Servus an Alle!

Welcome back to the Munich Post! The purpose of this newsletter is to share: 3 bits of news, 2 upcoming events, and 1 amazing restaurant/café for expats living in and around Munich. This way, you have a pulse on what’s going on without scrolling through thousands of pages.

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Here’s our weekly roundup:

Munich Airport is bracing for major disruptions as the trade union ver.di has announced a 48-hour warning strike starting midnight on Thursday, February 27. Flight cancellations and delays are expected to be widespread. Munich could also see more strikes in the coming weeks affecting daycare centers, swimming pools and other municipal services. 

Reminder: Next week is Faschingsferien and schools are closed (March 3–7)

And to all our Muslim friends - Ramadan mubarak!

3 bits of news

Germany’s election shakes up politics  

Germany’s snap election on February 23 turned out to be one for the history books. With a record-breaking voter turnout of 82.5%, the results showed big shifts in voter preferences, political surprises, and major shake ups for established parties.

Who Won?

The CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, came out on top with 28.6% of the vote, securing the most seats in parliament. The far-right AfD surged to 20.8%, nearly doubling its previous vote share. 

Meanwhile, the SPD and Greens took a hit, with 16.4% and 11.6% respectively, marking a tough election for the former governing coalition.

One of the biggest surprises? The Left Party, once seen as fading, made a strong comeback thanks to a successful youth-focused campaign. On the flip side, the FDP and BSW collapsed, failing to meet the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament.

What’s Next?

With no absolute majority, the CDU/CSU will need a coalition partner. The SPD is the most likely choice, but negotiations will take time. One thing is clear: the CDU/CSU refuses to work with the AfD, keeping the firewall to the far right intact.

How Did Germany Vote?

• Eastern Germany leaned AfD, the party was the strongest force in multiple states.

• Berlin voted for the Left Party, making it the outlier in the East.

• Older voters favored CDU/CSU and SPD, while younger voters split between AfD and the Left Party.

Germany’s political landscape is shifting fast, and all eyes are now on coalition talks and how the new government will take shape. Expect more updates in the coming weeks.

Read more here (in English) and exact data how Bavaria and Munich voted here and here (in German).

Free electric car rental for people with reduced mobility

The city is offering free electric car rentals in the Old Town, Olympic Park, and Hellabrunn Zoo for residents and tourists with mobility challenges. 

And for a limited time, balance bikes for adults will also be available in the Old Town.

Who can use the service?

• Anyone with limited mobility

• People who find it difficult to walk long distances

• Must be at least 18 years old (no driver’s license needed)

How It Works

📍 Old Town – Available Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm 

📍 Olympic Park – Open daily, 9am – 6pm (Winter: until 5pm) 

📍 Hellabrunn Zoo – Open daily, 9am – 6pm (Winter: until 5pm) 

Balance bikes will be available for testing this year from March to April, perfect for those looking for an active but low-impact way to get around.

How to borrow?

• Arrive at the rental station (locations vary, check details above)

• Show an ID (no disability proof needed)

• Fill out a loan form & leave a deposit

• Return the vehicle on time

Munich is making accessibility a priority, and we love to see it. 

Find more info here (in German). 

Forget apps, try Isar Tinder

Munich’s most unique dating scene isn’t online—it’s hanging from a tree near the Isar. 

A brown notebook, labeled Isar Tinder, is bringing back old-school romance with handwritten messages from singles looking for love, friendship or just a fun connection.

Started by an anonymous creator named Anna, this low-tech dating alternative welcomes anyone willing to leave a note. The only rules? Keep it kind, and keep it inclusive. No hate, no discrimination, just a chance to meet someone the good old-fashioned way.

Elena, 28, decided to ditch online dating and give Isar Tinder a shot. Her short entry about herself and her dachshund, Luna, caught someone’s attention. Now, she’s planning a meet-up—without the usual social media deep dive beforehand. “It’s like a blind date,” she says, excited by the mystery.

Others have left creative entries, from romantic declarations to humorous bios. There’s even an Italian looking for a blonde who can cook and a woman who describes herself as “pflegeleicht” (low maintenance).

Want to try your luck? Head to the stone stairs near Weideninsel by the Wittelsbacherbrücke. We would love to hear if Isar Tinder worked for you. 

More information here ​​(in German).

BONUS: 

• Mobility training for senior citizens: Sovereignty in public transport 

• Registration for Kita/Kindergarten at Kita Finder until March 19

• Registration for the primary schools - March 19 

• New, faster train routes connecting Britain to France and Germany might be on their way

In Partnership with finbird

It is our desire to bring our readers the best information about Munich — at zero cost to you. In keeping with this theme, we thank our partners for today’s newsletter. By just clicking the link below, you’ll support The Munich Post

How to Buy a House in Germany as a Foreigner!

Are you an expat in Munich and overwhelmed by the local housing market? Thinking about buying a home because rents are going up? If you want to learn about the future of housing in Germany or how to figure out what you can afford, join our free webinar.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• Interest Rates & Mortgage Offers: What’s driving the market?

• Smart Financing Plans: Tailor your budget to your dream home.

• Bank Profiles: What are lenders really looking for?

• Budget-Friendly Property Hunting: Find homes that fit your lifestyle.

• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Overcome the challenges many expats face.

• Munich vs. Other Cities: Understand what makes our local market unique.

Join us on March 4th, 2025 at 6 PM (Live) with host Daniela from finbird.digital to demystify the German real estate market and empower you with practical, actionable insights tailored for Munich expats.

Register here

2 upcoming events

London’s viral comedian hits Munich

Looking for a night of non-stop laughs? Viral comedy sensation Patrick Spicer is bringing his signature quick wit and sharp audience interactions to Munich on Sunday, April 27. 

With more than 150,000 followers and 50 million views online, Spicer has made waves on BBC One, Channel 4, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Now, he’s taking his show on the road for his first-ever international tour.

His style? A mix of hilarious real-life stories, razor-sharp improvisation, and that effortless British charm. 

Expect a night full of surprises, spontaneous jokes, and moments that will have you talking long after the show ends.

Find more info here (in English). 

General information:

📍  Substance Club München

🗓️   Sunday, April 27, 2025 

⏰   Show starts at 8pm

💶   €22.70

Go green for St. Patrick’s 

It’s that time of year again, when Munich turns into a sea of green and the Irish spirit takes over!

The city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are back for their 27th year, bringing a weekend full of festivities, music and the famous parade.

The highlight? 

A massive parade on Sunday, March 16, kicking off at 12 Noon from Münchner Freiheit. 

Over 1,400 participants will march through the city, from flag bearers to rugby players, medieval fans to leprechauns, all making their way down Leopoldstraße and Ludwigstraße to Odeonsplatz. 

Expect thousands of spectators decked out in green, waving shamrocks and cheering along the route.

Odeonsplatz will transform into an open-air festival on both March 15 and 16, filled with live Irish music, traditional dancing, and plenty of food and drink. 

Munich’s very own Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter will even join the Paul Daly Band on stage. Plus, the legendary Irish Night at Wirtshaus am Schlachthof on March 15 promises an evening of folk music and comedy, featuring the Paul Daly Band and Mark’n’Simon.

Find more information here (in German).

General information:

📍  Odeonsplatz München

📅  Saturday, March 15, 11am – 5:30pm

📅  Sunday, March 16, Parade at 12 Noon, festival follows

BONUS

• Starkbierfeste

• Mash & Heal 

• Demo gegen recht

1 new restaurant/café to try

Ory Bar

If you’re looking for a bar that blends international flair with Munich’s upscale charm, Ory Bar at the Mandarin Oriental is the place to be. 

Recently crowned Best Hotel Bar 2025 at the Mixology Bar Awards, Ory Bar is setting the standard for cocktails in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The sleek, velvet-lined space is both elegant and welcoming. The bartenders? Experts in their craft. Every classic cocktail comes with a unique twist—think coconut sorbet in a Piña Colada or seasonal wine infused into a Negroni.

Ory Bar is often fully booked, but arriving at opening time (5pm) can get you a prime spot at the bar, perfect for watching the magic happen.

General information:

📍  Neuturmstraße 1, 80331 München 

🥘  Signature Cocktails

⏰  Daily from 5pm – 1am

🔗 Visit Ory Bar

Meme of the week 😂

Thanks for reading and sharing the Munich Post 3-2-1 newsletter.

See ya next week!

Aazar, Arlene, Christina, and Heidi

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