Olching is often overlooked as a “mere suburb” of Munich. It’s true that it doesn’t have the long and glorious history of some of Germany’s 1,000 year proud towns. However, to dismiss it without seeing it is to miss what’s been happening lately.
It started simply, with a rail extension that was completed in 1839. Prior to that time, Olching was a quiet farming community bisected by the Amper River, 20 km north of Munich. Since then… well! It’s turned into one of Germany’s fastest growing towns, with a young and vibrant culture.
Apparently, the farmers took to the rails. So they added more. People moved in. Then they added some good roads. Those were also popular, and people moved in. They added more roads. They added metro connections. More people arrived. Then some more for good measure, riding in on the rails. All in all, the people learned to get around very easily and they found that they liked moving very, very fast.
So if you share a similar need for speed, this is the place to be. Olching’s Speedwaybahn is very well known, and their track and motorcycle clubs now put on international events. You’ll find bike rallies, speed races and extreme sports of all kinds flourishing here.
Another element of rapid development you’ll appreciate off the track is the downtown culture. There are a few remarkable buildings from the old days, like the Peter and Paul Church, but you’ll also notice the up and coming arts culture. Walking through the boutiques and galleries is a great way to spend the afternoon.
There are also good beer gardens and restaurants. Olching benefits from being well connected, so people can work in Munich but live and relax in Olching. There is an emphasis on quality of life and good culinary experiences to make life richer.
They also have a vibrant festival culture here to help keep life rich. Don’t miss the Whitsun parades or the Easter Fires. They have a bigger is better attitude to the fires, and it’s shocking that the various neighborhoods haven’t burned the whole region down over the years!
Laughing and reveling with the locals in this season, you’ll be glad you didn’t dismissed this place as just another suburb — life is booming and vibrant here, aflame with development and culture. :-)
