Viktualienmarkt in Munich

The Hot Spot for today’s post is Munich’s Viktualienmarkt, meaning “victual (food or provisions) market.” Located near the Marienplatz Square with the New and Old Town Hall, the bustling outdoor food market is the heart of the city’s old town. With 140 stalls, it truly is a feast for your senses. Each stall is decorated to its liking, such as with garlands of sausages or pyramids of vegetables. You can fill your basket with flowers, Bavarian specialities, exotic fruits, local cheese, fish, and so on. Bargaining has no place in the Munich conduct, so don’t be tempted to haggle with shop owners.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping, mosey to the beer garden located at the center of the market. You can sit at the shaded tables and enjoy hearty Bavarian specialties, such as sauerkraut, dumplings, and warm potato salad. You can also admire the Maypole that displays figures of Celtic tradesmen and craftsmen.

Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

I'd like to share with you the history of the market that I found interesting. Munich first had a food market at the central Marienplatz Square, but it soon became too small of an area. In 1807, King Maximilian I issued a decree to move the market to its current location and through the years it has been expanded. After its destruction in World War II, the market place was revived by the city to its current splendor.