Many influencers visit Munich and capture the city in videos, articles and photos. We have compiled a questionnaire to get an insight into their creative work and find out what inspires them about Munich. This time with: Carina and José from Munich, the blog authors of the urban kids.
How did you imagine Munich before you moved here?
Since I (Carina) was born and raised in the Munich area, Munich has been ingrained in me since childhood. José also knew Munich for a long time before he came here to study in 2008 and hasn't wanted to leave since.
And what was it really like?
We love Munich and couldn't imagine a better city to live in with the kids.
What do you like best about it?
We really love the abundance of greenery in the English Garden, the Isar (river) and the great museums. We also like trying out new restaurants. In this respect, there is plenty to discover in Munich. On top of that, the many lakes in the surrounding and the proximity to the mountains are simply priceless. So, a little city escape at the weekend is just a stone's throw away.
The best playground?
Phew, that’s really hard to say, because our kids have new favourites almost every week. One playground I like particularly is at the Ecological Education Centre in Bogenhausen. The jungle gym playground at Josephplatz (square) is still very popular after many years. Especially because of its cool playground equipment for small and big kids. In summer, the water playground in Westpark is great for a refreshing dip.
Your favourite shop for the little ones?
Definitely: Kunst und Spiel on Leopoldstrasse. The shop was hidden in the backyard for a long time, but has now expanded its retail space towards the main street. On three floors, you can find everything a child's heart desires. Craft items such as origami, a wide variety of paints, beads, cards and selected toys from small brands have their well-deserved place in Kunst und Spiel. The focus is on toys made from natural materials.
The favourite place for you as a family?
Besides the English Garden, it's definitely Maximilians tavern in the Glockenbachviertel (district). Not only do they serve the best schnitzel in town, but also have such a cosy and relaxed ambience that we refer to it as our second home. Be sure to stop by and then take a detour to Isar river around the corner!
What can you do in Munich when it rains?
Definitely go to the hunting and fishing museum! If you'd rather do something creative, you can visit the Kinderkunsthaus. There you can do handicrafts with the kids, paint and add a good dose of colour to the rainy day.
Nice excursions with children to the Munich environs?
There are plenty of them. We especially like the Schwaiblbar at Starnberger See (lake). There's a huge playground for the kids and cool music, good food and drinks right by the water for the parents. It's fun for each member of the family. We love to go hiking in the direction of Reit im Winkl. All the way up to Feldlahnalm (alpine pasture inn), where we are awaited by alpine animals and homemade cake. The Schliersee (lake) is particularly easy to reach by train and you can take the children for a spin around the lake. A barefoot path, an adventure playground and places to splash in the water make the hike particularly enjoyable for kids. If you like a huge panorama, visit the Eibsee (lake). However, it is much more touristy here.
Where can you go in summer? And in winter?
In summer, to the Wörthsee (lake). You can even spend the night there at Grundlers guesthouse. That feels like a holiday. From there, it is only a few kilometres to a sunbathing lawn in front of the Italian kiosk Il Kiosko.
In the winter months, we love to go tobogganing. The kids are now big enough that we can walk up the mountain to the Almbad Huberspitz alpine pool, eat a delicious Kaiserschmarren (pancake dish) at the top and then whizz down again.
If you could give a befriended family three tips for a trip to Munich, where would you send them?
Besides the classic sightseeing tour, you can watch the Munich surfers on the Eisbach (river), with a pretzel in your hand; then, in summer, jump in the Schwabing Bach (stream) and let yourself drift. At lunchtime, visit one of the city's beautiful beer gardens, and if the weather does not cooperate, head to the Natural History Museum in Nymphenburg (district). Every child will be fascinated by the reptiles.
Which Munich photo got the best feedback from your followers?
A picture of summer in the city at Königsplatz (square).
Which photo do you like best? And why?
A picture from the Wiesn (Oktoberfest fairground) - we really had a great day there that I remember fondly.
Your personal tip for the perfect holiday photo?
Definitely don’t stress about a photo. The most beautiful pictures come about all by themselves.
Your three golden travel tips?
Suitable accommodation for families is the key to any trip. It should be a place where kids and parents feel comfortable. Listen to each other’s needs, because the little ones often have different needs than us parents, and it’s important to find a successful mix. If we as parents only sacrifice ourselves, the holiday fun is quickly over. Depending on the age of the children, entertainment – in our case these are audio books, for example – is a real relief during the journey in the car or on the train.
Finally: What do you think the people of Munich mean by the Bavarian expression “griabig”? Do you have an idea?
That’s real Bavarian Gemütlichkeit (cosiness) – as a true Bavarian, I know that very well, of course.
Who are you and what do you do?
We are Carina and José. We live in Munich with our two kids. It wasn't always like this, because we spent our first years as a young family in southern France. But pretty soon, we were lured back to our favourite city. With our website, we want to inspire families to go on holidays and excursions with their children. Because family time should be fun time!
What is the source of inspiration for your work?
We travel a great deal with our children, and from this family time we draw a lot of strength and inspiration for our website.
What is the greatest challenge in your job?
Like for most parents, probably: balancing work and family.
Thank you very much, Carina and José!
Carina & José’s website: www.theurbankids.com
