Karlsplatz (Stachus), Munich

Visit Karlsplatz, or like it's called by anyone in Munich, the Stachus. This is a major intersection from which you can go to the train station on one direction, to Marienplatz on the other and to several huge avenues with hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés. This place is always crowded, day and night.

Karlsplatz (mostly called Stachus by the locals ) is dominated by a giant modern fountain where you’ll find locals and tourists jostling to wet their toes in summer. Dating back to 1791, the square is named after Elector Karl Theodor. It’s also known as Stachus, supposedly in honour of the popular innkeeper Eustachius Föderl. The name might also originate from the expression Stachel (prickle), the term given to the arrows of the marksmen who used to try their combating skills in front of the Karlstor during the Middle Ages. Karlstor (Karl's Gate) is your starting point for the Altstadt and, since 1972, the pedestrian precinct.

The Justizpalast (Palace of Justice) is the building that is on the west side of Karlsplatz. Erected between 1891-97 by Friedrich von Thiersch, this monumental but well-proportioned building combines Renaissance and Baroque elements, and is one of the most successful examples of late 19th century German historicism. Today it still houses Bavaria's highest court.

Karlsplatz is a square that is located between the main station and Marienplatz. At this busy square with a big fountain, lots of people and the old gity gate "Karlstor" the pedestrianised area begins.

Everybody calls this square "Stachus" after Eustachius Föderl, who used to own the pub that was located here.

Karlsplatz ( mostly called Stachus by the local people ) used to be the square with the most heavy trafic before 1972.
Then Neuhauserstrasse became a pedestrian area and the big fountain was built in 1972.
The fountain on Karlsplatz is a very popular place to relax on a hot summerday and often you may see people walk inside the fountain to cool down the easy way.

In the back of my picture: Justizpalast - built 1891-98

Once there was a very popular inn, belonging to EUSTACHIUS Föderl - this is where the expression "STACHUS" comes from !

Karlsplatz it's halfway between Marienplaz and the Main Station (Hauptbahnhof). This is a good walking path, starting at Marienplatz, through the shopping street, passing by Karlsplatz and ending at the Main Station. Impossible to get lost, just go always strait ahead.

Take a look at a web cam pointing to this square: Karlsplatz.

Stachus is the nickname of the Karlsplatz.The square was named after Elector Karl Theodor, who set the foundation stone of this place. Worth to see is the fountain there, a famous meeting place.
Today, the Stachus is the busiest place in Europe.

live webcam

Karsplatz is a big square with lots of traffic, it's inofficially called "Stachus" (don't know what that's supposed to mean, though). A 14th centurey gate called "Karlstor" separates it from the beginning of "Neuhauser Straße", the central shopping street, which leads to "Marienplatz".

The Karlsplatz represents the entrance to the Historic City Centre. The Karlsplatz takes its official name from the Elector Karl Theodor, who had the square laid out in 1791. It is better known as Stachus, supposedly named after the popular innkeeper Eustachius Föderl. The name might however also originate from the expression 'Stachel' (prickle). This was the term given to the arrows of the marksmen who used to try their combating skills in front of the Karlstor during the Middle Ages.
During summer it is nice to have a little rest next to the modern fountain.

This is a large open platz with a fountain in it. It was named after Elector Karl Theodor. The Locals did not like him. so called it Stachus after a local beer garden owner. The name stuck and to-day it is referred to by both names.

3 more images

Wet, wet wet, rainy, rainy and rainy. In July of 1964 I was wet, In May 2010 I am wet again. My bones suffered pain. O dear Sun! I missed you.