Munich is undoubtedly a beautiful city, and its sheer size alone offers plenty to discover. Nevertheless, at some point you long for a change of scenery and find yourself drawn away from the city on the Isar. Fortunately, there are numerous quaint towns and villages near Munich that you can visit on a day trip. This includes Rosenheim, which most of you probably know as a place you just pass through. But instead of just stopping here on your way to Salzburg or Verona , you should definitely visit the town itself. With its colorful facades and spacious squares, it’s definitely worth a detour.
Major trade and transportation route
Rosenheim was founded around 1234, at the same time as Rosenheim Castle. From the very beginning, the town’s location at the mouth of the Mangfall River made it an important hub on the trade routes between Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Rosenheim itself was a salt producer until the 1950s, which gave the town further economic significance. In addition, it was connected to the railway quite early on, further enhancing its importance as a transportation hub.
Even today, Rosenheim remains an important hub on the Munich–Salzburg and Munich–Verona rail routes. But although most of you have probably passed through Rosenheim at least once and it’s only a 30-minute train ride from Munich , surely few have actually visited the town itself. Yet Rosenheim is a real gem and has a lot to offer.
Straight out of a picture book
The center of Rosenheim is Max-Josefs-Platz, which has existed since the Middle Ages and was originally a market square. Today it is a pedestrian zone, with the Nepomuk Fountain standing proudly in the middle. The square itself is surrounded by colorful townhouses in the Inn-Salzach style, characterized by high arched arcades and small bay windows . These were built after a fire in 1641 and are now a defining feature of the cityscape. Particularly striking is House No. 20, the only townhouse in all of Rosenheim with a Rococo façade. Adjacent to Max-Josefs-Platz is Ludwigsplatz, which is also surrounded by charming townhouses. Between the two squares lies the Mittertor, the only one of the original five gates that still stands.
South of Max-Josefs-Platz lies the Gillitzerblock, commissioned by Munich entrepreneur Thomas Gillitzer. It impresses with its magnificent neo-Baroque façade. It’s located in the “small pedestrian zone,” where you can enjoy some wonderful shopping. If you’d rather soak up some nature instead, pay a visit to the Riedergarten, where the roses bloom in June. Crime drama fans will get their money’s worth on a visit to Rosenheim, as the city is the setting for the well-known series “Die Rosenheim-Cops.” On themed city tours, you can discover the series’ filming locations for yourself and learn behind-the-scenes details.
