Vacation in Munich

When we were trying to plan our fall travels for 2012, Germany in October was at the top of our list for obvious- Octoberfest- reasons. Well, finding an apartment in Germany at any point in the month of October is wishful thinking so we settled for a 4 day vacay at the end of our Europe trek.

Munich Opera House

Both Dan and I were looking forward to starting December on vacation in Munich for many different reasons. Dan would have a glorious 4 days off from work after a very busy year cramming in as many hands of poker as possible. I clearly was excited that there would be no work too, but we both had heard so many great things about Munich that we couldn't wait to see them all!

On our first night in Munich we had dinner at the world famous Hofbrauhaus. Incredible. The beers were huge and food was great. We loved the 'beer hall' style where there are tables and chairs and you sit anywhere with other people and meet new friends. Did I mention how amazing the beer was?!

On Friday morning we took a train to Schwangau, Germany to see Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle was built by Ludwig II in 1892. Disney used this castle as the model for Sleeping Beauty's castle. It is unfinished because Ludwig ran out of money, but the parts you can go through on the tour are amazing. We also toured the castle Ludwigs parents owned that is across the hill from Neuschwanstein.

Myers in Munich

The whole day was perfect from start to finish. It was snowing the entire time we were there which made the mountains and scenery even more beautiful. We felt like we were in a movie! The little town where the castles are located is tiny. There are three hotels maybe and just a few places to eat. It is a huge tourist attraction, especially in the summer, but a very quiet and quaint town.

Olympic Hall

The rest of our time in Munich involved shopping at the Christmas Market, the Olympic Stadium tour, the BMW Museum and enjoying the beer halls. The markets start in December and run right up to Christmas. They are outdoor markets made up of hundreds of different stalls selling ornaments, Santa figures, pretzels, bratwurst and of course, beers.

Dan picking out his new BMW at the BMW Museum

Here are a few more photos of our favorite things in Germany. We loved everything about Munich and can't wait to plan a trip back to Germany to see the other cities!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Hand Carving the Horse

Christmas Market

Staying warm by the fire

Hofbrauhaus

The Munich Olympics Memorial Wall

Our new friends

The Lion

Favorite Christmas Market