Marias Platzl
Back to List

Film Meets Hospitality: A Partnership for Genuine Experiences

When Bavarian hospitality meets film history, the result is an experience that evokes emotions and creates lasting memories. This shared goal unites Bavaria Filmstadt and the Platzl Hotels: offering guests unforgettable, authentic insights into the cultural heart of Munich – whether right in the city or out in the green, where great film and television history is made.

 

This partnership brings together two strong brands that stand for quality, regional roots, and real stories. We spoke with Valeria Torchiaro-Steinmeier, Head of Bavaria Filmstadt, about what makes this location so unique – and how, together with the Platzl Hotels, it creates a piece of Bavarian experiential culture.

Ms. Torchiaro-Steinmeier, what makes Bavaria Filmstadt so special for visitors – and what excites you personally about your daily work? 

Bavaria Filmstadt is located at one of the largest and most well-known media sites in Grünwald, near Munich. On 300,000 square meters, with 12 studios and numerous indoor sets, we produce much of what people recognize from cinema, TV, or streaming platforms: the popular daily soap Sturm der Liebe, the children’s show 1, 2 oder 3, the comedy hit LOL, or long-running shows like Aktenzeichen XY and Die Rosenheim-Cops. 

Recently, Michael Bully Herbig also produced his latest feature film Das Kanu des Manitu here. 

Platzl Hotels and Bavaria Filmstadt both stand for hospitality, quality, and heartfelt experiences. Why do you think this partnership works so well? 

Both Platzl Hotels and Bavaria Filmstadt are hosts in one of the most beautiful and livable cities in Europe. Munich and its surroundings are worth visiting at any time of year – there's always something to discover and experience. We want to convey this Munich lifestyle, combining culinary pleasures and cultural enjoyment, to our guests. 

From spring to fall, for example, you can explore the city easily by Radl – as we Munich locals say. A trip from the Platzl Hotels along the Isar meadows or through the Perlach Forest to Bavaria Filmstadt makes for a fantastic outing, especially when combined with a stop at a beer garden along the way. 

In the hotel industry, just like in your field, it's all about emotions, stories, and memories. What inspires you when designing new attractions? 

When planning a new attraction for the Filmstadt tour, it’s essential that the set immediately evokes a story. Whether or not guests have seen the film, the setting and the guided commentary – each tour is led by a guide – must instantly spark images in the visitors’ minds. 

Of course, well-known brands are always welcome, but stories are even more important to us: fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into how real film professionals work. That’s what brings our offering to life. 

What new experiences can guests expect at Bavaria Filmstadt in the near future? 

As mentioned, we’re showcasing the set from Michael Bully Herbig’s new film ahead of its cinema release on August 14, 2025, thanks to our longstanding collaboration. Das Kanu des Manitu is the eagerly awaited sequel to the cult classic Der Schuh des Manitu. 

We’re also currently featuring a Virtual Reality experience by Munich-based company HOLOGATE, with two multiplayer arenas. Equipped with a 3D headset and a controller, guests can choose from six different games, dive into new worlds, and play either cooperatively or competitively – suitable for families (children 6 and up), friends, and groups. 

Thank you for the interview, Ms. Torchiaro-Steinmeier!