"The true Capital of Germany" a Munich Travel Page by gordonilla

Munich has much to offer, in addition to the Oktoberfest. As an Olympic city, it has been developed and as the Capital of the Lande of Bayern it is cosmopolitan and modern. The city is full of diversity and the modern sits alongside the traditional. This is common to most of Bavaria - and the capital is no exception if anything it is more so there.

The many churches, with spires, add to the city and it's skyline. It is amazing to visit these churches, and climb to the top of their towers and enjoy the view.

I enjoy visiting the City, and have had many enjoyable hours in the parks and cafes that are so much part of the city's being! The cafe scene is alive and well in Munich as are the many restaurants and bierhalle.

This was my first visit to the Oktoberfest, and it was the last Saturday of the 1998 Oktoberfest.

I am sure you want to know something about the Oktoberfest itself, it's history and what it is all about! Well, it was in fact a legacy from the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later Ludwig I of Bavaria) to Priness Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The King's bowling club companion, Dall'Armi suggested that the wedding festivities conclude with a horse race. This was so popular in 1810, that it was decided to repeat the event every year after that! So nearly 200 years on the world celebrates with the Bavarians at the annual event which is the Oktoberfest.

The one point people should be aware of is thet the Oktoberfest tends to start in September and finishes in October. Dont get confused by this fact.

Rudi and the boys brought me to the Oktoberfest. It was a good day out and it was an excellent first visit to the fun fair.

Now, it should be pointed out that this picture was taken in 1998 - so you may imagine that the children are much older than this image presents. So apologies, especially to Lukas who is now a young man!