Kaufingerstraße, Shopping street in Altstadt-Lehel, Munich, Germany.
Kaufingerstraße is a pedestrian zone in central Munich that runs from Marienplatz to Karlsplatz, lined with retail chains, department stores, and smaller independent shops. The street has a smooth paved surface, wide sidewalks with plenty of seating areas, small fountains, and occasional public art installations along the route.
The street is documented from the 13th century and takes its name from a medieval salt merchant. It served as a crucial trade route for salt shipments moving between Salzburg and Switzerland, a commerce that brought wealth and importance to Munich.
The street's name recalls a salt merchant from centuries ago, and today it serves as a central gathering place where locals and visitors walk side by side, stopping to window shop or chat in sidewalk cafés. The pace feels casual during off-peak hours, though crowds swell noticeably during afternoons and weekends.
The street is easy to walk and has clear pathways with few obstacles, though it gets crowded especially in afternoons and on weekends. Visiting early in the morning offers a more comfortable experience when shops are just opening and foot traffic is lighter.
Hidden passages and courtyards branch off from the main shopping street, revealing small specialized shops and craft studios that most passersby miss entirely. These tucked-away spaces offer a quieter side to shopping that contrasts with the busy main thoroughfare.
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