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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Get ready to raise your steins and shout "Prost!" because our Lowey (new mascot) is here to wish you the most exhilarating, heart-pounding, and absolutely unforgettable Happy Oktoberfest! Brace yourself for a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and endless merriment as you immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of this legendary celebration. So gather your friends, don your Lederhosen and Dirndls, and let the good times roll as Lowey sends his electrifying cheers your way!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

3 bits of news

Oktoberfest 2023: What's New?

Can you believe it? We are in September already. The 188th Oktoberfest is just around the corner, kicking off on Saturday the 16th and running through Tuesday, October 3 (which is also a national holiday btw).

First off, for all you planners and information enthusiasts, the official Oktoberfest website is a goldmine. Not only is it available in both German and English, but it's also packed with juicy details. We're talking a complete rundown of events, such as the iconic 'Einzug der Wiesnwirte' parade on September 16, which is a sight to behold, even if you're catching it on TV. Plus, if you're considering taking the family along, there are handy tips to ensure everyone has a great time.

Here's the real cherry on top: this year, Oktoberfest is making sure you stay hydrated with free drinking water. Thanks to Stadtwerke München (SWM), there will be four new taps sprinkled around the Wiesn, ensuring you can grab a refreshing sip whenever you need.

Check out the links below for more details.

Official Oktoberfest Website | Events & Tips | Free Water Info

Munich's nightlife gets safer

Ever wished for an extra layer of security while out on the town? Our very own Munich start-up has gifted us with SafeNow, an app crafted to ensure everyone's peace of mind during those fun nights out. Not only will it debut at various clubs, but it's also gracing the Oktoberfest celebrations (this year initially only in the Schottenhamel tent). So, what's it all about?

All it takes is a simple download on your phone. Once you launch it, a blue button awaits, acting as your silent guardian. Feeling a bit uneasy or facing an unwanted situation? Press that button, and without a call, you’ll alert on-site security. Thanks to the in-club sensors, they can pinpoint not just the location but even the specific floor you're on.

Founder Tilman Rumland rightly points out that sometimes, immediate local help can be faster than waiting for the police. The app's success made its debut at the Harry Klein club, and now, it’s expanding to other big-name clubs around Maximiliansplatz.

You can find the news here (in German).

Swap, Sublet, Settle in Munich

Have you ever thought your apartment was too snug or maybe a touch too spacious?

The city's got a platform where tenants like you can swap places. Think of it as a matchmaking service for Munich apartments. Sign up for free, post what you're offering or looking for, and start the hunt. When you've found a match, chat with your landlord to ensure they're on board, sign that new lease, and voilà – it’s moving day.

Since space is at such a premium in Munich, this exchange, initiated in December 2020, comes in handy. For instance, if your kids have flown the nest and you fancy a smaller space, or maybe your family's grown, and you're feeling a little cramped – this platform might make more sense than looking at regular sites for apartments.

Plus, the beauty of it is, local housing associations like GWG and GEWOFAG are on board! Even if you're not keen on a full swap, maybe subletting would be an option? It’s a neat way to make a little extra while helping someone out.

You can find the news here (in German).

Bonus

• After Wiesn parties

• The ultimate Oktoberfest guide

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.

Is now a good time to buy a house?

The German property market is experiencing changes due to increased interest rates, leading to a short-term slowdown in price growth and demand shifts. However, this could lead to a longer-term stable market.

Many expats struggle with nitty-gritty details about the German property market. This free webinar will help you give clarity. Most importantly, it will give you an understanding about:

• Interest rates and offers

• How to think about a financing plan

• What kind of profiles are banks looking for?

• How can you find properties that come within your budget?

• Common struggles with foreigners and how to avoid them.

• How buying and financing a property differs in Munich compared to other cities.

Learn more about property and financing in Germany

2 upcoming events

Twilight Tour: Munich’s Nightspots

Here's a chance to explore the most vibrant streets and hotspots in Munich, all on two wheels. This September, the mobility department is rolling out a special guided bike tour.

So mark your calendars: the journey begins on Thursday, September 21, at 5 p.m.

It's a 2.5-hour ride and it’s free! But act soon, because spots are limited to only 20 cyclists. Just hop online, register, and they'll let you know where to meet. And if you miss out this time or are hungry for more, keep an eye out because there are weekly tours up till October, featuring city expansions and a central tour (old and new town). Click this link to book your slot.

Get more information here.

General information

📅 Thursday, September 21

⏰ From 5 p.m.

📍 The meeting point will be emailed to you with your booking confirmation

💶 Free

Munich Pools: Pups Invited

Ever dreamt of a day where you could let your beloved dog dive into the cool waters of our city pools? Well, dream no more. For the first time, Munich’s SWM is offering not one, but four days of pool-time fun for our furry friends. The Ungerbad already opened its gates for dogs yesterday and today, to be followed by the Dantebad this Friday and Saturday (September 15 & 16).

According to the SWM, the water is safe for our pals, even to drink. And besides splashing in the pool, they can run around and play on the meadows.

Find more information here.

General information 

📅 Wednesday - Saturday, September 13 - 16

📍Ungererbad & Dantebad

⏰ 13th: Ungererbad, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m.)

14th: Ungererbad, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Last entry at 2:30 p.m.)

15th & 16th: Dantebad, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m.)

💶 €5

1 new restaurant/café to try

Madam Chutney

We discovered another local gem just steps from the Viktualienmarkt - Madam Chutney which serves traditional and modern Indian cuisine including mouth-watering mutton chops, biryani, and oh-so-creamy butter chicken. Their mango lassi? It's like a cool breeze on a hot day – refreshing and deliciously sweet.

While the entrance is very majestic with its wooden arched doorway and columns, the room downstairs offers a vast yet comfy space to relax in. We loved our dining experience and kicked it off with Golgappa - crispy balls filled with chickpea fritters, spicy water, and tamarind chutney. Talk about a flavor explosion.

Meanwhile, our pals raved about their Keema Pav but wished the Channa Bhatura packed a stronger punch. In all, if you're up for a cozy spot with a variety of Indian dishes including street-food favorites, this is it.

General information

📍 Frauenstraße 11, 80469 München

🥘 Indian

🔗 https://www.madamchutney.com

Thank you to our sponsors who keep this newsletter free to the reader:

The best secret Oktoberfest tip (tell all your friends!)

If you’ve spent even a little time in Munich, you know that Oktoberfest is a big deal (to say the least). The food, the music, the crowds – and the drinks, of course ;)

There are a few things you can do to prepare to guarantee you’ll have a great time this year. But there’s one in particular that most people don’t think about.

While you’re off partying, your flat is all alone, and so is your stuff. But you can protect it with renters' insurance.

If thieves steal your stuff – electronics, furniture, cash, jewellery – during a burglary or a robbery where force or threats are used, renters' insurance will step in to cover the replacement costs.

With Getsafe, you can buy your policy in just a few minutes, manage your documents, file claims 24/7 and get free expert advice – all in English, all via the Getsafe app.

Party in peace this year. Learn more about protecting your stuff with Getsafe here.

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!