There is no doubt that Munich, Germany boasts a natural beauty. Bordering the Bavarian Alps and nestled along the River Isar, the city features views of breathtaking landscapes. The posh city also shows off its man-made wonders with designer stores, Baroque churches, and shiny BMWs lining its streets. Walk amongst these highlights on our optional land package in Munich before your Romantic Danube  itin-erary, or on your Grand Danube and Christmas Markets on the Danube sailings departing from Vilshofen, Germany. 

Munich’s World-Famous Glockenspiel 

Attracting a crowd of onlookers every day, the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in Munich’s New City Hall tower is over 100 years old. Every day, the clock comes to life in a charming show that lasts about 15 minutes. Consisting of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures, the wooden characters pose in their festivities as they cycle through the balcony. The glockenspiel depicts two scenes from Munich’s history: a wedding – complete with a jousting tournament, and a traditional Schäffler dance, celebrating the end of the Black Plague. If your tour happens to arrive at 11am or 12pm (as well as 5pm from March to October), you will have the pleasure of witnessing this stunning, daily spectacle. If you miss it, you can experience the delightful show on your own time during your extended stay in Munich. 

The Devil’s Footprint 

While visiting the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, referred to as “Frauenkirche,” take in the brilliant arcades and surrounding stained glass windows. The church’s two towers overlook the city and their twin blue-green domes are hard to miss as you gaze upon the Munich skyline. In fact, in 2004, a law was passed prohibiting the construction of any building that exceeded the height of the church, which reaches 98.57 meters high.  

With its white columns and golden arches, the interior of the Gothic cathedral is quite bright; however, it is associated with a dark legend. As the story goes, the devil visited the church and ridiculed the “windowless” nave. (In baroque times, church windows were often obscured by the high alter.) The devil was so overjoyed that he danced around the church, resulting in him seeing the windows. He was so angered that he flew up into the air and stomped down on the ground, leaving a permanent black mark behind. In the entryway, you can still see what many believe to be the devil’s footprint. There are many other versions of this myth, which you can discover during your included tour of the magnificent Frauenkirche.