2 Days in Munich -BMW Factory Tour direct from Munich Airport - Possible?
Mar 15th, 2015, 11:59 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2 Days in Munich -BMW Factory Tour direct from Munich Airport - Possible?
We have only 2 days in Munich - arrive on a Friday @ 7:45am at airport, so have Friday and Saturday to tour about. We were initially thinking of doing a bike tour on arrival day (after checking into hotel); then on 2nd day - touring BMW and Dachau.
It sounds like the BMW "factory tour" is the one to see (vs WELT tour), but it is not available on the weekends, so the Friday would be our only option if we want the factory tour.
If we could get booked for a Friday morning English tour - I was thinking it might make sense to get transport(from airport) directly to BMW for our tour on arrival day - the only problem is, we would still have our luggage. Does anyone know if English tours are held in the morning (not able to book as yet) AND are there facilities available to store ones luggage? (I did send an email to BMW and still awaiting a response)
From BMW, it would then be most logical to get back into Munich and deposit our luggage at our hotel. Then, because I am sure it would be too late for the afternoon bike tour, wondering if there would be time to take the train to Dachau for the remainder of the afternoon? (It is open until 5pm).
That would leave the following day for a possible museum visit in the morning, prior to a bike tour in the afternoon.
Thoughts?
It sounds like the BMW "factory tour" is the one to see (vs WELT tour), but it is not available on the weekends, so the Friday would be our only option if we want the factory tour.
If we could get booked for a Friday morning English tour - I was thinking it might make sense to get transport(from airport) directly to BMW for our tour on arrival day - the only problem is, we would still have our luggage. Does anyone know if English tours are held in the morning (not able to book as yet) AND are there facilities available to store ones luggage? (I did send an email to BMW and still awaiting a response)
From BMW, it would then be most logical to get back into Munich and deposit our luggage at our hotel. Then, because I am sure it would be too late for the afternoon bike tour, wondering if there would be time to take the train to Dachau for the remainder of the afternoon? (It is open until 5pm).
That would leave the following day for a possible museum visit in the morning, prior to a bike tour in the afternoon.
Thoughts?
Mar 15th, 2015, 02:12 PM
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should also mention that I am feeling like we are missing a LOT of Munich by our above plans. I have read rave reviews about the bike tours and thought would give a good overall view of Munich in a short amount of time vs a walking tour (though times for these are less limiting with 2 options @ 10:45 or 2:00 - Sandeman's Free Walking Tour) - I'm sure there are others. I have found 2 bike tours - Mikes @ 1130 am(4hrs), Lennys @ 1230(3.5hrs).
We originally planned to arrive and drop luggage at hotel(Hotel Antares, Amalienstrasse ?20 min walk to Marienplatz) on day one, then visit the Viktualienmarkt before joining a bike tour, then visit Hofbrauhaus (maybe see the suggested but hokey, Bavarian Night); then day 2, BMW tour - though being a Saturday, would just be the WELT & Museum, followed by visit to Dachau.
These seems to be so much to see, and I could certainly be persuaded to change some of the above plans as the timing of the BMW visit, Dachau and bike tour all seem somewhat restrictive and time sensitive.
Our last night in Germany(leaving Munich for a road trip after our 2 day visit), we will be back in Munich, staying right near Marienplatz, so will have the latter part of the evening plus several hours the following morning to meander about prior to taking transport out to the airport.
There are four of us, so we are able to pair off if we wish, but I really want to make our two days in Munich worthwhile ones. I have read some of the older Munich posts, and the more I read, the more uneasy I get about our somewhat restrictive plans.
Can anyone offer some tips/suggestions, if they were to go back, what would they do better, what were your highlights (must-sees) and what can be left out. And, what makes most sense??
Should we in fact, be putting so much emphasis on the BMW tour, and Dachau tour? I think I would like either a walking tour or bike tour, since a tour guide can tell you about the places, plus knows what to see and the routes - I don't want to waste my time floundering about...
Thoughts and suggestions appreciated!
We originally planned to arrive and drop luggage at hotel(Hotel Antares, Amalienstrasse ?20 min walk to Marienplatz) on day one, then visit the Viktualienmarkt before joining a bike tour, then visit Hofbrauhaus (maybe see the suggested but hokey, Bavarian Night); then day 2, BMW tour - though being a Saturday, would just be the WELT & Museum, followed by visit to Dachau.
These seems to be so much to see, and I could certainly be persuaded to change some of the above plans as the timing of the BMW visit, Dachau and bike tour all seem somewhat restrictive and time sensitive.
Our last night in Germany(leaving Munich for a road trip after our 2 day visit), we will be back in Munich, staying right near Marienplatz, so will have the latter part of the evening plus several hours the following morning to meander about prior to taking transport out to the airport.
There are four of us, so we are able to pair off if we wish, but I really want to make our two days in Munich worthwhile ones. I have read some of the older Munich posts, and the more I read, the more uneasy I get about our somewhat restrictive plans.
Can anyone offer some tips/suggestions, if they were to go back, what would they do better, what were your highlights (must-sees) and what can be left out. And, what makes most sense??
Should we in fact, be putting so much emphasis on the BMW tour, and Dachau tour? I think I would like either a walking tour or bike tour, since a tour guide can tell you about the places, plus knows what to see and the routes - I don't want to waste my time floundering about...
Thoughts and suggestions appreciated!
Mar 15th, 2015, 03:18 PM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don;t get going on an auto factory tour unless you are considering buying one (in which case you local dealer can usually make arrangements for you).
There are tons of great thing to see in Munich that you are missing IMHO.
Caveat: I want to see every castle, palace, church and museum there is - so our focus may well be different
There are tons of great thing to see in Munich that you are missing IMHO.
Caveat: I want to see every castle, palace, church and museum there is - so our focus may well be different
Mar 15th, 2015, 03:19 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went and looked at their site. We did the plant tour but went on a week day. I would do any tour on that Friday even if it is in German. Seeing the way they make the cars was very interesting. Schedule a Friday afternoon plant tour and then do your bike tour on Sat.
Mar 15th, 2015, 03:37 PM
#6
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I cannot comment on the factory tour as I did not do one so far.
Nevertheless, your hotel is pretty centrally located. The walk to Marienplatz is more 10 minutes than 20 minutes. And except for Nymphenburg palace and garden and the Pinakotheken museums, most of Munich's sights are densely packed in the historic city center and don't even require a bicycle.
Not sure where your bike tour plans to take you, but the major streets in the old town are pedestrian zones anyway. While these Fat Tire tours are a good idea for cities which are somewhat spread out like Berlin, they are a waste of time in a compact city like Munich IMO. The distance between sights is more like 100-200 yards, so you'd even be faster walking than climbing on the bike, off the bike, lock, unlock, and so on.
You can walk from your hotel anywhere - Residence, Hofbräuhaus, Marienplatz, Cathedral, St Peter ,Viktualienmarkt, Asam church, Theatiner church, Maximiliam street, English garden, and so on.
If you are interested in the arts museums, the Pinakotheken district is also within 10 minutes walking distance from your hotel.
Dachau needs 1/2 day, and it sounds reasonable to plan it for Day 2.
Nevertheless, your hotel is pretty centrally located. The walk to Marienplatz is more 10 minutes than 20 minutes. And except for Nymphenburg palace and garden and the Pinakotheken museums, most of Munich's sights are densely packed in the historic city center and don't even require a bicycle.
Not sure where your bike tour plans to take you, but the major streets in the old town are pedestrian zones anyway. While these Fat Tire tours are a good idea for cities which are somewhat spread out like Berlin, they are a waste of time in a compact city like Munich IMO. The distance between sights is more like 100-200 yards, so you'd even be faster walking than climbing on the bike, off the bike, lock, unlock, and so on.
You can walk from your hotel anywhere - Residence, Hofbräuhaus, Marienplatz, Cathedral, St Peter ,Viktualienmarkt, Asam church, Theatiner church, Maximiliam street, English garden, and so on.
If you are interested in the arts museums, the Pinakotheken district is also within 10 minutes walking distance from your hotel.
Dachau needs 1/2 day, and it sounds reasonable to plan it for Day 2.
Mar 15th, 2015, 09:54 PM
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have collected two BMWs in Munich in the last 4 years and my husband went on factory tours both times. BMW is very customer service oriented so I'm thinking they would accommodate your luggage. I'm not sure when the English tour is offered. I think his tour last summer was early afternoon or late morning. The BMW facility is pretty amazing. The central part of Munich is very walkable. It's worth climbing St. Peter's church tower for great view. A trip to one of the English Garden's bier gardens is another fun Munich experience.
Mar 15th, 2015, 10:57 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First I would deep six the BMW factory tour. I have seen auto factories and they are interesting but if I were traveling 5000 miles to visit Germany this would be near the bottom of my to do list.What I would do is hire a private guide for a walking tour. An enthusiastic guide telling you about the city they love can get your vacation off to a great start. I ran across this one who seems to fit the bill.Make arrangements to have Alexandra meet you at your hotel.You might see what she suggests for 4 hour tour(walking tour plus some visits).
Alex was hired by this young couple from South Africa. See their blog.
http://toomuchloveliness.com/2015/01/all-about-munich/
"We met up with a really wonderful tour guide, Alex, for a tour of the old town. The old town of Munich is really beautiful, but the more you know the more beautiful it becomes. It was wonderful to spend time with a Munich local who shared lots of history and stories with us. If you’d like to do a small group tour make sure to visit her site."
http://alexandramaffei.jimdo.com/
Forgive Google translator:
Classic City Tour
Learn about the historic old town of Munich!
This guided tour is ideal for visitors who are for the first time in Munich. The tour takes about 2 hours and leads to all major historical points of Munich past, including:
Marienplatz & Marian column
Old and New Town Hall
Frauenkirche (Cathedral)
Peter Church
Viktualienmarkt
Alter Hof
platzl streets
Hofbräuhaus
Feldherrenhalle
Maximilian street
five Courtyards
Bavarian National Theater
Residence (Munich City Palace)
Your tour guide
I'm Alexandra Maffei, born in 1978 in Munich.
As an official tour guide of Munich and a member of the Munich Gästerführerverein Association and the Federation of Tourist Guides Association in Germany, I am pleased to express my hometown visitors from all over the world closer.
You can experience Munich with me on foot or on a bus tour as individual guide or in groups. The tours are available in German, English and Portuguese. Other activities, such as Oktoberfest tours, city tours by tram or Isar raft trips, I teach also.
If you want to know more, please contact me without obligation by email or phone: contact.
Alexandra Maffei
Lena-Christ-Str. 4
80807 Munich
Phone: 0176 969 26 339
E-mail: [email protected]
member
Munich guides e.V. (VR15235)
Federal Association of Tourist Guides in Germany (VR11896)
On day 2 you can choose (2) from Nymphenburg Palace,a museum, a bike ride, and Dachau.
Alex was hired by this young couple from South Africa. See their blog.
http://toomuchloveliness.com/2015/01/all-about-munich/
"We met up with a really wonderful tour guide, Alex, for a tour of the old town. The old town of Munich is really beautiful, but the more you know the more beautiful it becomes. It was wonderful to spend time with a Munich local who shared lots of history and stories with us. If you’d like to do a small group tour make sure to visit her site."
http://alexandramaffei.jimdo.com/
Forgive Google translator:
Classic City Tour
Learn about the historic old town of Munich!
This guided tour is ideal for visitors who are for the first time in Munich. The tour takes about 2 hours and leads to all major historical points of Munich past, including:
Marienplatz & Marian column
Old and New Town Hall
Frauenkirche (Cathedral)
Peter Church
Viktualienmarkt
Alter Hof
platzl streets
Hofbräuhaus
Feldherrenhalle
Maximilian street
five Courtyards
Bavarian National Theater
Residence (Munich City Palace)
Your tour guide
I'm Alexandra Maffei, born in 1978 in Munich.
As an official tour guide of Munich and a member of the Munich Gästerführerverein Association and the Federation of Tourist Guides Association in Germany, I am pleased to express my hometown visitors from all over the world closer.
You can experience Munich with me on foot or on a bus tour as individual guide or in groups. The tours are available in German, English and Portuguese. Other activities, such as Oktoberfest tours, city tours by tram or Isar raft trips, I teach also.
If you want to know more, please contact me without obligation by email or phone: contact.
Alexandra Maffei
Lena-Christ-Str. 4
80807 Munich
Phone: 0176 969 26 339
E-mail: [email protected]
member
Munich guides e.V. (VR15235)
Federal Association of Tourist Guides in Germany (VR11896)
On day 2 you can choose (2) from Nymphenburg Palace,a museum, a bike ride, and Dachau.
Mar 16th, 2015, 04:49 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IMO you can do all that yourself. We have been going for many years but always seem to be flying in and out of Munich not really staying until last year. My husband did his own research and did an interesting tour of the Nazi party. http://www.thirdreichruins.com/munich2.htm I did other things but he did show me Shirker's alley and loved reading recently about Einstein who would always make sure he was carrying two bags so he would not have to salute. Most of Munich was destroyed and then rebuilt to look old. I love Augustiner beer hall best. I am a female and found the BMW factory tour to be educational, interesting and not a waste of time. The robots were amazing and loved the showroom and bmw bike stunt guy riding up and down the steps.
Mar 16th, 2015, 04:57 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can't swear it was Einstein but was a famous Jewish Scientist. My husband just told me he thought he got out earlier. Regardless some very interesting sights that aren't really put out in Tourist brochures. Great food also.
Mar 16th, 2015, 06:42 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for all your suggestions and insight! I agree my first thought of doing an auto tour when visiting another country seemed like it should not be a priority, however, so many have said it was one of the highlights of their trip - also, 2 of my travel friends have a particular interest in BMW's and/or auto plants.
I have just received an email from BMW to say that they can, in fact, accommodate luggage, so now I have to wait until end of April (new touring schedule) to see when the English tours are available to make a final decision on that.
There is something to be said about having a tour guide when you are visiting an area for such a short time - someone that knows where to take you and can tell you some of the history/culture, thus saving a lot of floundering around (so to speak) - I am a person that likes to cover as much ground as possible when the time is limited - I have done worthwhile(Angel Tours Rome) and not so worthwhile walking tours - some free (paid by tipping) and some paid nominal charge, also did a wonderful bike tour in Seville, Spain - (that did cover a lot of ground we couldn't have covered walking) - and always, it really depends on the tour guide no matter where you are to make it a wonderful tour or not, but most have been absolutely wonderful. I have never hired a private tour guide as they always seem a bit out of reach to the average person trying to do a trip on somewhat of a budget...
flpab, have you been to Dachau? So you liked the BMW tour so much, you think a person would still get a lot out of it in a language they don't know? Would have to allocate 2.5 hr to the tour plus walking around and transport there and back; I have heard that the Augustiner beer hall is very good - looks like it's almost the same distance from Marienplatz as Hofbrauhaus (in opposite direction) and approx same distance from our hotel(from what I can tell).
nytraveler, I appreciate your comments and also wish to see "everything", all you suggested including what everyone else enjoyed...
Cowboy1968, appreciate the orientation info re location of our hotel to all sights
AndiM, climbing St.Peter's Church tower is on my list - will have to research open hours
dugi_otok, some time ago I came across the "toomuchloveliness" posting and read her interesting blog - I had also researched her tour guide at the time and seemed to be quite expensive, but I will relook as she seemed excellent - and it is true how a local can bring an area to life - nice to hear the stories.
Lots of food for thought, just seems like we need an extra day to do the itinerary we want to cover...
From Munich, we rent a car and on to Garmisch for several days - that will be another posting for more advice... Thanks!
I have just received an email from BMW to say that they can, in fact, accommodate luggage, so now I have to wait until end of April (new touring schedule) to see when the English tours are available to make a final decision on that.
There is something to be said about having a tour guide when you are visiting an area for such a short time - someone that knows where to take you and can tell you some of the history/culture, thus saving a lot of floundering around (so to speak) - I am a person that likes to cover as much ground as possible when the time is limited - I have done worthwhile(Angel Tours Rome) and not so worthwhile walking tours - some free (paid by tipping) and some paid nominal charge, also did a wonderful bike tour in Seville, Spain - (that did cover a lot of ground we couldn't have covered walking) - and always, it really depends on the tour guide no matter where you are to make it a wonderful tour or not, but most have been absolutely wonderful. I have never hired a private tour guide as they always seem a bit out of reach to the average person trying to do a trip on somewhat of a budget...
flpab, have you been to Dachau? So you liked the BMW tour so much, you think a person would still get a lot out of it in a language they don't know? Would have to allocate 2.5 hr to the tour plus walking around and transport there and back; I have heard that the Augustiner beer hall is very good - looks like it's almost the same distance from Marienplatz as Hofbrauhaus (in opposite direction) and approx same distance from our hotel(from what I can tell).
nytraveler, I appreciate your comments and also wish to see "everything", all you suggested including what everyone else enjoyed...
Cowboy1968, appreciate the orientation info re location of our hotel to all sights
AndiM, climbing St.Peter's Church tower is on my list - will have to research open hours
dugi_otok, some time ago I came across the "toomuchloveliness" posting and read her interesting blog - I had also researched her tour guide at the time and seemed to be quite expensive, but I will relook as she seemed excellent - and it is true how a local can bring an area to life - nice to hear the stories.
Lots of food for thought, just seems like we need an extra day to do the itinerary we want to cover...
From Munich, we rent a car and on to Garmisch for several days - that will be another posting for more advice... Thanks!
Mar 16th, 2015, 07:24 AM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband did Dachau but I have a problem with going. I did another and it made me sick. Just felt very depressed for days. I am like that and it might not do that to you so go.
The tour in German would not be the best but it is very easy to figure out things. I thought it very good. Watch for the emu feathers.
The tour in German would not be the best but it is very easy to figure out things. I thought it very good. Watch for the emu feathers.
Mar 17th, 2015, 04:47 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had to find out what the emu feathers were all about and found a couple of really good write-ups online about the BMW factory tour - it does sound pretty amazing. And is rated as one of the top things to do or see in or around Munich...
It has actually enticed me to do a tour of our local Toyota plant (which is free and certainly not anything like the BMW tour) which is in our own back yard... If I do the BMW tour, I will certainly have something to compare it to! (lol not exactly apples to apples!)
It has actually enticed me to do a tour of our local Toyota plant (which is free and certainly not anything like the BMW tour) which is in our own back yard... If I do the BMW tour, I will certainly have something to compare it to! (lol not exactly apples to apples!)
