Why You Need to Visit Alter Peter Munich in Germany
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Alter Peter Munich is an icon in the city. It draws in both travelers and locals to check out its architecture, views, and history. It’s where culture meets beauty! This church is a timeless treasure of Munich and a structure that has stood the test of time.
I was lucky enough to visit during my time studying abroad in Dublin. I climbed to the top of the church (along with many other churches across Europe) and was absolutely amazed at the view. I still think about it to this day!
In this blog, I’ll highlight church history, what you should look for when visiting, and why the tower climb should be on your bucket list.
🚗 Don’t forget to book your Germany rental car! Click here to check rates.
The History of Alter Peter
You’ll find St Peter’s Church Munich Germany in the Old Town part of the city. Before Alter Peter became what it is today, there was another church that stood in its place. It wasn’t until the 12th century that this church began to take form.
Tourists from everywhere come to bask in Alter Peter Munich because of its historical and cultural significance as well as its beauty.
Alter Peter Munich history has been long and at some points devastating. The church itself was damaged in a fire in 1327 as well as during WWII.
Despite its long history, this church is the oldest parish church in the entire city. It’s also one of the most sought-after destinations for those visiting Munich.
The construction we admire today is a combination of Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo designs. It’s a treasure trove for art lovers and something every Munich traveler wants to add to their list.
What to See at Alter Peter Munich
Find All 8 Clocks
One of the coolest things about Alter Peter Munich are the eight clocks throughout the church! These clocks not only work but are centuries-old pieces of art!
Not only are they fun to count on the outside of the church, but they are massive! If you climb to the top, you can see for yourself just how big they really are.
Climb to the Top of the Tower
No church visit is quite complete without a trip to the top of Peterskirche Munich. The climb to the top does involve climbing 300 steps (and no, there’s no elevator!). Although it’s a workout, it’s completely worth it.
The view over the red-roofed city is breathtaking! From the top, you can even see the Bavarian Alps painting the sky.
If you do decide to take the trip to the top, just know that it’s quite cozy up there! The entire viewing platform at the top is completely changed in. Be prepared to take your time up there and be nice and tight next to your neighbor.
Still not convinced the Alter Peter tower climb is worth it? Below, you can find a few reasons why it’s absolutely worth the workout.
See All 8 Bells
While you’re making your way up to the top of the tower, you’ll be passing eight of the church’s massive bells. Each one plays an important role in making the beautiful music Alter Peter Munich is known for.
The climb provides a really cool and new experience to be up close and personal with the inner workings of this iconic church.
See the tiara at the high altar
Inside the church, you’ll find the beautiful altar. It truly is a piece of art! It’s full of details that make this place a one-of-a-kind must-see. When you take the time to admire its beauty, you can really get a sense of the church’s history and age.
Find St. Munditia’s Glass Coffin
St. Munditia is the patron saint of single women. In Alter Peter, there is a dedicated glass coffin that holds the skeleton relic of St. Munditia.
It’s not common for a church to display a full coffin like it does in Alter Peter Munich, but this relic is a really special and religious memento of a saint the church admires.
Take in the beautiful architecture
It can be really overwhelming to step into a massive church with so much beauty and so much to see. During your visit, take time to pause and appreciate the architecture around you.
To really appreciate what you’re seeing, try to put yourself in the shoes of the artists who helped bring this church to its current form. Whether you’re an art lover or not, this church has architecture that can be appreciated by any visitor.
Peruse other miscellaneous relics throughout the church
There’s truly so much to see in Alter Peter Munich. It can be easy to miss everything! In almost every corner of the church, you can discover something that’s historically, culturally, and, of course, religiously significant.
There are several other relics throughout the church that are worth your attention. You just have to find them!
The Best View: The Alter Peter Tower Climb
We can’t overstate how awesome the tower climb experience is! It might sound daunting, but it’s totally worth the effort.
The best view of the city is at the top of 306 steps and 91m / 180 ft up. The stairs on the way up are narrow, tight, and one at a time. We recommend giving yourself about 40 minutes to make it to the top.
The average cost of the climb is five euros for an adult. It might seem crazy to pay for a stair climb, but your funds help keep the experience alive for many more travelers to come.
The real reason a traveler might want to climb to the top of the tower is for the 360 views of Munich below. You can see everything from the old town below to the red-roofed buildings, and if you’re lucky, you can see the Alps!
Final Thoughts: Peterskirche Munich
Alter Peter Munich is an experience anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re interested in checking out amazing art, seeing a 360-degree view of the city, or appreciating religious history, this church has something for you.
From its architecture to its clocks and bells, it’s no surprise this structure makes it one of the best things to do in Munich.
Save this post for later:
