Discover Munich, Germany: An Unforgettable Journey Through Bavarian Culture, Beer Gardens, and Majestic Castles
Our recent adventure to the captivating city of Munich, Germany, was truly a highlight, leaving us with a collection of cherished memories and stunning photographs. From the vibrant cityscapes to the serene Bavarian countryside, every moment was a discovery.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen, Germany – a true architectural marvel
Embracing the Bavarian Spirit: Our Munich Travel Experience
It’s been a couple of weeks since we returned from our incredible European escapade, and I’ve finally had the chance to fully immerse myself in processing the myriad beautiful and astonishing places we visited.
The infamous jet lag has, at long last, faded away! I often forget just how relentless the recovery from significant time zone changes can be. Add the demands of a toddler and a full work schedule into the mix, and it becomes a formidable challenge. Last week, my days often ended around 7:30 PM, coinciding with my son’s bedtime, only to find myself wide awake at 5 AM. Yet, this morning, the return to routine was swift; my alarm blared at 6:30 AM, prompting a few desperate snoozes before reality truly kicked in. It’s astonishing how quickly one can snap back into the familiar daily grind after such an inspiring journey!
A magnificent church dominating the skyline in Munich, Germany
If you’ve been following my updates on Instagram or reading my blog over the past few weeks, you might have caught glimpses of our trip. My primary intention for this post is to compile some of our travel experiences onto “virtual paper.” We accumulated an enormous collection of photographs – my husband and I are avid photographers, to say the least – and I felt that a written account would be a wonderful way to document our journey more comprehensively. While I understand that readers typically visit this blog for recipes and culinary inspiration, I hope that for those who are interested, this deeper dive into our travels will offer a pleasant diversion and useful insights.
The iconic New Town Hall in Marienplatz, Munich, Germany
Our inaugural destination on this exciting 12-day itinerary was the vibrant city of Munich, Germany. We embarked on an overnight direct flight from Chicago to Munich, a journey I approached with a clear objective: to get some sleep on the plane. To my surprise, and despite being a notoriously light sleeper, I actually succeeded! The thought of sleeping soundly on an airplane seemed improbable, yet it proved to be a successful mission, preparing us for the adventures ahead.
After approximately a nine-hour flight, we touched down in Munich, retrieved our rather substantial backpacking backpacks, and made our way to our hotel. While the weather during our stay in Germany was a little rainy, it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits or deter us from exploring the city’s countless attractions. We embraced the slight drizzle as part of the authentic European experience, donning our rain gear and setting out to discover Munich’s charm.
Munich’s Culinary Delights: Pretzels, Beer, and Obatzda
When you contemplate the food and drink scene in Munich, what immediately springs to mind?
For me, the immediate associations are undoubtedly pretzels and beer. I must confess, despite my partial German heritage, I’m not a particularly huge fan of traditional German cuisine. Often, it tends to be quite heavy, and as someone who doesn’t consume much meat, I found myself less inclined towards many of the typical dishes. However, one cannot deny the exceptional quality of German beer – it is, as you might imagine, incredibly delicious. And the pretzels? They are beyond compare! You’ll encounter pretzels here that are truly enormous, some even as large as your head, offering a satisfyingly chewy and salty treat.
At several establishments we visited, the pretzels were served with a delightful cheese spread – a rich, flavorful accompaniment that my husband and I simply couldn’t get enough of. This creamy, savory spread, known as Obatzda, became an instant favorite. After a bit of online searching, we believe we’ve found a promising recipe for Obatzda here, which I’m eager to try recreating at home very soon! It’s the perfect dip for those giant, soft pretzels and a quintessential Bavarian culinary experience.
But enough about my culinary musings; let’s move on to more visual delights and the iconic sights of Munich.
Exploring Munich’s Historic Beer Halls and Bustling Markets
No visit to Munich would be truly complete without immersing oneself in the lively atmosphere of its renowned beer halls. These aren’t just places to drink; they are cultural institutions, echoing with history and camaraderie. The sheer scale and festive spirit of places like the Hofbräuhaus are astounding, offering an authentic glimpse into Bavarian social life.
The sounds of traditional German bands, the clinking of enormous beer steins, and the joyous chatter of locals and tourists alike create an unforgettable ambiance. It’s an experience that engages all senses, providing warmth and cheer regardless of the weather outside. Even for those not typically fond of beer, visiting these halls is a must to soak in the vibrant Bavarian culture and witness centuries of tradition.
Beyond the beer halls, Munich also boasts a truly fantastic market scene, exemplified by the famous Viktualienmarkt. This bustling outdoor market is a feast for the senses, offering an incredible array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique gifts. From vibrant fruits and crisp vegetables to an impressive olive bar – which felt like heaven to me – the market caters to every palate and curiosity.
The Green Heart of Munich: Englischer Garten and River Surfing
If your travels ever take you to Munich, make sure to dedicate ample time to explore the Englischer Garten. This expansive urban park is larger than New York’s Central Park and offers a remarkable escape within the city. It’s a haven of tranquility and recreation, complete with lush green trees, winding paths perfect for strolling, and even a unique phenomenon: river surfing!
There are two distinct spots where we observed people river surfing in Munich – it’s a truly wild and captivating sight to behold!
Within the Englischer Garten, you’ll also discover the incredibly charming Chinesischer Turm (The Chinese Tower) Beer Garden. This is a fantastic spot to pause, enjoy a traditional Bavarian beer and perhaps a snack, all while surrounded by the park’s natural beauty and the lively chatter of fellow visitors. It offers a quintessential beer garden experience in a truly idyllic setting. Watching the river surfers defy gravity on the Eisbach wave is an incredible spectacle, showcasing a vibrant, unexpected side of Munich culture.
The bustling Chinese Tower Beer Garden, a social hub within the park
Fairytale Castles and Bavarian Serenity: A Day Trip to Füssen
After soaking in the urban charm of Munich, our journey continued with a scenic two-hour train ride to the picturesque town of Füssen, Germany. This charming town serves as the gateway to the magnificent Bavarian Alps and two of Europe’s most iconic castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. The train ride itself was a treat, offering panoramic views of the stunning Bavarian countryside, with rolling hills, quaint villages, and pristine lakes creating a serene and relaxing backdrop to our adventure.
Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s romantic retreat
Seeing these castles up close was an absolutely breathtaking experience. Neuschwanstein Castle, often referred to as a “fairytale castle,” lives up to every expectation. Its whimsical towers and intricate architecture, perched majestically atop a rugged hill, seem to defy reality. The vision of King Ludwig II truly comes alive, offering a glimpse into a world of romanticism and fantasy. While the interiors are equally impressive, the exterior views and the approach through the surrounding forests are nothing short of magical. A visit to the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) provides the most iconic panoramic views of Neuschwanstein, a moment not to be missed.
Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II
Equally impressive, though perhaps less grandiosely famous, is Hohenschwangau Castle. This yellow-hued castle, where King Ludwig II spent his childhood, offers a more intimate yet equally fascinating historical perspective. Both castles stand as monuments to Bavarian royalty and provide an incredible contrast to the bustling city life of Munich. The surrounding Bavarian countryside, with its pristine lakes and towering mountains, added an element of profound beauty and tranquility to our day trip, making it an essential extension of any Munich itinerary.
Quick Suggestions for Your Munich & Bavarian Adventure
While Germany offers an endless array of exciting activities, here are my top suggestions based on our memorable few days there:
- Explore the Historic City Center: Dedicate time to simply wander through Munich’s charming city center. Marvel at the stunning architecture of its churches, such as the Frauenkirche, and the intricate details of the beautiful buildings. Many people enjoy guided walking or bike tours, which offer fascinating historical insights. We chose to explore on our own due to the rain, which allowed for a more spontaneous discovery.
- Indulge in Bavarian Delights: A visit to Munich demands a stop at the iconic Hofbräuhaus for a hearty beer, a massive pretzel, and of course, that irresistible Obatzda cheese spread. For a more diverse culinary experience, also consider Der Pschorr, where we found the food to be exceptionally good – the roasted chicken was particularly delicious.
- Relax in the Englischer Garten: Take a leisurely, long stroll through the magnificent Englischer Garten. Make sure to stop and enjoy a refreshing beer at the charming Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) Beer Garden, soaking in the convivial atmosphere, before continuing your walk to watch the incredible river surfers brave the Eisbach wave.
- Experience Viktualienmarkt: Immerse yourself in the sensory wonderland of the Viktualienmarkt. This vibrant market is perfect for picking up fresh fruits, local vegetables, unique gifts, and sampling various regional delicacies, including the fantastic olive bar.
- Embark on a Castle Day Trip: Plan an unforgettable day trip to Füssen, Germany, to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Bavarian countryside and explore the two iconic castles: the fairytale Neuschwanstein and the historic Hohenschwangau. Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure entry.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share our adventures in Interlaken, Switzerland—by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever laid eyes on.
Julia