Guided tour of the southern station district

Dynamik und Geschichte an den Gleisen

"The Bahnhofsviertel - Where Munich is really a big city" is the title of a book by Karl Stankiewitz, author of several important works about minorities and marginalized groups in Munich. Hardly any other district is in the negative headlines as often as the Bahnhofsviertel. Is that really justified? This tour aims to introduce what is probably the most colorful district in the city, shed light on its image and also try out the local culinary offerings.

A suburb called Ludwig

The district was not developed until the middle of the 19th century. The construction of Munich Central Station was crucial for the development of Ludwigsvorstadt, which not only accelerated the development of the district, but also contributed significantly to its transformation. Today it is difficult to imagine that Ludwigsvorstadt was once a former artists' quarter, but that it lost importance over time due to the increasing environmental pollution caused by Munich Central Station. Ludwig von Schwanthaler 's studio was located there, in the street named after him. Franz Marc also grew up here on Schillerstrasse and Schwanthalerstrasse.

Because of the main train station located there, hotels, restaurants, red-light districts and social institutions settled here in large numbers. During the Second World War, the main train station was one of the most important strategic targets in Munich, so it is not surprising that today only a handful of old buildings can be found in the station district.

After the war, life in the district was dominated by the black market and bartering. Hastily constructed apartment buildings attempted to alleviate the worst of the housing shortage. From the early 1960s onwards, mainly Italian, Yugoslavian and Turkish guest workers arrived at the famous platform 11 of Munich Central Station, and they have left a lasting mark on the district to this day.

On the way in the southern station district

The tour is intended to give visitors an insight into this district, which also includes the university hospitals and the famous German Theater, with all its diverse aspects. This includes a typical on-site tasting, conversations with business people and residents, and an exploration of the diverse cultures that live here.

The southern station district deserves to be known not only for negative press, but also for the integration and positive coexistence of the most diverse nations and religions, because “Here, Munich is really a big city”.