Richly historical and immensely charming, the largest city in southern Germany, the Bavarian metropolis of Munich (population 1.4 million) is known to travelers for many attributes: an abundance of lush parks (and proximity to the Alps), acclaimed museums and galleries, great food and beer (celebrated with particular enthusiasm during Oktoberfest) and world-famous markets. Among the cultural centers of Western Europe, Munich may not be considered as prominently as other German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne as a major LGBT destination, but this city is only a few hours by train or car from Vienna, Zúriche Innsbruck has a huge and quite visible gay and lesbian population.
And in early and mid-July each year, with more than 10 days of events leading up to the big weekend, is the site of the Munich Pride, also known as the Christopher Street Day (CSD) München – this year’s date. is July 9 and 10, 2016.
Gay Pride-related events begin on July 2 and include a series of parties, rallies, and other events. You can virtually browse an online version (in German) on the Pride website.
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During the main Pride weekend, the festivities begin on Saturday noon with the Munich Gay Pride Parade, which starts at Marienplatz and moves counterclockwise around the city center, passing Karlsplatz, Sendlinger Tor, Gartnerplatz and Viktualienmarkt, ending near Jakobsplatz at Rindermarkt. The march is followed by the Munich CSD Street Festival , with stages in both Marienplatz and Rindermarkt, which take place until midnight. There is DJ dancing at Rindermarkt and a stage with live performances, family activities, and an art exhibition at Marienplatz.
At night, various Pride parties take place throughout the city. You can find more details here.
The next day, Sunday, the Munich CSD Street Festival continues at the two aforementioned venues from 11 am to 10 pm, with even more music, dancing, partying and fun. Here’s a look at the Munich Pride Map for details on the parade route, as well as listings and locations of gay bars, restaurants, and other gay businesses in the city.
Munich gay resources
Discovering the gay scene in Munich is relatively easy – check out helpful English language sites, such as the Gay Guide Munich Patroc.com and similarly helpful Gay Guide Munich Nighttours.
The Munich Tourist Office also produces an excellent site that offers lots of advice and assistance with vacation planning, and the German Tourist Office site on GLBT travel has a great section on Munich and southern Germany.
