An absolute must on your European adventures is Munich. The capital of the German state Bavaria is famous for its landmark buildings, gardens and beer halls. For a true feel of life in Germany, explore Munich and walk away with a belly full of beer and a brain full of history.
Day 1:
Start your day by chucking on your walking shoes and heading over to Karlsplatz. Walk through the Karlstor (Old Town Gate) and check out St Michael’s Church, the largest renaissance church North of the Alps. Nearby is the Frauenkirche which allegedly houses the devil’s footprint.
Walk a bit further and you’ll get to Marienplatz where the old and new town halls are. The Old Town Hall dates back to the 15th century and has since been converted to a toy museum with the largest barbie collection in the world. At 11am and noon (as well as 5pm in the Summer) experience perhaps the most overrated clock chiming in Europe. Hundreds of tourists gather to take in the New Town Hall Glockenspiel and although a must-see in Munich, it is quite the lengthy experience.
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If you have some loose change, climb to the top of nearby St Peter’s Church for a panoramic view of Munich centre. Viktualienmarkt, the oldest market in the city, is just around the corner for those wanting to get their fix of fresh local goods.
Spend your afternoon at the English Gardens. If you’re missing the surf, good thing you’re in Munich. Right in the middle of the English Gardens is a river which holds the Eisbach Wave. Watch locals hang ten or if you’re a confident surfer head into the water yourself. For those keen to catch a couple waves, rent a surfboard and wetsuit at the Santo Loco skate shop in Marienplatz and either catch a taxi or walk 20 minutes to the river. The English gardens also boast paddleboating, a sunbathing lawn famous for its nude occupants and four beer gardens!
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Finish off your day by experiencing a true German dinner in Munich. Augustiner Bräustuben or the quintessential Hofbrauhaus are perfect places to go to for a feed and pint. Start with a Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) or a Wiener Schnitzel for your main. Follow this with a Kaisserschmarrn (shredded pancake) for dessert. Wash it down with a Mass (litre) of beer and you will be one very happy person.
Day 2:
For your second day in Munich, venture out to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle: once the home of Mad King Ludwig and the influence behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Neuschwanstein is a 2.5 hour train ride away with regular trains leaving and arriving from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof. Allow yourself around 4 hours while there. The only way you are able to check out the interior of the castle is by booking a 35 minute tour. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment. Make sure to check out Hohenschwangau castle too. To save money, buy tickets that combine the two castles. After exploring, catch the train back to Munich.
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