Nymphenburg Palace, Munich

Originally a tract of common woodland 35ha/86 acres in extent, the Hirschgarten, occupying a low terrace formed during the Würm Ice Age, now provides a welcome 27ha/67 acre swathe of greenery between Nymphenburg Park and the Donnersberg Bridge immediately north of the main railroad line. Magnificent oaks, beeches and chestnuts among which several pairs of kestrels and tawny owls breed, give this protected area a parklike feel. Signs of withering afflicting some of the great trees reflects the density of urban development in the area and changes in ground-water levels.The Hirschgarten was designated a deer-park in 1791 on the orders of the Elector Karl Theodor, whose own seat was at Mannheim. At that time several dozen larger game animals, including fallow deer and ibex, grazed the enclosed woodland, and the people of Munich much enjoyed going to see them. In 1890 a fairground of sorts opened near by, capable of accommodating up to 8,000 visitors at a time.Today the Hirschgarten is a delightful oasis in west Munich, a place for relaxing out of doors and enjoying an al fresco meal. A childrens' playground, barbecues, Bavarian curling, open-air chess and tobogganning are among its attractions.

Munich is the home of the world-famous Zirkus Krone, permanently based here since 1919. Bombed out during a blitz in 1944, a new building in the shape of a big top with seating for more than 2,500 was completed in 1962. Brilliant artistry and outstanding animal acts are guaranteed throughout the circus season (December to March), the annual "Stars in der Manege" (Stars in the Ring; beginning of December) and the first performance of the winter program (Christmas Day) being exceptional.From April to October when the circus takes to the road, pop concerts, sports meetings and political events are staged.In front of the Zirkus Krone building stands a bronze statue commemorating Charlie (actually José Andreo) Rivel (1896-1983), the clown who was loved the world over.

The Pippinger Kircherl, officially the Church of St Wolfgang in Pipping, is a rare example of a Late Gothic village church which has survived without modification. Unusually for the Munich area, in which almost all the Gothic churches were remodeled in the Baroque style, the interior of this church, built by Duke Sigismund in 1478-80, escaped the modernizing zeal of the 16th and 17th C. The tower was rebuilt in 1794 with a steeple after being destroyed by lightning.The wall-paintings in the chancel (Passion, Death of the Virgin, Prophets, Wise and Foolish Virgins) and the paintings of the Four Fathers of the Church on the stone pulpit were probably the work of Jan Polack (1479). The stained glass dates from 1478-79, the three carved altars (figure of St Wolfgang on high altar) from 1490.

The Nymphenburg Summer Festival is a three-week event that runs from mid-June to early July and includes a series of twelve symphonic, choral and chamber concerts. The repertoire ranges from Buxtehude to Brahms and is performed by internationally-acclaimed musicians. The performances all take place in the Nymphenburg Palace.