(01OCT22) My annual birth month trip happened a little early this time! I usually travel after my birthday but at this rate, I had to go beforehand so I can make it to Oktoberfest in Germany! Albeit, my supposed-to-be trip last year has finally come true. Unfortunately, I had my own lapses at this point—I was sick (NOT COVID) ;( I was somehow at my lowest during those days that I was about to cancel everything that was planned on my birthday (including this trip); But I had to pull myself up. Hence, this trip pushed through.
Here's my simple DIY trip to Munich with the company of my friends there! Also, I decided to blog this first as my visit to Paris and Brussels last August was more of a personal leisure with my family. Nonetheless, I will still write about it at a latter period. ;)
THE FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION
I booked my flight through Lufthansa and I’m thankful for having window seats on both rides! It was a smooth 90-minute flight towards Munich airport. Upon security check there, make sure to have your booked return tickets and hotel reservations ready!
Transportation in Munich reminds me of my trip in Zurich which I would like to describe as care-free. I use Google Maps for navigation since it can get a little confusing on what metro number to board. Having said that, there’s only a few English translations across the city but most Germans understand English.
I purchased an all-day ticket fare for unlimited transport rides across the M zone.
ACCOMMODATION
Weekend bookings often has expensive rates but thankfully I scored a good catch at Sure Hotel by Best Western Munchen Haupbahnhof. Apart that it gave me a free airport shuttle ride, the location is just in front of Munich central station! Though you may wonder about the precautions in the busy area---Munich is a very safe city with police patrolling over the whole metropolis. But similar to many main metros, there are gypsies around so remain cautious like in other countries.
As for my room, it was smaller than I expected and there’s no amenities. I also tried their breakfast here for 2 days and I cannot comment much about it either. In short, nothing special. (sorry!)
THINGS TO DO
Munich, or München as what they call, is the German capital of Bavaria wherein the state has a fair share of alpine territory among other European countries. Having gone to many places for the past few months, I got to say that Munich has a lot of resemblance with Brussels and Vienna (you can even reach Austria from here in just 2hours train!). Yet, one thing that this city would boast for is the bounty of beer gardens they have. Say, bratwurst & beer?
Well, German sausage really tastes good but I wouldn’t fancy eating it all the time! Actually, I would get tired eating their cuisine from pretzels to schnitzel because of its salty, savory tinge. On the other hand, the beer is a must-try!
These are what I have eaten during my stay and I don't think I would last long with it 😖 I didn't regret trying it though, I even found it fascinating as my picky eater self managed to have this bagel with chopped radish and cream cheese--It was a saviour from those sausage menus!😆
You’ve never been to Munich if you don’t try their authentic German beer! I’m not even a fan of draft beer but this one has a nice kick! And this is the fun part in Oktoberfest; Hopping from one bar to another with a mug at hand. The downside of it is that there are limits to enter the bar and it’s only open until midnight. Talk about European curfews..Haha.
Oktoberfest reminds me of London’s Winter Wonderland with these familiar attractions and games. I enjoyed it so much that I never thought it would only be here that my friends persuaded me to ride that extreme rollercoaster. Omg, never again. Lol.
It's so cool on how they made the entire Theresewiesn into a huge wonder-beer park! Don't forget to buy your souvenirs here 😉
Another fun part to blend in to the event was to dress up like a local! The cold never bother me to wear this Dirdl for ootd's sake ;p
On the 2nd day, my friends took me to the town of Schwangau to see the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle.
I now believe that fairytale settings can be real. No wonder this is where the Disney castle got its inspiration!
Crossing this heart-locked bridge gives a better view of the castle and more picturesque view of Bavaria. But brace yourself if you have a phobia for heights!
You can either hike towards the castle or ride a horse carriage which we did that costs €8 /person. The weather was not really good when we came as it was drizzling ☹️ Though, the whole autumn vibe never upsets! Beside Schloss Neuschwanstein, there is another castle that you can visit nearby called Hohenschwangau or the King’s Summer Palace. Likewise, you can enter both castle museums with a fee but photography is prohibited inside the premises.
This also has a very beautiful scenery—a castle surrounded by the lake! And if you go below the area, you’ll be able to catch a breathtaking autumn alpine view (no exaggerations intended!).
Simply, no filter needed.🖤
Then I had my own freelance tour of the city on my 3rd and 4th day as my friends needed to work. I was supposed to join a free walking tour but it got cancelled on the last minute so I had zero choice but to explore the city on my own. I was rattled to make things impromptu and with my eye ailment, I couldn’t even take pictures properly. But nevertheless, I had to carry on so I did. There’s a Munich Hop-on, Hop-off to the rescue.
At least in this 90minute ride, I got some info about the city’s history and landmarks in which I went again to take shots (& to wander around the vicinity!).
Like the Nymphenburg Palace where the latest Amazing Race S34 kick-started! I can’t imagine how they ran around this huge park! I have also seen where the pitstop took place and that was very nostalgic ;D
While, there’s Marienplatz—the heart of Munich. Starting at this point could already take you around the tourist attractions on foot from the Glockenspiel, shopping centres and churches. I would loved to visit this place again during the Christmas season! It was German Unity Day when I came there so the shops were closed everywhere. Hence, this is another European thing--expect that all shops are closed every Sunday and bank holidays.
As a Catholic church-goer, I appreciate the structures of their churches here. It is very solemn and sacred similar to my country.
I'm glad to firstly feel my fav season here. Autumn-spiced and everything nice 🖤
So that’s a wrap for my birthmonth trip! Will this be my last Euro trip before I return to Manila? ;p I am definitely going back to Germany and tour another of its city someday. I could complain about their food but the ambiance itself is lovely! & Munich is easy and safe to visit as it's great for a 3-4 day vacation.
Meanwhile, I would like to thank my friends and family for making my birth month special despite some challenges that I’m currently facing. This too shall pass~
