Servus, Germany has approved a voluntary smartphone ID wallet for identification and documents, while the plastic card remains valid. In Bavaria, Schloss Johannisburg gets up to €57.2 million for renovations, and Munich is preparing a tool to flag potentially excessive rents. Elsewhere, a major grid battery is starting construction in Middle Franconia, while Munich's Long Night of Museums is on Saturday, October 17.

1. Germany approves a digital ID wallet for smartphones

The Bundestag has approved a digital wallet that will let people in Germany identify themselves using a smartphone. The voluntary app is also intended to store documents such as birth certificates and public transport tickets, while the plastic identity card remains valid.

Why this matters: If you live in Bavaria, you may eventually be able to use your phone for some situations that currently require you to show an ID card or carry documents.

Source: BR24

2. Schloss Johannisburg begins a €57.2 million interior renovation

Bavaria has approved up to €57.2 million for the next stage of renovation at Schloss Johannisburg in Aschaffenburg. Work will improve visitor facilities and accessibility, update building systems and renovate several rooms and outdoor areas; parts of the palace will remain open to visitors during construction.

Why this matters: If you are in northern Bavaria, the palace will remain an option for a visit, though some areas may be affected by the ongoing work.

Source: Bayerisches Landesportal

3. Munich will use a digital tool to flag potentially excessive rents

Munich’s city council has approved a digital tool to check rental demands and alert the city to potentially excessive rents. The report does not specify when the checks will begin or how the tool will be used in individual cases.

Why this matters: If you rent in Munich, the new system could make it easier for the city to identify rents that may be unlawfully high.

Source: tz München

4. Construction starts on Germany’s largest grid-supporting battery site

Work has begun on a battery storage project in Winterschneidbach, Middle Franconia, with a planned output of 20 megawatts and storage capacity of 100 megawatt-hours. The facility is designed to ease pressure on the local electricity grid when solar power production is high and help connect more renewable energy sources.

Why this matters: If you live in Middle Franconia, the project is intended to support the local grid as more solar power is added.

Source: Bayerisches Landesportal

5. Plan your route for Munich’s Long Night of Museums

Munich’s Long Night of Museums takes place on October 17, with events ranging from dinosaurs and art to astronomy. Planning around individual neighborhoods can help visitors fit in more stops without rushing across the city.

Why this matters: If you are new to Munich, this is a chance to explore several museums and cultural venues in one evening.

Source: tz München

Before you go: For Saturday's Long Night of Museums, plan stops by neighborhood to avoid losing time crossing Munich.