Cinema fascinates us with its combination of reality and fairytale. The best way to learn how films are made is to visit a real film set. If you're travelling with children in Munich, don't forget to take them to Bavaria Filmstadt in the Geiselgasteig district, where your guide will help you discover the most fascinating aspects of filmmaking during a 90-minute tour of the 300,000-square-metre media campus.
You'll see original sets such as the real-life adaptation of Michael Ende's bestselling Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver and the new adventure Jim Button and the Wild 13. Feel like you're on a film set with Nepomuk, his volcano and his locomotive Emma, walk among the real sets and learn how your favourite films were made. This is a great place for schoolchildren.
In the Film Studio, you'll be introduced to the secrets of the film industry and shown and told what happens from the time a film is written until it hits the big screen. You don't just stand on the set, you get to be part of it, like sitting in the car that the main character drives, or trying on a character's costume.
This media centre on Geiselgasteig has been home to film productions since 1919. Immerse yourself in a cinematic journey through more than 100 years of the company's history and the films it has made — from the first silent films to luxurious, star-studded classics, sci-fi productions, cult crime series and popular long-running series. Meet the familiar faces who have made history both in front of and behind the camera.
At 5 km is Hellabrunn zoo, a popular place to walk and interact with animals.
After a closer look at how the sets were created, you can watch the episode on special screens. Although the guide is in English, there is a lot to see without explanations: three film streets were built, villas were constructed, thousands of costumes were sewn and props were selected for filming.
Among the famous films shown in the studio is Asterix & Obelix. The snow-white dragon from The Neverending Story appears here for the first time. Although they may not be impressed by his flight in the film — modern special effects are much more sophisticated — no child would refuse to sit on a dragon's back and stroke its friendly furry face. After a visit to the film studio, you and the kids can watch the children's film Vicky the Viking or immerse yourself in the dramatic events of Submarine.
A separate pavilion, Bullyversum, is dedicated to the work of German cult director and comedian Michael Bully Herbig.
There is also the chance to take part in a real film. Visitors are given roles, get into character and try to embody it in front of the camera. Immediately after the shoot, you can watch the resulting film. The result is always stunning: the footage is edited, special effects added and the result is a natural blockbuster.
And the latest advances in the film industry are available in the 4D cinema, where you can watch the film in full presence. As most of the tour takes place outdoors, we recommend planning a trip here when the weather is nice.
