The Glockenspiel – Munich

Glockenspiel Munich. Munich Glockenspiel, Glockenspiel

First visit to Munich and the seeing the Glockenspiel.

Exploring Munich: Our first stop in Munich was the renowned Glockenspiel at Marienplatz, a destination I’d long anticipated. Reflecting on memories from 1989 when my former boss, during his inaugural international journey, gifted me a souvenir from Munich and shared tales of the impressive Glockenspiel, I was eager to witness it firsthand.

Captivating Performance: Joining a sizable crowd, we eagerly awaited the spectacle. At precisely 12 pm, the melodious tolling of bells signaled the commencement of the show, featuring life-sized dolls in an enchanting performance. It truly felt like a magical experience, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia.

 What is the Glockenspiel exactly?

“Glockenspiel: Discover the enchanting chiming clock adorned with dancing figures performing the Schäfflertanz, a historic dance originating from the end of the 1500s plague era. Situated atop the towering pillars of the New Town Hall, these lifelike figures captivate with their almost human-sized presence.

Mesmerizing Melodies: The crystal-clear resonance of the bells resonates with a haunting clarity, sending shivers down the spine and adding to the immersive experience.”

Glockenspiel, Munich Glockenspiel. Interesting facts Glockenspiel, Nelmitravel
Human size figures. Photo courtesy of Pixabay. Free for commercial use
No attribution required.

Though the melody of the song has faded from memory over time, the moment I stood entranced in Marienplatz, enveloped by the captivating sound of the Glockenspiel, remains etched in my mind forever.

Interesting facts about the Glockenspiel:

• There are 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.

• The top half of the Glockenspiel tells the story of the marriage of the local Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine.

• In honour of the couple there is a joust with life-sized knights on horseback. The white and blue knight is representing Bavaria and the red and white knight Lothringen.

• The Bavarian knight wins every time.

• The bottom half then follows and tells a 2nd story. The one of the plague. People went into hiding and the first people to dare to go back onto the streets were barrel makers who performed a big dance to show it was okay to come out again.

• The Duke of Bavaria was so happy about this that he ordered them to re-enact this every seven years. This custom continues to this day.

• The dance can be seen during the German Carnival (Fasching). The next one will only take place in 2012.

• The show lasts 12 to 15 minutes.

• At the end of the show a very small golden bird chirps 3 times.

It goes off every day at 11am, 12pm and 5pm.

Address:

Bounded by Kaufingerstr.
Rosenstr. Weinstr. Munich, Bavaria, Germany

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

17 Comments

  1. I went twice last year, once was in March or April, the second time was during Oktoberfest… missed the "show" both times! I will go back again this summer and try to get it now that I have a rockin video camera!

  2. Wow…that must be an amazing thing to watch with all the life sized moving figures and incredible architecture. I love the history around it! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  3. Hi Nelieta! Thanks for the info.! The picture looks great too. And I'm just wondering how great can that really be? You know, having life-sized figures…:) Something really interesting to watch.:) Thank you for sharing it with us.:) XOXO

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