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Why is Munich So Different

Posted by (Mandeville, LA) on

As you probably surmised from my heading, I think it is.

The first time I went to Europe--too many decades ago to list--I visited Munich, Paris and London. My impression then was Munich was the city that reminded me of the US. That impression today is even stronger. And perhaps the reason is simply that Munich is a really big city.

However, on my current trip (which is almost over), I have visited Nuremburg, Dresden, Prague, Budapest and Krakow (as well as some smaller cities). In Munich, for the first time on this trip, I have seen noticeable litter, I saw security at a grocery store entrance, and I have encountered (with two taxi drivers) less than scrupulous conduct. There is also a faster pace than I have seen elsewhere.

If you disagree, please do so. If you agree, is the explanation simply that Munich is a big, vibrant city?
Munich has amazing sites, and there is much to do. But the differences between Munich and all of the other major cities I have been in on this trip seem glaring.

Posted by
7288 posts

I'll take a WAG that your impression of Munich being like an American city may be in part due to the huge US military presence in Bavaria. While that has existed since the end of WW II, there are over 40,000 US military in Bavaria according to recent figures. Add in family members and you might see how a place could be Americanized, for better or worse (your choice). If the threatened exit of troops actually occurs, perhaps things may change.

Otherwise, I would just say that most of the major European cities are each quite different from each other. London is different than Paris. Both are different from Rome. Or Prague etc etc. If they weren't different, why would anyone visit more than one place?

Posted by
4693 posts

RJ, did you have been to Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne? If so, what is your impression of them compared to Munich?

The covered areas of Berlin and Hamburg are really huge because they both had a "greater ... act" in their history, means smaller surrounding communities and towns were included into the cities of Berlin and Hamburg.

In general the pace is faster or seems more stressful in the 5 major German cities, maybe 10 - in their centers much more than in their outskirts.

btw: "Americanized" is a funny word if you think further what this means for people from France. Is it Frenchised then?

Posted by
169 posts

Mark, Hamburg and Cologne, no. Nor Frankfurt (not yet despite Jo's entreaties). Berlin, yes, though it was probably eight years.

Regarding my secondary point, I can only say that on my visit nearly 50 years ago Munich reminded me more of the US than London, and that many American soldiers in 1945 commented on the different ways Germany seemed more familiar to them than England.

Regarding my principal observation, it may simply be size and pace, but there are noticeable differences--some good, some bad, many associated with the US--between Munich and all of the other cities I have visited on this trip.

And I never used the word "Americanized." If my comments are not clear, I will try to clarify.

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