
Karlsplatz, Munich
Karlsplatz, situated near the 14th century Karlstor gate, is the second largest square in Munich, after Marienplatz, and is popularly known as Stachus.
The square was laid upon the instructions from the Elector Karl Theodor in 1791. Reportedly, its popular nick “Stachus” derives from a pub, called Beim Stachus, owned by Mathias Eustachius Föderl, that used to be here before the square was built. Another theory suggests that its name is a corruption of the word “Stachel” which means the arrows of marksmen who practiced their skills in the area. As for the Karlstor, this Gothic-style gate was once part of a large fortification. The Rondell buildings on both sides of the gate were designed by renowned architect, Gabriel von Seidl.
The main pedestrian shopping area of Munich lies between Karlplatz and Marienplatz. Among other things adorning Stachus today is a modern fountain, built in the 1970s, with seats for shoppers and visitors to rest their feet in the summer. In the winter, the area surrounding the fountain becomes an ice skating rink. Kaufhof, the very first department store established after WWII, is found on the west side of the square. Underground there is another large shopping center and Stachus Square itself serves as the major hub for Munich’s tramway system.
The square was laid upon the instructions from the Elector Karl Theodor in 1791. Reportedly, its popular nick “Stachus” derives from a pub, called Beim Stachus, owned by Mathias Eustachius Föderl, that used to be here before the square was built. Another theory suggests that its name is a corruption of the word “Stachel” which means the arrows of marksmen who practiced their skills in the area. As for the Karlstor, this Gothic-style gate was once part of a large fortification. The Rondell buildings on both sides of the gate were designed by renowned architect, Gabriel von Seidl.
The main pedestrian shopping area of Munich lies between Karlplatz and Marienplatz. Among other things adorning Stachus today is a modern fountain, built in the 1970s, with seats for shoppers and visitors to rest their feet in the summer. In the winter, the area surrounding the fountain becomes an ice skating rink. Kaufhof, the very first department store established after WWII, is found on the west side of the square. Underground there is another large shopping center and Stachus Square itself serves as the major hub for Munich’s tramway system.
Sight description based on wikipedia
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Karlsplatz on Map
Sight Name: Karlsplatz
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Munich, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Munich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Munich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Third Reich Munich Walking Tour
In the first quarter of the 20th century, the Bavarian city of Munich was ill-fated to become the birthplace and capital of the Nazi movement, after the National Socialist German Workers' Party was formed in the city in 1920. It was here that Hitler had made his first attempts at grabbing power. This self-guided walking tour explores some of the places of Munich and traces the events related... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Munich Introduction Walking Tour
Straddling the banks of the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps, Bavaria’s capital Munich is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous attractions.
The city was first mentioned in 1158. Its name is usually interpreted as the Old/Middle High German term Munichen, which means "by the monks", deriving from the monks of the Benedictine order, who ran a monastery at the place that... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The city was first mentioned in 1158. Its name is usually interpreted as the Old/Middle High German term Munichen, which means "by the monks", deriving from the monks of the Benedictine order, who ran a monastery at the place that... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Shopping Tour
It is fair to say that Munich is a shopper’s delight with no shortage of department stores, large international brands and local boutique shops jostling for space. The main shopping areas are the Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse. The best part about shopping in Munich is the bargains you can get. German-style competition ensures that the prices are always reasonable. Take this self-guided... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Top Religious Sites Walking Tour
Religion has been an important part of Munich's life for a long time and this is reflected in the city's numerous churches, chapels and cathedrals. During the 18th and the 19th century, many of them were reconstructed into Baroque and Rococo styles to represent the wealth and greatness of the city. This self guided tour takes you to the magnificent religious edifices of Munich.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Palaces Walking Tour
Among an array of attractions found in Munich, the city also boasts a conglomerate of palaces reflecting a variety of styles – Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo. The enormous palaces have a centuries long history over which some of them have been added to and rebuilt numerous times. While some were designed as royal residences, others were used as hunting lodges, temporary residences or castles. If... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Art District Museums & Galleries
Kunstareal is known as the art district of the city. This small district is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world. Each of these museums portrays art forms from distinctly different eras. Located just north of the main train station, the artistic treasures here rivals the best in the world.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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