After a hectic journey to Oktoberfest last year involving a flight and three different trains, this year I was much more organised. Booking flights early meant we had a day either side of Oktoberfest to wander Munich in the beautiful autumn sunshine – here’s a few of the sights we discovered!
Neues Rathaus and Marienplatz
The Neues Rathaus is a Gothic-style town hall in the centre of Munich. Built between 1867 and 1908, its towering spires dominate the central square of Marienplatz. I loved its beautiful flower boxes!
The Old Town Hall, also on Marienplatz
Walking west from Marienplatz we soon came to Karlsplatz, known as Stachus by Munich locals. Plenty of people were enjoying the beautiful central fountain, although none so much as the guy sitting inside it!
Stachus with the Palace of Justice in the background
Viktualienmarkt Food Market
The Maypole at the Viktualienmarkt Food Market
The Viktualienmarkt is a daily food market in the centre of Munich with a dazzling array of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked delights, meats, cheese, and much more. It was founded in 1807 and is the perfect spot to pick up snacks or stop for a meal when wandering around Munich. It even has a beer garden so you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out by skipping a day at Oktoberfest!
Banks of the Isar River
We wanted to head to the Englischer Garten Park from the Virtualienmarkt, and could either go across town or wander along the banks of the Isar River. We chose the latter and it was heavenly to stroll the shady paths, spotting piano players, beautiful architecture and the occasional skinny dipper along the way!
The Sankt Lukas Kirche
The Maximilians Bridge
Englischer Garten
The Englischer Garten is a huge public park that covers over 910 acres and contains everything from beer gardens (of course) to sculptures to meadows to a wave in one of the artificial streams that you can surf! It’s called the English Gardens after the style of informal landscaping that was popular at the time of its creation in 1789. On a beautiful day like this one it was humming with people relaxing and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
Oktoberfest
Last year I blogged about how I survived Oktoberfest and how to budget for Oktoberfest, so I won’t rehash them here, except to say that once again I had an amazing time! One of my favourite parts this time round was seeing the festival at night – it’s buzzing with people and beautifully lit. I even (somewhat) mastered my fear of suspense to ride the Skyfall Tower Drop, and distracted myself from the impending terror by taking this shot of part of the huge Oktoberfest grounds.
Have you visited, or do you live in Munich? Where should I make sure I see next time round?
