Servus an Alle!

Welcome back to the Munich Post! This newsletter aims 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 happening 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 6500 Munich lovers with just one click!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

Note: Sbahns are on strike until 6 pm today.

3 bits of news

Transformation of Munich's Central Station

Our beloved HBF, which welcomes about half a million travelers and commuters daily, is getting a major makeover. Imagine stepping into a modern, vibrant hub that will seamlessly connect with the old town and the bustling pedestrian zone.

The project, inspired by Auer Weber's winning design from an urban planning competition, is all about bringing a fresh vibe to the Starnberger Flügelbahnhof, the Bahnhofplatz, and the forecourts. Thanks to the city council's decision in 2015, Deutsche Bahn AG is moving full steam ahead with the renovation.

It's not just about looks either; the station is set to become more user-friendly with more bicycle parking and better traffic regulation, which will enhance everyone's travel experience.

But that's not all. Inside, there'll be more spaces dedicated for travel necessities, dining, and shopping.

For more details, read here (in German).

Munich chef triumphs at cook-of

Earlier this week, Bonn hosted the gastronomy event of the year at the Kameha Grand Hotel. It was a glittering gathering of more than a thousand industry insiders, celebrities and TV crews. Amidst this buzzing atmosphere, Miguel Marques from Alois by Dallmayr in Munich clinched the prestigious title of Cook of the Year 2023.

Six incredible cooking talents battled it out in the final round of this live competition. Each contestant had 5 hours to create a three-course menu, with a twist – they only found out the main ingredients the evening before. 

From appetizers featuring Norwegian Seafood King Crab to desserts centered around Sicilian moak coffee and a main course with a surprise basket including venison, the competition was fierce. But chef Marques, with his culinary finesse, emerged victorious, followed by Marcel Förster from Düsseldorf and Marcel von Winckelmann from Ruderting in second and third places, respectively.

This isn't just a win for Marques; it's a celebration of Munich's sophisticated culinary scene.  

For more details, read here (in German).

Affordable new housing coming soon 

Are you tired of sky-high rents and dream of an affordable place to call home? Well, the new Neufreimann district, with its thousands of budget-friendly apartments, is about to make those dreams a reality. 

Spread over 50 hectares, this former Bavarian barracks area is being transformed into a bustling neighborhood complete with schools and daycare centers. By 2030, Neufreimann will be a place where modern apartments and any city amenity such as shopping centers and sports facilities are just a walk away. Rents are slated to be capped at a maximum of 14,50 euros per square meter (cold). 

Subscribe to their newsletter to learn about the application process, the types of homes being built and much more. 

For more details, check here (in German).

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 sponsors for today’s newsletter. Three reasons why we love Finbird: 1. Honest and transparent guidance 2. Extreme focus on personal relationships & service. 3. Expat friendly. By clicking on the link below, you’re supporting this newsletter.

Expats Alert: Master the Art of Buying Property in Germany Despite Local Reservations

Ever felt lost trying to buy a home in Munich? You're not alone. In Germany, there's a saying: 'Was der Bauer nicht kennt, frisst er nicht' – simply put, people are wary of the unfamiliar. And for expats, this can make house-hunting even tougher.

That's where our webinar comes in. It's not just another talk – it's a practical guide, packed with real-world tips on finding a house, getting a good mortgage deal, and understanding those tricky contracts. Plus, we'll show you how to make a great impression on sellers.

But here's the thing – we've only got a few spots left. This is your chance to get ahead in Munich's property market. Don't miss out. Sign up now and start turning those challenges into your advantage!

Register for this free webinar here.

2 upcoming events

MS Bazaar: Shop for a Cause

The MS Bazaar is more than just a market; it's a beacon of hope and support for those in our region affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

This weekend, the MVG Museum welcomes dozens of vendors so you can explore a treasure trove of high-quality second-hand clothing, rare collectibles and other fun stuff. Whether you're hunting for brand-name fashion, unique home decor, or just browsing for hidden gems, the MS Bazaar benefits many local families.

Your purchases support the vital services provided by the DMSG, Landesverband Bayern, a key organization helping those with MS.

Find more information here. 

General information 

📅 Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

     Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

📍 MVG Museum, Ständlerstraße 20, 81549 München

Join Munich's garbage-free day

Munich is on a mission to become a zero waste city and you're invited to join the movement. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18th, because Zero Waste Munich is hosting a Meet 'n' Brunch at the vibrant Import Export venue.

Delve into the world of sustainable living with various zero waste initiatives: Chat with like-minded individuals, explore DIY activities and learn from the experts at the Zero Waste specialist booth. 

The day is packed with activities that embody the zero-waste mantra: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Find out about local initiatives and soak in valuable insights during the exciting 5×5 pitch session. If you're feeling energized post-brunch, stick around for a clothes exchange, a creative workshop, or a leisurely stroll through the creative quarter.

Find more details here.

General information 

📅 Saturday, November 18 

📍Schwere-Reiter-Str. 2h, 80636 München 

⏰ 11 a.m - 5 p.m. 

In Partnership with KLforExpats

🚨Public Service Announcement 🚨

The income threshold for private health insurance is increasing to €69,300 gross in 2024 and the changes have a direct impact on employees in Germany!

👉🏽If you’re a publicly insured employee who is currently earning above the threshold, you could be part of the 10% now eligible to enter the private health insurance system for added benefits and potentially lower premiums. Win!

👉🏽If you’re privately insured, and your salary falls below the new figure, you’ll now become a mandatory member of the public system (unless you act fast and learn about the alternative solutions or how to apply for an exemption!)

Sound confusing? Have loads of questions already? Don't worry, KLforExpats has got you covered! 💪

Health insurance brokerage, KLforExpats is offering a game-changing, 30-minute Expert Session and Q&A in collaboration with The Munich Post. Co-founder and Lead Advisor, Mirja Lundehn, will be diving into the 2024 Compulsory Insurance Limit Increase and its implications for employees in Germany.

Bonus

• Germany: Left Party to disband parliamentary faction

• Current status of Germany’s new citizenship law

• Bavaria bans dangerously spicy crisps

• All you need to know about snow tires and winter driving 

1 new restaurant/café to try

Blue Nile

Blue Nile is a dining experience that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Africa.

This was our first Ethiopian food adventure, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Doro wat chicken, beef tibs, and a variety of rich, spicy dishes await. The honey wine is delicious. 

Sure, the price might be on the higher side, but trust me, it's worth every penny for the authenticity and the experience. 

General information

📍Viktor-Scheffel-Straße 2, München 

🥘 Ethopian

⏰ Monday - Friday 6 p.m. - 12 Midnight

Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 12 Midnight

🔗 Facebook page

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!