"Munich's Deep Freeze with a knockout punch" Munich by richiecdisc

Munich Travel Guide: 5,362 reviews and 9,545 photos

Munich is one of my favorite cities in Europe and one that I seem to return to again and again. Though lacking the grandiose architecture of places like Paris or Budapest, the cultural diversity of Florence or Berlin, or funky counter cultural ambience of Amsterdam, this relaxed big city lures you with an old world charm that avoids cliché with a mixture of great open spaces and a workman attitude towards having fun. Sure, this capital of Bavaria has its fair share of museums and awe-inspiring buildings but they seem to take a back seat to the simpler pleasures in life. Set in close proximity to the Bavarian Alps and Forrest, a love of the outdoors seems to invade the very souls of its fair citizens as is evidenced by a high prevalence of city parks. They have even managed to combine this outdoorsy lifestyle with their love of food and beer in the uniquely Bavarian beer gardens where you are often allowed to picnic with your own food as long as you purchase a beverage, and of course, the beverage of choice is beer. Though a picturesque city, I have never managed to capture it on film. My college sophomore trip in 1978 found me arriving during Oktoberfest with no camera and a rather singular agenda: PARTY. Ten years later, I traveled in a more relaxed mode with a girlfriend rather than college cronies, and discovered the charms of the beer gardens aglow in springtime weather. I had a simple camera but no skill in using it and other things seemed to get in the way. I made a brief solo stop there in 1999 but it was strictly a beer pilgrimage having read about a handful of places that I just had to go and knowing that I left my good camera behind in anticipation of potentially “forgetting” it somewhere. ;=) So, it was with great anticipation that I returned this past September, finally to capture this magnificent city on film. I was going to Slovenia and Munich was a far cheaper entry point than Ljubljana so it appeared the perfect opportunity. Besides, there were some VTers to meet and as luck would have it, it was Oktoberfest! Of course, that is where the luck ran out. The weather was bleak my four days there and the only thing I managed to capture was a lot of fun. You can see the results of that trip by clicking on the Munich Madness travelogue to the right. As luck would have it, I got another chance at Munich. I returned at Christmas after being away for only six weeks. I went looking for love rather than beer this time and though things did not turn out anywhere like I planned, it worked out just fine. As did the photos, I was blessed not only with luck in love, but also with some lovely weather and here are the results.

Last visit to Munich: Jan 2002
Intro Updated Jul 25, 2007
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Reviews (46)

yes, you can drink more than one Mass - Munich

Wiesn Local Customs (5)

I have been to Oktoberfest many times over the years and never with a reservation. There is no problem showing up... more travel advice

Kaltenberger Ritterturnier Local Customs (5)

This is another example of beer leading me to greater things. I love Kaltenberg's dunkles beer but had read about a... more travel advice

worth the S-Bahn trip Restaurants (11)

Sometimes a quest for great beer leads to a real gem of a restaurant. Maisach is a case in point. I had read that it was... more travel advice

a lovely setting Restaurants (11)

The Seehaus is where all the beautiful people go. Well, I never saw more of them here than at other beer gardens but... more travel advice

Things to Do (12)
See All Kunstbau - Lenbachhaus
Warnings Or Dangers (3)
See All the beer at Starkbierzeit is dangerously...
Off The Beaten Path (6)
See All The Sudfriedhof in Spring
Nightlife (4)
See All a little evening jazz
Hotels (1)
I have stayed in a variety of...

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (181)

Coggy Jun 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM Report Abuse

How can you write so well when you drink so much?
Antji Mar 6, 2011 at 4:53 AM Report Abuse

Hej Richie, lot´s of things I didn´t know before. Great pics like always. But where are the actuell tipps?;) LG
Gili_S Jan 1, 2011 at 3:02 AM Report Abuse

I'm glad to hear that :) Well, we are also checking from time to time flights offers to this city, maybe we come for a weekend city break if we have the chance. Business trip is unlikely at the moment, but things can always change quick.
Trekki Sep 5, 2010 at 11:21 PM Report Abuse

Hey, these winter pictures look indeed nice! But you can do better by now with more tips of what to see and where to drink :-) Sweet to read how it all begun and good that you are back where all begun :-)
slothtraveller Sep 3, 2010 at 4:37 AM Report Abuse

Nice winter pictures of Munich! The city seems to take on a whole new persona in winter. Must do the Christmas market one year and hope for some snow!
aussirose Jul 3, 2010 at 4:28 PM Report Abuse

Hi Richie. So you are in Munich now? ..We are thinking of visiting before the big Paris meet next year. We'll have to meet up!! :o) I've saved a couple of your restaurant tips :o) Cheers, Ann.
travelfrosch May 31, 2010 at 4:40 PM Report Abuse

Looks like you had lots of fun many years ago! Here's hoping you can find the time to update this page now that you live here. ;o) Cheers, Mark
Bavavia Jun 19, 2009 at 11:58 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful Munich tips! many places i missed on my recent visit....and of course, a reason to return to this beautiful city. Enjoyed Munich a lot.
davidaitken Oct 26, 2008 at 6:12 AM Report Abuse

Karg Brewery Have just returned from an Autumn break in Murnau. Visited Karg twice - fantastic beer, superb food (enormous portions), outstanding service at a very reasonable cost. Warm and cosy!
jumanuel Apr 2, 2008 at 12:27 PM Report Abuse

Hi, I am gald you like Munich! and I agree with you how beautiful the city is! Cheers! JM