Karlsplatz or Charles square - largest and one of the most important areas of Munich.
Karlsplatz underground station marks the Western border of the historical old city of Munich. Many of the guests begin, then, as the others were finishing their walk through the old town of Munich in this place.
The area was established beginning in 1791 and named officially Karlsplatz in 1797, in honor of the unpopular elector of Bavaria, Charles IV Theodore, who began the square.
The people, informally, Karlsplatz known as Karlstor (Stachus).
Why Stachus? There was a hotel at the corner of Sonnenstrasse and Bayerstrasse in the 18th century. Since 1728, Mathias Eustachy Federl, who was called "Eustachy" ("Eustachi"), was registered as the owner. He was pouring beer in the adjoining garden. The hotel and pub were named "Beim Stachus" in honor of the owner. After the start of construction work on the square, the buildings were removed, and the name was fixed on the square.
Today the Marienplatz is also the largest transport hub of the city and the city.
Area is concentrated near public transport, and under the square are the underground subway stations and trains. Located near the Central station.
There are shops and catering establishments on the square, and an underground Stachus Shopping Center (Stachus-Einkaufszentrum / Stachus Passagen), which is the largest underground shopping center in In Europe, and together with metro and commuter train stations is considered one of the largest underground structures in the world.
During summer the centre of Karlsplatz is decorated with a large fountain.
In the winter season from approximately mid-November to mid-January, the square features outdoor skating rinks with ice skate rentals. There is also a bar with Beers, warming mulled wine and snacks.
Skating rink on the Karlsplatz is the largest mobile ice arena in the city and has an area of 750 square meters.
On the West side of Karlsplatz square located:
- neo-Baroque Palace of Justice (cocktail lounge and a library), built in 1890-1897 years by the German architect Friedrich von Tarsem.
The architecture of the building is dominated byfour of the facade, the Central glass dome (67 m) and sculptures located on the facades and the roof of the building. The center of the building, which was designed around two courtyards, is the Central hall 19х29 meters.
Today, the walls of the structure are the Bavarian Ministry of justice and the district court I of Munich;
- the hotel Königshof, member of the hotel group Geisel Privathotels.
The old building was demolished in 2019 and in its place will be built a new luxury hotel with a Spa and Wellness centre and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Munich;
- the building that housed the Kaufhof shopping gallery (GALERIA Kaufhof).
On the East side of Karlsplatz square, in the pedestrian zone are located the most important buildings dominating the architectural ensemble of the square.
This is the pedestrian gate or the Karlstor (Karlstor), which are among the old city gates in Munich, were originally included in the defensive system of the city, and today is the Western border of the historical old town and the lively pedestrian zone of Munich.
Karlsplatz, in cooperation with Karlovy vary of the gate, represent one of the most significant architectural ensembles and is one of the most famous sights in Munich. Read more about Karlovy gate...
Where to stay near Karlsplatz
The design hotel Anna features a restaurant, a bar, a summer terrace and offers Soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi.
In the rooms: professionally decorated, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and free Sky channels. The bathrooms have heated towel rails and a Hairdryer. Link to the hotel
The hotel Excelsior features a restaurant, bar and Valet Parking.
The rooms: the layout with antique Bavarian touches, satellite TV with Sky, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with toiletries. Link to the hotel
Hotel Bayer's , free Wi-Fi and family rooms.
In rooms: TV with satellite channels, a Minibar and a private bathroom. Bottle of water and tea/coffee. Link to the hotel
The 3-star hotel Stachus - hour reception and Parking.
In rooms: TV with cable channels and a private bathroom.
Among other hotel facilities include a safety Deposit box. Link to the hotel
All accommodation in Munich, including near the Karlsplatz square and the historic centre, you can view and book here
