Have you ever heard of Pullach im Isartal? It’s a small town nestled in the Isar Valley, just south of Munich. Pullach is famous for being the home of the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), the intelligence agency of the German Government. The agency was stationed in Pullach from 1956 until 2019, when it moved to Berlin. However, the town’s history reaches far beyond the secrets of espionage.
Pullach im Isartal has a long and rich history, dating back to the Celtic period when burial mounds were found near the Isar River. The Roman road between Augsburg and Salzburg also crossed the Isar Valley near Pullach. Pullach’s name is derived from the beech trees that once thrived in the area. During the Middle Ages, Pullach was an agricultural community with a small population.
The 19th century saw Pullach transform into a popular tourist destination, thanks to the construction of the Bavarian Maximilian’s Railway and the Isar Valley Railway, which brought visitors from Munich. There were even at least six platforms at Pullach’s station to accommodate the throngs of travelers. Pullach also became a haven for artists in the late 19th century.
Today, Pullach is a modern and innovative town with a population of about 9,000. It boasts a great mix of history, culture, and nature, making it an idyllic place to live and visit. Pullach offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and swimming. It is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Church of the Holy Spirit, Schwaneck Castle, and the Waldwirtschaft Groβhesselohe, a jazz-themed beer garden.