Munich – much more than Oktoberfest
Since my birthday is in October, I get to choose our fall getaway destination each year. I usually pick countries east of Switzerland because the autumn colours are stunning. In the past, I’ve chosen Budapest in Hungary and Tyrol in Austria, and this year, I’ve set my sights on Munich, Germany.
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is famous for its exceptional beer. While many people know it as the home of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, our visit was just after the festivities. We quickly discovered that Munich offers much more than beer and celebrations. The city has beautiful parks, a rich history, and engaging experiences.
Hometown of BMW
Munich is the hometown of my favourite car brand, BMW. It stands for Bavarian Motor Works. During our visit, we delved into BMW’s history and saw how it evolved from its humble beginnings into the automotive giant.
The impressive architecture of the BMW Welt buildings reflects the brand’s innovation and elegance. Inside, we explored various areas, including the reception facilities and the space where they hand over the keys of brand-new vehicles to their excited owners.
My dad was passionate about mechanical engineering and joined me when I test-drove my first BMW. I wish I could share this BMW experience in Munich with him. It would have meant so much to both of us!
Science and Technology Museum
Germany has long been a hub of scientific brilliance, producing some of the most influential minds in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering. So, visiting the iconic Deutsches Museum felt like a perfect choice. It is one of the largest museums in the world, dedicated to technology and science.
The variety of exhibits was truly staggering. Friends had advised us to focus on a few themes since the museum is far too big to explore everything in one day. We decided to concentrate on Optics, Electronics, and Mathematics. Later, we also checked out the model train and bridge-building exhibitions.
The exhibits are interactive, inviting visitors to engage and explore with their senses. With its vast layout, the museum is enormous, and it is easy to lose track of time in its seemingly endless corridors!
German Culture and the Old Town
Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich for centuries. Once, it was bustling with merchants selling eggs, flour, wine, and fish. Today, it’s a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists, especially during events like the Christmas market, which fills the square with festive cheer every winter.
Glockenspiel
Dominating the northern side of the square is the New City Hall, known for its impressive Gothic architecture. The main attraction here is the historic chime that rings twice a day. With 43 bells, it’s one of the largest in Europe. As the clock chimes, delightful figurines come to life, reenacting scenes from Munich’s vibrant history.
Viktualienmarkt
We also visited Viktualienmarkt, which started as a farmer’s market. Today, it boasts around 100 stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to fish, meat, bread, spices, and lovely gifts and souvenirs.
People gather to chat and watch the bustling activity in the large beer garden. In Switzerland and Germany, it is legal to drink beer from the age of 16, and they serve it in pints. We embraced true German tradition with a beer and a Bratwurst topped with sauerkraut.
Bavarian Spirit at Hofbräuhaus
For my birthday, I wanted to experience authentic Bavarian food and spirit. Our initial plan was to visit the legendary Hofbräuhaus. The atmosphere was festive and inviting, but it was so crowded that we decided to find a smaller, less touristy spot.
The German music and the decor created a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying traditional German dishes. We sat back and watched as they brought new beer kegs to refill glasses, immersing ourselves in the experience!
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace served as the summer residence for Bavarian rulers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. I especially loved the palace gardens, beautifully adorned in autumn colours. They were well-maintained and provided a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.
Munich: The River Surfing Capital of the World
We also discovered that Munich is home to the ultimate urban surf spot. The Eisbach River has a two-kilometre stretch of waves attracting surfers from around the globe. Eisbach means ice creek and is quite fitting. Locals and tourists gather to watch daring surfers navigate the river’s rising tides.
With its rich culture, fascinating history, and hearty food, Munich makes for an excellent autumn weekend getaway!
Kind regards
Emsia