When one thinks of Munich, Oktoberfest will naturally come to mind! But what are the top things to do and attractions in Munich really? Where exactly to stay in Munich?
Let’s find out!
Top Things to do and Attractions in Munich Germany!
1. Glockenspiel Clock Tower
The Rathaus Glockenspiel is one of the top 10 must visit clock towers in the world! Today, it attracts millions of visitors annually to see its shows and the uniqueness of what this clock tower has to offer!
2. Marienplatz
Besides the Glockenspiel, Marienplatz itself also attracts visitors alike. At this old square, visitors can enjoy a drink at the cafes, catch the show of Glockenspiel or simply just people watch. Meet your friends at Mariensaule if you’re lost!
3. Viktualienmarkt
An old farmer’s market in the past, Viktualienmarkt has evolved into a large market that sells all types of groceries, meats and even souvenirs. Have a meal at the al fresco dining area while you’re there!
4. Hofbrauhaus Munchen
Missed Oktoberfest? No worries! Hofbrauhaus brewery has its own merry men that conjours that lively atmosphere at the Oktoberfest! What’s more, you get to savour the best pork knuckle ever here at Hofbrauhaus! Guten Appetit!
5. Englischer Garten
Enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Englischer Garten! Check out the Japanese Tea House or the Chinese Tower in this garden while you’re here. You may also chance upon surfers here!
6. Side Trips to Oberammergau and Mittenwald – Bavarian!
The awe-inspiring Bavarian Alps can be visited via Munich! Take a short trip to Oberammergau and Mittenwald where you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the large mural art! You can also choose to visit the Neuschwanstein castle that inspired the animation at the start of Disney’s production.
7. Oktoberfest!!!
How can a visit to Munich be complete without going to the Oktoberfest?! Oktoberfest, held at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest area is not only the biggest beer festival in the world, it is also a huge gigantic fun fair, offering a great time for the entire family!
We stayed at the NH Dornach during our visit to the Oktoberfest. Do check out our posts about the hotels!
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There are 2 things that you must see when you go to Mittenwald and Oberammergau in Germany. Wait…at this point you must be thinking, “Where the @$#%#@$$ is Mittenwald and Oberammergau?!”
For those of you who are travel show enthusiasts (or simply Lord of the Remote Controls), you may have seen Oberammergau featured several times on several travel shows. In this post, we will tell you the 2 main reasons :
1. The Bavarian Alps
2. Mural Art
(Yes, I understand. Mural art is defined as a large painting usually done on walls)
Our journey to Mittenwald and Oberammergau in Germany!
After completing our trip from Berlin to Munich via a stopover at Dresden, we decided to do a day trip to visit attractions around Munich. Originally, we wanted to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. However, we googled and found out that it was the renovation period and visitors were informed that parts of the castle would be obscured due to the restoration work.
Hence, the next option was to embark on the Mittenwald, Oberammergau journey!
The catch is that this day trip would really take the entire day. This is because the journey from Munich to Mittenwald would take about 2 hours and Mittenwald to Oberammergau via Murnau would take another 2 hours. So 2 hours here and 2 hours there PLUS the return trip. That doesn’t leave much time for a day trip.
Hence, we would really advice for you to stay a night in Oberammergau (there are excellent views of the Alps from some of the lodges – imagine waking up to the Alps…) and try to avoid this itinerary. That is unless you think “been there done that”…
The trip started with a train ride first to Mittenwald. To get our properly geared up, we had croissant with a cookie crumble top, apple strudel with real slices of apple and our morning coffee.
We had some trouble at first trying to confirm that we were on the right train. Eventhough we were informed by the receptionist at the counter that we were on the right train, the sign board did not mention Mittenwald. So we asked some passengers on the train just to confirm. In addition, many seniors with hiking sticks confirmed that we should be headed in the right direction (hiking in the Alps right?)
Unfortunately, due to construction on the tracks, we had to alight at Tutzing for a bus transfer to Welheim. The good thing about travelling in Germany is that if such diversions occur, there would be many people directing you and many buses awaiting to bring to the next available station for you to continue your journey.
The following video shows our departure from one of the smaller stations, shows our readers a glimpse of the countryside in Europe…
Departing a station in the countryside of Europe
Before long, the first view of the Bavarian Alps was in sight and we arrived at Mittenwald after several scenic stops…
Due to our low quality camera (any sponsors out there?), slow reaction and fast moving pace of the train, we were not able to capture some spectacular views of the views overlooking the fields and villages. However, we did capture a close up view of the Alps at Mittenwald station…
Close up view of the Bavarian Alps from Mittenwald
Fantastic Views at Mittenwald Germany
Here are some of the fantastic views of Mittenwald. To think that we actually contemplated to skip it to go to Oberammergau only!
A small little incident occurred when we ordered our spaghetti at this particular restaurant. After ordering our spaghetti and having waited for about 5 minutes for it, we were served with…wait for it…ICE CREAM!! IN THE FORM OF SPAGHETTI!!!
Of course it was not what we ordered. But we later realised that the waitress must have said “Spaghetti Eis (pronounced as ice)” which meant spaghetti ice cream! And we must have nodded! The waitress’ face went black for a moment but she was kind enough to finally deliver us our spaghetti. Judging from the half-filled beer, you can guess that we waited for quite a bit. Even had to rush the spaghetti down so that we would not miss our next train to Oberammergau…
Arriving at Oberammergau
After another 2 hours ride (maybe slightly less), we finally arrived at Oberammergau!
After stepping out of the station, there was a huge crowd of people that turned right (facing the main street). However, Kate and I analysed the map and decided to turn left instead. And it was the right direction! Turning left took us to the heart of the city!
So remember to turn left when you leave the train station, facing the main street!!
Here are some of our memorable moments at Oberammergau!
Oberammergau City Centre – Murals Galore!
Oberammergau Restaurants and Mural Art!
We had dinner at one of the restaurants in the city centre and it was actually quite tasty. The dinner costs 25Euros inclusive of taxes and tips. The pork sausage with onion rings and pickles was a good starter that worked up our appetite. The roasted pork with dumpling was quite good. The taste was flavourful. Eventhough it was a little bit salty, taken together with the dumpling, the taste was perfect.
Although we couldnt afford the cuckoo clocks, we did learn a thing or two from the shop assistant. Turns out that the price of the cuckoo clocks depends on
1. Whether it is an actual one (that has mechanisms built in) or an imitation
2. Size (Hence, the longer it can go without winding)
3. Music / Intricacy
So these factors come together to determine prices of the cuckoo clocks that can go as high as 2000 euros! 😮
We hope that you have enjoyed this post (one of our longest EVER!) about our day trip from Munich to Mittenwald and Oberammergau! Do leave us your comments below!
We’ll now leave you with a video of the sunset at Oberammergau!
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