Doesn’t the name Obergiesing conjure images of a village nestled just outside a bustling metropolis? Obergiesing. A borough of Munich. It sits about 5 kilometers southeast of the city center. But it holds a charm that is all its own.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Munich in 790. That is when Obergiesing was first recorded as “Kyesinga”. This makes it almost 400 years older than Munich itself. It remained a distinct town until it was incorporated into Munich in 1854.
Obergiesing is more than just old. It is a place of diverse architecture, culture, and people. The locals cherish this lively mix. It’s a place where you can feel the pulse of Munich. Yet retain a sense of village life.
The area is largely residential. But it also hosts a mix of businesses and recreational facilities. This blend creates a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Now, picture Saturdays in Obergiesing. The 1860 Munich football team is playing. Fans flock to the Grünwalder Stadium. They stop at long-established “Boazn” pubs for a pre-match drink. Celebrations or commiserations spill out onto Tegernseer Landstrasse after the game.
Obergiesing has seen much history unfold. There are the “Herbergshäuschen”. These are quaint former boarding houses. They once housed day laborers traveling to Munich for construction. Think of the Altes Rathaus.
Then there is the McGraw Kaserne. It is a former army base. American soldiers were stationed here after World War II. And of course, there are the charming pubs. Some look like they have not changed since the 1980s.
Obergiesing retains its village charm in several pockets. Explore the Feldmüllersiedlung on Oberer Grasstrasse. Discover the Herbergshäuschen along the Auer Mühlbach river. Wander through Sommerstrasse.
Obergiesing is known for its many “Boazn”. These are small local pubs. They are comfortable and frequented by regulars. Quirky owners often run them. Some well-known examples are still going strong like the Giasinga Schlümpfe and Die Kleine Kneipe.
But Obergiesing is not stuck in the past. Younger operators are opening cool venues like Altgiesing, Bumsvoll and Riffraff. They keep the Boazn culture alive.
And what about beer? Giesinger Bräu brewery opened in 2006. It started in a garage in Untergiesing. You can now visit the brewery’s pub in Obergiesing. Enjoy a freshly tapped beer and fantastic food. The brewery’s logo features the Heilig-Kreuz church.
Tegernseer Landstrasse is the main street. Locals affectionately call it “TeLa.” Here you will find a mix of everything. There is the Michelin-starred Gabelspiel restaurant. Then there is the casual beer garden in Giesinger Grünspitz park.
Take a walk around the Ostfriedhof. This 30-hectare cemetery is one of the most beautiful in the city. See opulent graves and pretty avenues. Visit the Crönlein bar-café in the Kronepark. It is a former public toilet serving spritzers and pizza.
Obergiesing is a place of contrasts. You can experience a city-center buzz. You can also find a peaceful village atmosphere. It is a district that has retained its identity. It is a place where the past and present meet.