Munich, Germany

Anyone who has seen Bayern Munich’s €240 million stadium fully prepared for action for a night match will know just how impressive the luminous shell can be.  Ground sharing is commonplace in many European countries, but the Allianz arena is the only one that physically changes appearances to accommodate the current occupying team. When Bayern Munich are playing, the outer panels radiate a bright red light, while their local rivals 1860 Munich light the stadium blue. The unique ‘bubble’ outer shell is comprised of 2,760 panels, 1,056 of which are illuminated in either red, blue or white – white being used when the national team play at the stadium, or when it hosts neutral competitions, such as the 2012 Champions League final. The Allianz Arena actually boasts the largest LED display in Europe, with 100,000 individual lights making up the impressive display.

Alianz Arena in Munich, Germany by Steenbergs

Estadio Municipal de Braga

Braga, Portugal

€83 million may seem like quite a lot for a stadium with only two stands, but once you glimpse at the innovative design of the Estadio Municipal de Braga, you will instantly understand the cost. The Estadio AXA (as it is now known) was built on the site of a quarry, overlooking the Portuguese city of Braga. The stadium was actually carved into the quarry, required massive quantities of rock to be shifted during construction. The really unique feature of the stadium is that all of it’s 30,286 capacity is achieved using only two stands, as the ends behind the goals feature the solid rock face of the quarry, while the other overlooks the city. The innovative design has earned multiple architecture awards and it has been a popular tourist destination since it’s construction for the EURO 2004 finals.

Estadio Municipal de Aveiro

Aveiro, Portugal

Another stadium built for Portugal 2004, the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro can only be described as something out of a child’s imagination. The multi-coloured stadium is comprised of blocks of different shapes and sizes, looking not too dissimilar to a Lego construction built using all manner of assorted toys from a child’s toy box. Even the roof lends itself to the ‘toy box’ quality, with red and white spires holding the bright blue roof aloft over the multicolour seating arrangements. The jovial, kidlike quality the eccentric stadium creates makes for an extremely unusual and certainly entertaining atmosphere.

Vesturi á Eiðinum Stadium

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Whereas the other stadiums on this list are easily reachable for the football tourist, this one will require slight more planning thanks to its extremely remote location and the limited transport available to the Faroe Islands. Home to FC Suðuroy, the Vesturi á Eiðinum has a capacity for 3,000 people, with seating room for only 330 of the crowd. Situated so close to the edge of the land means that the ball often ends up in the North Atlantic Ocean, with a boat dedicated to fishing the ball out and returning it to the game.  A far cry from the multi-ball system so many clubs now utilise!

Vesturi á Eiðinum Stadium, Faroe Islands, Denmark (will you find that on the picture? ) / Photo by Eileen Sandá

Thanks to Harry Lee for this post. Harry writes on behalf of Travelbag.co.uk – a UK-based travel company that offers holidays to Australia, America, Thailand and hundreds more top destinations.

The post Unusual European Stadiums Every Football Fan Should Visit appeared first on Europe Explored.

Isar River north of Munich, Germany by Florian Schütz

About Munich

Munich’s 1.3 million population is the 3rd largest in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. It is the capital of Bavaria a free state within Germany. Munich sits at the bottom of the Bavarian Alps and is positioned on the Isar River (pictured above). Germany has had a considerably large amount of economic success in the post-wars years which has helped the city grow into the most popular tourist destination in Germany.

Its economic success has been helped by huge businesses like BMW originating from there; Munich is a high-tech city. Known not just for its beer festivals it is a hub for business. Munich has a great and a spirited night-life with a large number of night clubs and the tradition of drinking beer making everywhere a place to buy alcohol. The city has a sparkling artistic community and opera, theatre, dance and popular music flourishes in Munich where you will find musician’s performing everywhere.

National Theatre, Munich, Germany by Andreas Praefcke

What to do in Munich

As said above the night-life in Munich is full of music, entertainment from clubs to opera to theatre. Indulge yourself in the great brewing tradition of the city and enjoy a beer and give your taste buds a treat with a Weisswurst, a German delicacy, a white sausage traditionally served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.

Why not visit one of the football teams in Munich, Bayern Munich, TSV 1860 and SpVgg Unterhaching all apply their trade in the city of Munich in the Bundesliga. Visit the Allianz Arena (home of Bayern Munich) a huge stadium with a capacity of 71, 137 seats (pictured below). The Munich club are the most successful in German history and a visit to the Stadium would be great for any follower of football or architecture.

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany by Mattes

Munich is a large cultural city and many composers have emerged from the city such as Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Orlando di Lasso amongst others. The city still contributes to the modern music theatre and have theatres to visit in the city such as the Deutsche Theater, which is Germany’s largest theatre for guest performances.

One of the oldest Science museums in the world is located in Munich, the Deutsches Museum or German Museum which is found on an island in the River Isar. Munich also has several coveted art galleries such as the Neue Pinakothek and the Alte Pinakothek.

The home of BMW is in Munich and a visit would be great for any lovers of cars and for those who love sport the BMW headquarters is located next to the Olympic Park.

BMW Head Quarters in Munich Germany by Cccc3333

Conclusion

In conclusion the city of Munich is one of the best cities in the world and you won’t run out of things to see and do. When in this marvellous city, make sure you get a hire car, get lost in the culture of beer and sausages, and enjoy the parties, festivals and night-life. Visit a Stadium such as the Allianz Arena or the Olympic stadium.

For those who are looking for a more cultural aspect visit the theatres and museums, Munich really has something for everyone.

The post Fun Things To Do During A Weekend Break In Munich, Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.