MUNICH
Munich—or München—is the capital of Bavaria (a German state) and the route to the Alps. Known for one of the most stunning cities in Germany, Munich offers a great remembrance of history, fun traditionally social activities, and beautiful scenic views.
Having a desire to learn about history, I could not wait to visit Munich and see all the historical sites. Not to mention, I am a huge fan of Disney- I wanted to see the inspiration behind the iconic Disney castle. Also, experience the world's largest fair where everyone comes together to drink beer, eat, and sing along together. Different from my other trips- yet one of the most learning experiences I've ever had.
Flying into Munich, we took an Uber to our Airbnb. The uber was a bit expensive since the airport is quite aways from Munich. I'm sure there are cheaper ways to get to the city but will take a bit longer. We decided to stay in an Airbnb because we wanted to get the whole experience of staying in Munich (to actually feel like we live here). I researched and decided to stay in Maxvorstadt because it is the University district- close to a lot of bars, restaurants and easy to get around once you get the hang of it. It was the perfect area to for young-adults.
Views from our Airbnb. It was the perfect location- there was even a local grocery store right across the street!
How cute was our Airbnb!?
Maxvorstadt District- Munich
I always like to explore and walk around just to get a feel of what’s around me. The street names were hard to pronounce so walking around helped me remember where to go. We first started off having a beer and some food at a bar once we got settled in. I could not wait to try the food! It is one of my favorite things to do. The waiter knew we weren't from Germany, so she recommended some places and also was kind enough to draw out a map for us lol!
There are a lot of places to eat around the area but I definitely recommend this amazing gastropub called Atzinger. It is a traditional Bavarian restaurant serving hearty grub! I would describe Atzinger as a cozy and comfortable space but with a lively beer garden vibe. They will also give you an English menu- I highly recommend eating here!
The map the waiter drew. We wanted to know where to buy traditional costumes for Oktoberfest. Lets just say it’s the thought that counts. lol!
Atzinger: Delicious roast pork - can’t forget the German beer!
Munich English Garden
Walking distance from Maxvorstadt district is Munich's English Garden or Englischer Garten. Grab coffee one morning and go walk through the park. It's a peaceful walk through this green oasis, with so much to see and even live soothing music to listen to. Fun fact: It is one of the largest city parks in Europe!
Walking through the park you'll eventually see people surfing the river! You'll be surprised as I was- seeing surfers so far from a coastline.
You will also see Monopteros- a small greek baroque structured temple (built in 1838) located at the top of a hill. Walk up to the top and you will be able to see Munich’s skyline!
Monopteros @ Munich English Garden
River running through the park
Monopteros built in 1838
Marienplatz
Another great area that is about a 15 min walk from Maxvorstadt is Marienplatz. This is the city square of Munich and has been since 1158! The main attraction in the Marienplatz square is the stunning Neues Rathaus (town hall). This is also a place where you can shop and eat as well! Overall a must see as it is one of Munichs well known attraction sites.
Gorgeous walk to Marienplatz. I’ve read 50%-80% of Munich was destroyed after WWII, so a lot of the building structures now look out of a movie set.
Cobblestone streets and gorgeous architecture make the perfect photo :)
Incredible gothic structure architecture of Neues Rathaus (city hall) in Marienplatz.
Oktoberfest
I will admit, this was one of the most overwhelming yet amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I've never been to a festival that huge in my life! The carnival rides you have probably seen in your life won’t compare to the size of these rides- I’m talking MASSIVE! Not to mention the number of people there, reported over 6 million people every year! But the people are so welcoming and everyone is just looking to have a good time. My favorite part was dressing up into the traditional costumes (dirndl) and singing along to the Bavarian bands inside the different tents. Oh, by the way, these tents are MASSIVE as well. Literally, it is as big as a football field- and each one represents a different kind of German beer.
Here are some tips for Oktoberfest:
It doesn’t cost any money to get in, but you will want to spend money on attractions, beer, food once you're there.
If you havent reserved a table inside one of the tents, try and get there early. They won't let you in once the tent has reached capacity.
If you're a beer lover, research the different types of beer tents so you know which one they serve. The 6 main breweries are:
Augustiner-Bräu.
Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu.
Löwenbräu.
Paulaner.
Spatenbräu.
Staatliches Hofbräu-München.
You can only order beer if you are at a table. If you don't have a table you can just ask someone who is sitting at one or stand near one. FYI- The beer mugs (or German Maßkrug) are very heavy! I had to drink it with both hands.
I highly recommend wearing a dirndl or lederhosen. I thought I was going to look silly at first but I was so glad to dress up!
Last but not least, say “PROST!” it means “CHEERS!”
Wearing my cute dirndl! I can barely hold onto my mug!
Everyone is singing along inside one of the beer tents! Look how massive it is!
PROST!
Neuschwanstein Castle +
Linderhof Castle + Oberammergau
Always have been fascinated by castles since I was a little girl. When you dream about being the girl living in a gorgeous castle, it is like a fairytale. Also, the history behind the castle and who lived in it is so intriguing as well. I have explored a few historic castles around the world but nothing compares to Neuschwanstein Castle. Coming around the corner and seeing the castle in the distance gave me all sorts of feels.
I’m not usually a big tourist-group person but I highly recommend doing one for this adventure. Not only is it a far drive from Munich, but along the way you will get the history and interesting facts. I booked through trip advisor linked here and upgraded the tour to a small group which is totally worth it because you get to ride in a luxury coach bus and ticket purchases at the castles are taken care of. Not only will it take you to Neuschwanstein, but you visit Linderhof Castle and visit a story book quaint Bavarian town called Oberammergau- famous for its once-a-decade performance called Passion Play, telling the story of Jesus Christ.
FUN FACT: Neuschwanstein Castle is the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s famous sleeping beauty castle!
Making our way towards the front entrance of the castle. I caught someone hang gliding above! Pretty awesome!
The last stop on the tour was this little quaint town of Oberammergau. An interesting little town, it was like every shop was decorated with a Christmas theme with lots of wooden souvenirs.
Located in the Alps of Balvaria- this is the perfect fall day. Look how stunning these views are!
This is the beautiful Linderhof Castle. The castle was absolutely stunning inside and out!
This fountain shows off in the middle of the garden every 15 min or so. It can rise up to 70 feet into the air!
Dachau Concentration Camp & Memorial Site
Wow, there is so much history as you enter the camp/ memorial site. Dachau concentration camp opened in 1933, right after Hitler was appointed Reich Chancellor. This was the first camp to open and was the model for the rest of the camps. Dachau was hidden to the public- it was crazy to see how close neighborhood homes were to the camp. We took a half-day walking tour which I have linked the site here. I highly recommend you take a guided tour because they are very informative and helpful! You start the tour watching a short film which gives you more in-depth detail and then you continue walking the grounds of the camp. Walking around the camp, you learn about the history, see barracks, gas chambers and the gardens that hold mass graves. Devastating to learn around 30,000 deaths were reported- so hard to take in as I am stepping on the same ground as all those innocent people. Learning the history during my school years and then being there in real-time, I can't even put into words how life-changing that feeling was. A very sensitive time but so worth it as you pay and honor your respects.
The main building and entrance to Dachau. This is one of the original buildings still standing at the camp and was meant for SS officers. Every prisoner would enter through here- as you can see at the top is the main watch tower.
I was standing in the same room as the photo. - you can see where the wood beams are supposed to be. Former prisoners in the prisoner baths shortly after liberation.
Here is the gas chamber but as you can see above it shows German word for “showers.” A couple hundred people would be sent in here and once inside the room the doors would shut and lock and gas canisters would be placed from outside killing everyone inside within 20 min. Walking inside here gave me chills as I felt a different energy.
This is the German phrase that is on most gates at concentration camps. It means “work sets you free.”
These are the replicated barracks. The originals were torn down leaving the foundation behind. Built to only hold 6,000 in 1937, by the end of 1944 there were 60,000 prisoners. Prisoners slept foot to head in order to fit.