In partnership with

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.

Hey there! Did a friend pass along this awesome newsletter to you? Well, guess what? You can easily subscribe below and get all the latest news and events from us every Thursday. Join our amazing community of over 11,000 Munich lovers with just one click!

Here’s our weekly roundup:

As the festive season approaches, we’re hitting pause to enjoy some well-deserved rest. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! We’ll be back on January 9.

Public holidays to note:

• Wednesday and Thursday, December 25 & 26, 2024

• Wednesday, January 1, 2025

• Monday, January 6, 2025

And while we’re away, don’t miss out on the Munich Tourism Advent Calendar 2024—your chance to win amazing experiences every day during the holiday season.

3 bits of news

Olympic ice rink revamped  

Goodbye ice skates, hello BMX wheels.

Munich’s former Olympic Ice Rink is getting a makeover to become the Olympic Action Sports Center (OASZ), set to open in 2025. Think halfpipes, BMX bowls, and even a roller-skating disco—all the fun, minus the frostbite.

The City Council has approved a €1.6 million transformation to turn the old ice arena into an all-weather action sports hub. 

With 740m² of BMX and skateboard bowls, a 230-square-meter halfpipe, and a mountain bike course, there’s no shortage of adrenaline. For those who prefer to stay grounded, the multi-sport area will host activities like 3x3 basketball and street dance.

This isn’t a one-off project. OASZ will complement the soon-to-open Action Sports Center in Pasing, ensuring Munich becomes the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers.

Read more here (in German).

Hackerbrücke to switch from cars to cyclists 

Munich’s iconic Hackerbrücke is gearing up for a massive glow-up—think less rust and more charm. The more than 100-year-old bridge, which has seen everything from horse carriages to Oktoberfest crowds, is set for a complete renovation starting in 2027. 

But here’s the catch: cars might not be invited back once the makeover is complete.

The city plans to address significant corrosion damage, revamping the bridge in two phases to keep it functional for pedestrians and cyclists throughout. 

While the bridge gets a facelift, officials will debate its future—will it prioritize walkers, bikers, and buses, or welcome cars back? Either way, expect snazzy new lighting to spotlight the bridge as a landmark by night.

With its historic riveted steel design and proximity to key spots like the S-Bahn station (also slated for upgrades), Hackerbrücke is a favorite for locals and tourists. 

By the time renovations wrap in 2029, the bridge could be an even more inviting hub for the city’s evolving mobility needs.

Find more info here (in German). 

Swipe, ride, relax

Munich’s public transport just got a serious upgrade. 

No more squinting at ticket machines or deciphering the tariff jungle—introducing MVVswipe, the new way to travel with ease. A swipe on your phone handles everything from your ticket to ensuring you always pay the best price.

What’s the deal with MVVswipe?

It’s all in the name. Swipe in, swipe out, and let the MVV app do the rest. 

No subscriptions. No guesswork. Just a hassle-free ride.

Who’s it for?

• Tourists trying to crack Munich’s fare codes.

• Locals who want to skip ticket machine drama.

• Eco-conscious commuters easing into public transport.

Even better, you can bring your crew. Add up to four adults or a mix of kids and grown-ups (kids count as half an adult for ticketing). Just register them in the app before boarding and you’re good to go.

For more info, read here (in German).

BONUS: 

• From April 1, 2025, all electric cars in Bavaria will be allowed to park for free for up to three hours

• City of Munich to pay cloth diaper subsidy from December 1 

• RKI recommends checking polio vaccination status 

• December 2024: 10 changes affecting expats in Germany

• Volkswagen workers to go on warning strikes across Germany

• Scholz Proposes €100 Billion Investment Fund for Germany

• Most in Germany want Australia-style social media ban

• Cutting-edge facility for solar batteries launched in Bavaria

• Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium enforce high tourist taxes despite one Schengen visa but travellers can make new plans for these EU nations

• Expat Insider 2024 results

According to InterNation’s recent report, Munich dropped from 5th best city for expats to 50th. Reference here.

In Partnership with 1440

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.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Upgrade your news intake with 1440! Dive into a daily newsletter trusted by millions for its comprehensive, 5-minute snapshot of the world's happenings. We navigate through over 100 sources to bring you fact-based news on politics, business, and culture—minus the bias and absolutely free.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

2 upcoming events

Circus Krone goes freestyle

The legendary Circus Krone is back and this winter’s show is a freestyle-packed extravaganza. 

Starting Christmas Day, the “Freestyle” program runs until April 6, 2025, promising high-octane BMX tricks, majestic predators, and the traditional circus flair Munich loves.

Need laughs? The clowns have you covered. 

Love magic? The wizards and saber-eaters will leave you in awe. 

And, of course, there’s plenty of high-flying action for thrill-seekers.

Don’t miss out on making memories under the big top this winter.

Learn more here (in German). 

General information:

📍  Circus Krone, Kronebau, München

⏰  December 25, 2024 – April 6, 2025

Fairy Tales from around the world

Step into a world where dragons speak Greek, princesses converse in Urdu, and heroic adventures unfold in Albanian. 

The 11th Multilingual Fairy Tale Festival is here to transport kids and families into the magical realm of global storytelling.

On Sunday, December 8, head to Gasteig Motorama for a delightful afternoon. Around 20 migrant organizations from Munich will present tales in languages ranging from Spanish to Tibetan. 

But don’t worry if your Turkish is rusty—each story is also shared in German, making it a cultural and linguistic treat for everyone.

Expect more than just words—these fairy tales are told through dance, theater, music, and interactive presentations. Friendship, solidarity, and a bit of magic take center stage in a way that bridges cultures and generations.

And here’s the best part: admission is FREE. 

Bring the family, immerse yourself in global folklore, and maybe pick up a phrase or two in a new language.

Find more information here. 

General information:

📍  Gasteig Motorama, München

📅  Sunday, December 8

⏰  from 12 Noon

BONUS

• On the steam train around Munich

• Christkindltram

• Public singing under the Christmas tree

• All aboard the Christmas Express

1 new restaurant/café to try

Life is Sweet

Life just got sweeter at Life is Sweet Munich, the new American coffee shop and bakery in town. 

If you’re a cheesecake fanatic or a cookie connoisseur, this place will quickly become your second home. From pumpkin-spiced creations to a mind-blowing Dubai chocolate cheesecake, their menu is as inventive as it is indulgent. 

Oh, and the staff? Just as lovely as the desserts.

This isn’t your standard bakery. The red velvet cake will ruin all others for you, and their white chocolate miso cookie perfectly balances sweet and savory—truly a game-changer. 

The slices are double the size you’ll find anywhere else, so yes, they’re a little pricey, but you’ll leave with a full stomach and zero regrets.

With just five tables in a cozy space, it’s intimate, if not a bit competitive for seating. 

General information:

📍  Pestalozzistraße 17, 80469 München

🥘  Cakes & Cookies

⏰  Wednesday - Friday: 11am – 7pm

⏰  Saturday - Sunday: 12 Noon – 7pm

⛔  Monday & Tuesday: Closed

🔗 Visit Life is Sweet

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

Hey there! Just wanted to let you know that this newsletter is absolutely free for you to enjoy. We genuinely value your feedback as it inspires us to continuously improve and bring you even more amazing news and content. It would mean the world to us if you could spare a moment to share your thoughts and leave us some comments. Your input is truly appreciated!