Karlsplatz Stachus Munich ⇒ Your guide for shopping & leisure

“All roads lead to Stachus,” one might say in Munich, as it is one of the most central and bustling places in the city. Known as Karlsplatz, it is mostly referred to as Stachus by the locals. But what makes Stachus so special that it is more than just a traffic junction?

• Historic Architecture and the Karlstor: The gate marks the boundary of the old town and also serves as the beginning of the famous pedestrian zone Neuhauser Straße.
• Vibrant Passageways and Shopping Streets: Beneath the Stachus, there are passageways with numerous shops and access to Munich's large shopping streets.
• Munich's Transportation Hub: The Stachus is one of the most important traffic junctions with connections to the subway, suburban trains, and trams.
• : A large fountain in the middle of the square invites visitors to linger during the summer months.
• Hotels and Dining: Numerous hotels, cafés, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity offer options for relaxation after a long day of shopping.

Karlsplatz, the official name of the square, is named after the Bavarian Electoral Prince Karl Theodor, who ordered the construction of this square in 1797. At that time, it was intended to serve as a representative forecourt for the Munich Residence and to beautify access to the old town.

The Karlstor is a remnant of the medieval city fortifications and is arguably the most distinctive structure at Stachus. Originally, it was part of the city wall, one of the main gates of Munich, built in the 14th century. During the redesign of the square at the end of the 18th century, it was renovated and received its current neo-gothic appearance. With its tall towers and impressive arches, it is not only a symbol of Munich's historical significance but also the starting point for a stroll through the bustling pedestrian zone of Neuhauser Straße.

The Stachus is not only a historic place but also a lively meeting point for a variety of activities. From regular events to shopping opportunities, the square offers something for everyone.

The Stachus is an ideal starting point to explore some of Munich's most important attractions.

In addition to the numerous attractions, the area around Stachus also offers attractive excursion destinations that you can explore during a longer stay in Munich.

Of course, you can experience the Stachus as a tourist – but how about exploring the square like a local? Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

• Early morning or late evening: The Stachus is often very crowded during the day. If you want to enjoy the impressive architecture and atmosphere in peace, you should come early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Secret photo spots: A perfect photo moment presents itself right under the Karlstor when looking towards the Neuhauser Straße. The view from the fountain towards the historic Karlstor is also very impressive.
• Best time for shopping: The arcades under the Stachus and the pedestrian zone are ideal for a shopping day. It’s best to go on weekdays in the morning to avoid the large crowds.
• Culinary highlights: Visit the café in the “Hotel Königshof,” which is located right at the Stachus. Here you can enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of the square while sipping an espresso.

For photography enthusiasts, Stachus offers numerous interesting perspectives. Here are the best spots:

• From Karlstor into the pedestrian zone: The view through the gate onto Neuhauser Straße is iconic.
• At the fountain in the middle of Stachus: With Karlstor in the background, it's a perfect spot for photos.
• In the Stachus passages: The modern underground passages offer exciting contrasts to the historical architecture of the square.
• From above: If you have the opportunity to enter a building with a view of Stachus (e.g., the department store Oberpollinger), you'll get great panoramic photos.

• Official name: Karlsplatz.
• Nickname: Stachus, named after the innkeeper Eustachius Föderl.
• Built: 1797 on the orders of Elector Karl Theodor.
• Karlstor: Part of the old city wall from the 14th century.
• Passages under Stachus: Opened in 1970, now a popular shopping center.
• Neuhauser Straße: Starts at Stachus and is one of the oldest streets in Munich.
• Traffic hub: One of the busiest squares in Munich with connections to the subway, S-Bahn, and trams.
• Fountain: The fountain in the square was built in 1972 for the Olympic Games in Munich.
• Pedestrian zone: Established in 1972, connecting Stachus with Marienplatz.
• Architecture: Neo-Gothic style of the Karlstor.
• Population: 1,484,226 residents (Munich), many pass through Stachus daily.
• Visitor numbers: Up to 500,000 people visit Stachus daily.
• City tours: Regular tours start at Stachus and provide an overview of Munich's history.

Address and Contact

Karlsplatz (Stachus)
80335 Munich.

Contact: Tourist Information Munich, Tel: +49 89 23396500.

How to Get to Stachus

• Arrival by Car: Stachus is centrally located and easily accessible by car. There are several parking garages in the vicinity, such as the Stachus underground parking. Prices are around 4 euros per hour.
• Arrival by Public Transport: Stachus is a central transportation hub. You can reach it by subway (lines U4, U5), suburban train (all lines), and several tram lines.

Opening Hours, Admission & Co.

Opening hours are not relevant for Stachus, as it is a public square. However, the passages under Stachus and the shops in the surrounding area have different opening hours depending on the day of the week, usually from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Best Travel Times and Weather Conditions

Stachus can be visited at any time of the year. In summer, the fountain and busy street cafés attract visitors, while in winter the Christmas market is the highlight. Munich has a temperate climate, so each season has its own charm.

Tips for Your Visit

• Clothing: Comfortable shoes are a must, as you will be walking a lot.
• Equipment: A camera is worthwhile to capture the many photo opportunities.
• Weather: An umbrella is advisable in changeable weather, as the square is mostly uncovered.

The Stachus in Munich is more than just a traffic junction. It is a place where history and modernity meet, where you can shop, eat, and experience Bavarian culture in all its splendor. Whether you stroll through the passages, admire the old city wall at Karlstor, or simply soak up the atmosphere – the Stachus will captivate you.