Nazi History in München, Deutschland.

Hello everyone,

Finally arrived in Munich for the second instalment of my trip before Uni starts in just over 3 weeks! I've tried learning a bit of the language over here, but 90% of people seem to speak English, so I get by just fine. I've been on the continent just over 24 hours now, squeezing in as much as I could in Munich before I left for Salzburg, Austria this afternoon. Loved the autobahn - got me to Austria in no time at all. My visit to Salzburg is quite short, but I'm keen to get out to Hallstatt for the night so I have had to compromise.

My visit to Munich was primarily for two reasons - it is the gateway to the rest of Bavaria, and it holds a lot of WWII historical significance - as it was the birthplace of the Nazi Party. Many of the sites I visited were particularly moving - including the large city square where annual Nazi marches were held, also the place where new SS members were sworn in. Just sickening to think what was going on here just 80 years ago.

In the photos below, I have posted my personal photos alongside historical shots of the same locations, sourced from http://www.thirdreichruins.com/munich.htm . Scroll down - they are pretty interesting.

Short post tonight... Bloody tired and have early start if I want to watch the All Blacks tomorrow morning. Promise there will be more in 24 hours (provided there in good internet in Hallstatt)!

On the left: My photo showing the Munich Rathaus (city hall).
On the Right: The Munich Rathaus where a Nazi flag was hung from it in March, 1933 - shortly after the Nazi's rise to power.

The Feldherrnhalle on the Odeonsplatz (city square) in central Munich, and the 'spiritual centre' of Nazism.

A nighttime rally at the Feldherrnhalle on the Odeonsplatz, where new SS members would take an oath swearing allegiance to Hitler.

One of the sites showing where the 1923 Nazi putsch took place.

An artists impression of the Nazi putsch in 1923 - where they tried to take power off the Bavarian Government.

The Feldherrnhalle on the Odeonsplatz.

The Feldherrnhalle on the Odeonsplatz 80+ years ago.