MUNICH
Munich is an interesting mix of opulent history and easy-going modern lifestyles. It is rich in artistic, culinary, and royal culture. While it's full of sights that cannot easily be visited in two days, we enjoyed simply wandering the town in between museums and shops. A terrorist shooting at a nearby mall devastated Munich only a few days after we left. Today we appreciate Munich even more so and will never forget the beauty of the city and the friendliness of its residents.
Munich, Germany's most livable city, was the capital of Bavaria until 1871. Today it is very pedestrian-friendly and made for strolling. Join fellow beer lovers at the rowdy Hofbrauhaus. Pick up some fresh produce at the Viktulienmarkt. Wander the English Gardens. Join the tourists as you watch the Glockenspiel show at the Marienplatz. Tour the Residenz, the Wittelsbachs' family palace. And if you enjoy Bavarian and Egyptian history... or art... or BMWs... there's museums for those, too. Various other churches and palaces round out the mix.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Wandering the English Gardens, and watching the surfers tackle the waves of the Isar River.
-Walking tour of the historic center of town with local guide Kathleen, seeing sights like the Residenz, Viktulienmarkt, Hofbrauhaus, Marienplatz, St. Peter's church, and more!
-Sampling delectable edibles at the Viktulienmarkt.
-Strolling the town, especially at night.
-Visits to the famous Hofbrauhaus and BMW Museum.
-Fresh pretzels!
Munich, Germany's most livable city, was the capital of Bavaria until 1871. Today it is very pedestrian-friendly and made for strolling. Join fellow beer lovers at the rowdy Hofbrauhaus. Pick up some fresh produce at the Viktulienmarkt. Wander the English Gardens. Join the tourists as you watch the Glockenspiel show at the Marienplatz. Tour the Residenz, the Wittelsbachs' family palace. And if you enjoy Bavarian and Egyptian history... or art... or BMWs... there's museums for those, too. Various other churches and palaces round out the mix.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Wandering the English Gardens, and watching the surfers tackle the waves of the Isar River.
-Walking tour of the historic center of town with local guide Kathleen, seeing sights like the Residenz, Viktulienmarkt, Hofbrauhaus, Marienplatz, St. Peter's church, and more!
-Sampling delectable edibles at the Viktulienmarkt.
-Strolling the town, especially at night.
-Visits to the famous Hofbrauhaus and BMW Museum.
-Fresh pretzels!
Lindau
We have a group dinner soon after arrival in Munich. This includes big beers, big appetizers (including a brotzeitteller of massive proportions; see the Food section), and... lean chicken or salmon entrees.
To get a taste of local culture, Rolinka earlier taught us a popular Oktoberfest song called Ein Prosit ("A Toast"). The lyrics translate to: "A toast, a toast/ To cheer and good times/ A toast, a toast/ To cheer and good times. ONE! TWO! THREE! DRINK UP!" All the while, you sway your glass and at the end, take a chug and slam the glass down. Gemütlichkeit, according to oktoberfest-songs.com, "encapsulates a feeling of belonging, social acceptance and leaving your troubles at the door." Our singing filled the restaurant and even got a few locals to join in too!
After all this chugging and eating, we took a night-time stroll through town afterward to burn off those carbs and calories.
To get a taste of local culture, Rolinka earlier taught us a popular Oktoberfest song called Ein Prosit ("A Toast"). The lyrics translate to: "A toast, a toast/ To cheer and good times/ A toast, a toast/ To cheer and good times. ONE! TWO! THREE! DRINK UP!" All the while, you sway your glass and at the end, take a chug and slam the glass down. Gemütlichkeit, according to oktoberfest-songs.com, "encapsulates a feeling of belonging, social acceptance and leaving your troubles at the door." Our singing filled the restaurant and even got a few locals to join in too!
After all this chugging and eating, we took a night-time stroll through town afterward to burn off those carbs and calories.
Our morning walk with local guide Kathleen takes us past several of Munich's key sights. (The rest of the afternoon and evening is on our own.)
We begin at the Viktulienmarkt, where we get a glimpse of the many produce stands and eateries. April was delighted in just how many fruits and vegetables she had never seen before! The market is car-free and the government keeps rent low, enabling merchants to stay in business. Also located here is the famous Maypole, painted in Bavaria's colors: white and blue. |
After our walking tour, we admired the Hofgarten and watched locals play boules. Then we strolled to the English Gardens, where we watched the surfers (even young kids!) tackle the waves, admired the beautifully-maintained and scenic landscape, and had lunch at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden. You pick up your food and beer at various stations and pay at the end. TIP: If you're ever not sure what to do in Europe, stand back and observe the locals for a few minutes.
Later we took the Metro to the BMW Museum, where we gawked at the uber-chic Beemers on display and for sale. Alas, the scratchers we bought with our potty vouchers were duds, so we won't be buying a car this time.
We end our afternoon by taking the Metro back to Mariensplatz to catch the 5pm Glockenspiel with other tourists. There's some festival in town, with DJs, stage performances, and athletic activities for kids, so we actually hang out with locals, dancing to the likes of... Justin Timberlake!. If you like yummy food like we do, be sure to check out nearby Dallmayr Delicatessen, home of exotic and luxurious food items like seafood, meats, chocolate, sweets, coffee, produce, cheese, and wine. (Photos in the Food section.) Of course it's pricey -- it once served the King! -- but you can get a light meal or chocolate bar without breaking the bank.
Later we took the Metro to the BMW Museum, where we gawked at the uber-chic Beemers on display and for sale. Alas, the scratchers we bought with our potty vouchers were duds, so we won't be buying a car this time.
We end our afternoon by taking the Metro back to Mariensplatz to catch the 5pm Glockenspiel with other tourists. There's some festival in town, with DJs, stage performances, and athletic activities for kids, so we actually hang out with locals, dancing to the likes of... Justin Timberlake!. If you like yummy food like we do, be sure to check out nearby Dallmayr Delicatessen, home of exotic and luxurious food items like seafood, meats, chocolate, sweets, coffee, produce, cheese, and wine. (Photos in the Food section.) Of course it's pricey -- it once served the King! -- but you can get a light meal or chocolate bar without breaking the bank.
Neuschwanstein
Speaking of kings... the next morning we're off to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. "Mad" King Ludwig inherited the throne at 18, and despite its Romantic facade, the castle was only built in the mid-1800s. King Ludwig died at an early age under suspicious circumstances. Who did it? Or was it suicide? Ponder that while you tour.
Walt Disney supposedly used this as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle. You tour fifteen originally-furnished rooms and trek up and down 300 steps, but the grandeur of the place is amazing! Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside, but you can buy books and postcards in the gift shop afterward.
After touring, Rolinka gathered us for a group picnic lunch in the meadows down the road from the castle. She prepared several cheeses with bread and pickles, overnight-marinated mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and balsamic, and juice. We're not in Salzburg yet, but the views just inspire us to do a Julie Andrews-esque twirl!
Walt Disney supposedly used this as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle. You tour fifteen originally-furnished rooms and trek up and down 300 steps, but the grandeur of the place is amazing! Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside, but you can buy books and postcards in the gift shop afterward.
After touring, Rolinka gathered us for a group picnic lunch in the meadows down the road from the castle. She prepared several cheeses with bread and pickles, overnight-marinated mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and balsamic, and juice. We're not in Salzburg yet, but the views just inspire us to do a Julie Andrews-esque twirl!
Auf wiedersehen, Germany! On to Austria!