When the Clock Dances: the Heart of Munich

In the center of Munich, the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz offers something rare: a war-touched city where joy still dances on time.

The mechanical clock high on the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) plays just a few times a day, but when it does, the scene is pure magic—bells ring, figurines twirl, and for a moment, the crowd below falls silent, entranced.

I visited on a perfect fall afternoon. The sun cut across the rooftops, and the air had that crisp, beer garden charm only Munich can offer. When the Glockenspiel began, I just stood there, smiling like a kid at a cuckoo clock.

Easy Company didn’t march through this square. By the time they reached Bavaria, in 1945, they were on the outskirts—focused on getting to Berchtesgaden. But other American GIs did come through. And back then, the city was ravaged by war.

Now, the Glockenspiel sings again. And that feels worth witnessing.

Plan Your Visit Like a Local

• The Glockenspiel doesn’t chime every hour—check the official Munich tourism site for exact times.
• Come early to get a good spot in the square, especially in summer.
• Make a day of it: nearby are historic churches, sprawling parks, royal palaces, and a great pedestrian mall for souvenirs.
• And yes—there are beer gardens nearby!

This isn’t an Easy Company stop. But it is part of understanding the world they helped rebuild.

Add it to your list. And if you haven’t yet picked up the Band of Brothers Travel Guide, it’s waiting for you—on Amazon and at bergsandburgs.com.

With thanks to James Skeffington, the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and the artists at Unsplash.