every year. You can see the first electric dynamo, the first automobile, and the laboratory bench where the atom was first split. Other highlights of the museum include exhibitions on astronomy, transportation, mining, printing, and photogra- phy. Kids will also have a great time in this museum. At Kids' King- dom they can sit behind the wheel of a real fire engine, fly in the air or play a giant guitar. Englischer Garten Englischer Garten, the English Garden, is Munich's answer to Central Park – it's just bigger. Munich's green lung is the per- fect place to get away from the city without actually leaving the city. Great for picnics in the sum- mer and walks in the winter, this is the perfect place to get a lung- ful of fresh air and even some quality local food. Neuschwanstein Take some time out of your city trip to be drawn into a fairytale. The castle of Neuschwanstein, which was the inspiration behind the Cinderella castle in the Dis- ney world, was the refuge of the shy King Ludwig II. Made king at just 20 years old, King Ludwig II suffered a crushing military de- feat just two years into his reign. Instead of facing his disappoint- ments head on, the king im- mersed himself in a world of fan- tasy, building a number of castles and culminating in Neuschwan- stein on the rugged hilltop with a stunning backdrop of the Alps where he withdrew from public life. Seven weeks after his death, this castle in the sky – at 800m above sea level – was opened to the public and now sees some 1.4 million visitors a year. Travel How to get there Air Malta offers direct flights between Malta and Munich with a current frequency of eight weekly flights. A sale launched this week puts one-way flights to Munich at €64, including taxes and charges and a 20kg free baggage allowance. This promotion ends on 7 November at 11:59am. Visit www.airmalta.com for more info. Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. The closing date is 11 November. You will see the original pris- oner baths, barracks and the cre- baggage allowance. This promotion ends on 7 November at 11:59am. Visit www.airmalta.com for more info. have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: , Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. Question: How often does Air Malta fly to Munich this winter? a) Five times a week b) Eight times a week c) Ten times a week ✂ Mobile Number Name Email Bavarian beers, Christmas markets and fairytale castles Although the New Town Hall looks like it dates back to the Middle Ages it was built between 1867 and 1909 in Flanders Gothic style The castle of Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Cinderella's castle Gluhwein, bratwurst, gingerbread and a giant Christmas tree lit up by 2,500 candles are enough to put anyone in the Christmas spirit