Karlsplatz-Stachus, Munich
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Karlsplatz-Stachus - by Walter Pohl from Pixabay
Description
Stachus is a large city square, located on the western boundary of Munich's Old City within the Maxvorstadt neighbourhood, close to the Central train station. Its official name is Karlsplatz, after Charles Theodore the Elector of Bavaria, but residents prefer to use Stachus (named after the pub Beim Stachus that was located there). The architectural highlight is the Karlstor, a gothic gate once called Neuhaser Tor that was part of the medieval defensive wall of the city. There are two other such gates left in the city: Sendlinger Tor (800m to the south) and Isartor (on the eastern boundary of the Old City). The square is also known for its summer water fountain, winter ice rink and all-seasons role as the city's tramway system hub.
Access & Transport
The Karsplatz U-Bahn station has 2 lines (U4, U5) and a long list of tram lines transiting through it across a handful of stops (12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29)
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with activities either in the Old City (Frauenkirche and Marienplatz are only 600m away along a popular pedestrian shopping street) or to the museums of Maxvorstadt to the north.
Environmental & Social
No environmental data for the area but there is a lot of asphalt, concrete and electricity consumption involved. Socially slightly negative because of the heavy focus on commercial activities.
Conclusion
Stachus is a pleasant square, the Kastor medieval city gate adds to the charm but isn't spectacular. We view Karlsplatz as the natural beginning or end of a walking tour of the Old City (rather than as a destination), starting with its pedestrian shopping street leading on to Marienplatz.
Key positive
Lively with a fountain or ice rink (depending on the season) and cafes around
Very central and easy to get to (walk or underground/train)
Key negative
Partially surrounded by traffic
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo