The Wittelsbach Trail: A Private Tour of Munich's Royal History

5.0 (one review) 2–3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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5.0

Max Joseph. Bavaria's first king — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

One of the lions outside of the Residenz palace. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

In 1180 the Emperor Barbarossa appointed his loyal vassal Otto Wittelsbach as the new duke of Bavaria. Otto would be the first of a dynasty that would rule until their downfall in the aftermath of world war one in 1918. With 738 years in power the Wittelsbach legacy is immense. Indeed, almost everything Bavaria is famous for: art, religion, lederhosen, beer and the okotoberfest, is due to the Wittelsbachs and the choices they made.

However nowhere would they leave a greater impression than in their own capital of Munich and on your tour you will follow in their footsteps through the churches, casltes, breweries and palaces they built as you learn about the individuals who ruled, from battle hardened medieval dukes to the art collecting, scandel ridden 19th century kings. Discover the good, the mad, the bad and the ugly with us and learn about the colourful personalities, shocking stories and rivalries that shaped a land and its people

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At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Tom's Tours

Ages: Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private tour with professional historian guide
Included: Visual aids

Itinerary

Karlsplatz

Passing by

The old western gate of the city
St. Michael

10 min

The Renaissance church built by the Wittelsbachs at the height of the counter reformation
Frauenkirche

15 min

The medeival church where the dukes of Bavaria are buried and the mwmorial Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig IV lies.
Stop 4

20 min

The centre of the city with the Mary's Column built by Elector Maximilian in its heart. The town hall's facade is filled with statues of the Wittelsbach.
Old Town Hall

10 min Admission not included

The centre of civic power in Munich and a thorn in the side of the Wittelsbachs.
Alter Hof

15 min

The orginal castle and seat of power of the Wittelsbachs.
Staatliches Hofbrauhaus

20 min

The royal beer hall. Built as a brewery to fill thebroyal coffers
Max-Joseph-Platz

20 min

The royal sqaure. With the Opera house and the Residenz palace.
Residenz Munchen

15 min Admission not included

The palace of the Wittelsbachs and centre of royal power for over three centuries
Palais Preysing

10 min

Built by the Counts of Preysing as their town house and statement of the family's poltical ambition.
Stop 11

10 min

The representational sqaure built by king Ludwig I with the Field Marshall's Hall
Stop 12

10 min

The barouqe church built by the Wittelsbachs as the royal chapel