Bavaria Filmstadt (Bavarian Film Studio)
Movie buffs and film fanatics will be in their element at Bavaria Filmstadt, a theme park set within one of Europe’s largest and most renowned film studios. Founded in 1919, the Bavarian film studio has provided the backdrop to films like The Never Ending Story and Asterix and Obelix vs. Cesar, and remains a working studio today.
The basics
Join a guided tour to go behind the scenes and learn more about the film production process while wandering around the studio complex. Visit the original sets and admire props from hit films and TV shows like Wolfgang Petersen's Das Boot, the highest grossing German film of all time, or beloved German soap opera, Marienhof. Afterwards, enjoy a self-guided visit to the Filmstadt Atelier, where you can take a ride on the dragon Falkor from the Never Ending Story; step inside the submarine from Das Boot; and check out the Viking Ship from the film Vicky the Viking. You can also make your own mini-film, enjoy a thrilling 4D cinema experience, and watch a hair-raising live stunt show performed by the studio’s top stuntmen.
Things to know before you go
- A Filmstadt Complete admission ticket includes a guided tour, plus access to the Filmstadt Atelier and the 4D motion ride. Individual tickets are also available for each attraction. Audio guides are available in English and French.
- Plan around 4 hours at the studio if you want to visit all of the exhibitions and attractions.
- Parts of the guided tour are outdoors, so wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- The studio is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, although it’s best to contact them in advance before booking a tour.
How to get there
The Bavarian Film Studio is located in the Grünwald neighbourhood, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of downtown Munich. To get there from the city, take Tram 25 (direction Grünwald) and get off at Bavariafilmplatz, from where it’s just a 2-minute walk to the studio.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The studio is open throughout the year, with reduced hours in the low season (November–February). It’s also closed on Mondays in the low season. English-language tours are held daily during high season, and by reservation throughout the rest of the year.
Unique Museums in Munich
After discovering Munich’s movie magic, check out some of the city’s other fun museums. Head to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum to learn more about Bavaria’s beer-making heritage and Munich’s iconic festival; climb the Munich Olympic Tower for a city view and a visit to the world’s highest rock music museum; or treat kids to an afternoon at the interactive Kindermuseum (Kid’s Museum). Munich’s quirkiest museum, however, has to be Das Kartoffelmuseum, or The Potato Museum; an entire museum devoted to the humble vegetable.
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- Paulaner Brewery (Paulaner Brauerei München)
- Theresienwiese
- Jewish Museum (Jüdisches Museum)
- Deutsches Museum
- Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt)
- St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche)
- Beer and Oktoberfest Museum
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- Marienplatz
- Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady (Frauenkirche)
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- Hofbrauhaus