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Munich: A Bavarian Jewel

Our recent adventure to the captivating city of Munich, Germany, left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds!

Breathtaking view of Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairytale masterpiece nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Fussen, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Germany

Munich, Germany: A Journey Through Bavaria’s Heart

It’s been a couple of weeks since our return from an incredible European journey, and I’ve finally had the chance to fully process the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities we explored. The lingering effects of jet lag have, thankfully, dissipated. It’s easy to forget just how long it takes to fully recover from significant time zone changes, especially when juggling a busy work schedule and the boundless energy of a toddler. For a while, my routine involved early nights and even earlier mornings, but now, the rhythm of daily life has comfortably resumed. It’s amusing how quickly one can fall back into the familiar grind!

Panoramic shot capturing the beautiful architecture of a historic church in Munich, Germany, under a gentle sky

A historic church in Munich, Germany

For those who’ve been following my adventures on Instagram or through my blog posts over the past few weeks, you’ve likely caught glimpses of our trip. My goal now is to document this unforgettable experience in more detail, translating our cherished memories into a virtual travelogue. While my husband and I are avid photographers, capturing countless images, I believe writing about our journey offers a richer way to preserve and share these moments. Although this blog often focuses on culinary delights, I’m excited to share a chapter of our travels with those interested in exploring beyond the kitchen.

Iconic facade of the New Town Hall in Munich, Germany, a neo-Gothic architectural marvel

The New Town Hall, Munich, Germany

Arriving in Munich: Our Bavarian Welcome

Our 12-day European escapade began in the magnificent city of Munich, Germany. We embarked on an overnight direct flight from Chicago, a journey I specifically hoped would allow for some much-needed sleep. To my surprise and relief, my mission was accomplished! As a notoriously light sleeper, the fact that I managed to rest comfortably on a plane was truly astonishing.

A traveler's large backpacking backpack resting in a street in Munich, Germany, hinting at the start of a European adventure

After approximately nine hours in the air, we touched down in Munich, retrieved our rather substantial backpacking gear, and made our way to our hotel. While our time in Germany was marked by a touch of rain, it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits or hinder our exploration of the city’s myriad attractions. Munich’s charm shone through, rain or shine.

Munich’s Culinary Delights: Beer, Bretzels, and Beyond

When you envision the food and drink scene in Munich, what first comes to mind? For many, including myself, it’s an immediate thought of hearty pretzels and world-renowned Bavarian beer. I must confess, despite my partial German heritage, traditional German cuisine can sometimes be a bit heavy for my palate. As someone who doesn’t consume much meat, I found myself less drawn to some of the conventional dishes. HOWEVER, the beer in Germany, as one might expect, is absolutely exquisite, and the pretzels? They are simply beyond compare. These aren’t just any pretzels; some are delightfully colossal, almost as big as your head!

Delicious pretzel served with a generous dollop of traditional Obatzda cheese spread, a quintessential Munich snack

A vibrant display of freshly baked pretzels, showcasing their delicious golden-brown crust and coarse salt

Close-up of a giant pretzel, humorously emphasizing its impressive size, from a street vendor in Munich

Many of the establishments we visited served their fantastic pretzels with a delightful cheese spread – a creamy, savory concoction that my husband and I absolutely adored. This irresistible spread, known as Obatzda, became a highlight of our culinary explorations. A quick online search led us to a recipe here, which I’m eager to try recreating at home to bring a taste of Munich back to our kitchen!

The Iconic Hofbräuhaus and Munich’s Beer Hall Culture

A visit to Munich would truly be incomplete without experiencing its legendary beer hall culture. These vibrant establishments are more than just places to drink; they are lively hubs of Bavarian tradition, music, and camaraderie. The sheer scale and festive atmosphere of places like the Hofbräuhaus are something to behold.

The grand interior of Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich's most famous beer halls, bustling with visitors and traditional decor

A joyful traveler holding a large stein of traditional German beer in a Munich beer hall, smiling broadly

A lively traditional German band performing in a beer hall, creating a festive atmosphere for patrons

Viktualienmarkt: A Feast for the Senses

Beyond the beer halls, Munich also boasts an incredibly dynamic market scene. The Viktualienmarkt, in particular, is an absolute treasure. This bustling open-air market is a feast for all the senses, offering an astonishing array of fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, exotic spices, and unique gifts. One of my favorite discoveries was an incredible olive bar – truly a slice of heaven for any food lover!

An enticing olive bar display at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich, showcasing a variety of marinated olives and antipasti

A colorful stall at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich, laden with fresh, seasonal vegetables beautifully arranged

An abundance of fresh fruit at a market stall, offering a healthy and colorful selection to shoppers

Close-up shot of freshly picked strawberries, glistening and ripe, ready for purchase at a market

The Serene Englischer Garten and River Surfing

For a refreshing escape within the city, the Englischer Garten is an absolute must-visit. This expansive urban park is larger than New York’s Central Park and offers a myriad of activities. Here, you can stroll amidst lush green trees, enjoy tranquil riverside views, and even witness the astonishing sight of river surfing! Yes, you read that right – surfers riding waves on a standing river. It’s a truly unique spectacle. The park is also home to a fantastic beer garden, The Chinesischer Turm (The Chinese Tower), where you can relax with a refreshing brew in a picturesque setting.

A picturesque pathway winding through the lush, green landscapes of the Englischer Garten in Munich

Thrilling shot of a river surfer expertly riding a standing wave on the Eisbach in Munich's Englischer Garten

There are two distinct spots we discovered where people engage in river surfing in Munich – an astonishing and captivating sight to witness!

The iconic Chinese Tower structure within the Englischer Garten, home to a popular beer garden

The lively Chinese Tower Beer Garden

Beyond Munich: Fussen and Fairytale Castles

After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Munich, we embarked on a picturesque two-hour train journey to Fussen, Germany. This charming town, nestled amidst the stunning Bavarian countryside, is the gateway to two of Germany’s most iconic and breathtaking castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Seeing these architectural marvels up close was an absolutely awe-inspiring experience. The journey itself offered serene views of the Bavarian Alps, providing a wonderfully relaxing contrast to the bustling city.

The majestic Neuschwanstein Castle, a grand 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop

Neuschwanstein Castle, often cited as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

Hohenschwangau Castle, a yellow neo-Gothic palace and childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, surrounded by lush scenery

Hohenschwangau Castle, equally impressive and steeped in history.

A serene lake in Fussen, Germany, reflecting the stunning Bavarian landscape and mountains

Charming streets and traditional buildings of Fussen, Germany, capturing the essence of a picturesque Bavarian town

Top Things to Do in Munich and Fussen: A Quick Guide

While Germany offers countless incredible experiences, here are my top suggestions based on our memorable two days in Munich and the Fussen region:

  • Explore Munich’s Historic City Center: Dedicate time to wander through the charming city center, admiring the magnificent churches and stunning architecture. Consider joining a walking or bike tour for deeper insights into the city’s rich history. Even if it rains, touring on your own is still a delightful experience.
  • Savor Bavarian Beer and Bretzels: Indulge in an authentic German beer and a gigantic pretzel, especially with the delicious Obatzda cheese spread, at iconic spots like the Hofbräuhaus. Also, check out Der Pschorr for fantastic food; their roasted chicken was truly delicious!
  • Relax in the Englischer Garten: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the expansive Englischer Garten. Make sure to stop for a refreshing beer at the charming Chinese Tower Beer Garden, and then continue your walk to witness the incredible river surfers.
  • Discover the Viktualienmarkt: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Viktualienmarkt. It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh fruits, local vegetables, unique gifts, and sample gourmet treats like specialty olives.
  • Embark on a Fairytale Day Trip to Fussen: Take a day trip to Fussen, Germany, to experience the breathtaking Bavarian countryside and visit the two legendary castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. These magnificent structures offer a glimpse into royal history amidst stunning alpine scenery.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our European adventure: Interlaken, Switzerland—undoubtedly one of the most spectacularly beautiful places I have ever witnessed.

Julia