Oktoberfest in Munich: Bavarian Hops and Alpine Tops

Visit what is perhaps the most ostentatious and sensually overwhelming building in Munich.

The exceptionally extravagant court theatre was built by Elector Max III Joseph's court architect François Cuvilliés between 1751 and 1755, and was intended to showcase Munich as a home to the arts and the enlightenment. It only survived the destruction of WWII because the elaborately carved tiers of boxes were removed from their original location in the Alte Residenztheater building for safekeeping. It's still used as a theatre today.FYI - to visit the Cuvilliés-Theatre you need to exit the museum and walk around the palace to get onto Residenzstraße and then re-enter the palace and cross through either the Chapel Courtyard or the Imperial Courtyard.

See the square where Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch came to a bloody end.

The square directly adjacent to the Residence is the Odeonsplatz, which is guarded by the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshalls' Hall) in honor of the Bavarian army. It was here that Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 came to a bloody end in a gun battle with the police. During the Nazi regime, anyone passing the Feldherrnhalle was obliged to give the Nazi salute, which prompted some locals to instead take a side street. The Nazis derogatorily nicknamed it the Shirkers' Alley, but the 'shirkers' are memorialized in a trail of brass cobblestones. Also on the square is the bright yellow Theatinerkirche with its two massive twin towers. It was the personal church of Bavaria's rulers and many of them are interred there.

Residence Palace

The Munich Residenz was the seat of Bavaria's Dukes and Kings from the middle ages until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. You can also peruse numerous jewels, gold objects, and other precious items which are held in the Residenz Schatzkammer (treasury).

Wander where you will, audio guide in hand, through the spectactular royal residence.

You'll experience jaw-dropping architecture and beautiful artwork as you explore the museum and the adjacent Royal Treasury. Among the many highlights, unmissable is the Antiquarium, the largest and most lavish Renaissance hall north of the Alps. The window reveals are decorated with 102 views of towns, markets, and palaces in what was then the Duchy of Bavaria, providing an unique insight into how the country once looked. The Rich Chapel (Reiche Kapelle) was the private place of worship of Duke Maximilian I and his wife, and it was decorated with particular magnificence using colored marble and gilt reliefs. The Ornate Rooms (Reiche Zimmer) meanwhile represent a high point of the court Rococo style, and are works of art in their own right.

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum (i.e., the German Museum) is the world's largest museum of science and technology. It is located on a small island in the River Isar, which flows through central Munich. The museum's vast and fascinating collection is spread out among 40 different exhibitions. You will encounter examples of technology stretching across humanity's long history, from a reproduction of pre-historic cave paintings to the laboratory where the atom was split.

Stop by King Ludwig II's smallest palace on your way to Neuschwanstein and explore its delightful gardens.

Another of the eccentric (some say mad) King Ludwig II's creations is Linderhof Palace, which with its fantastic grotto and Moorish pavilion testifies to the king's vision. The smallest of his three palaces that he built, it is the only one that he lived to see completed. The palace is in between Munich and Neuschwanstein, meaning many tours stop there along the way.

Enjoy a stunning view of the castle while suspended over a mountainous gorge.

You definitely won't want to miss taking in the best views and photographs of Neuschwanstein from Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) over the dramatic Pöllat Gorge. The minibus terminal is very close at just 5 min walk away, while it's a steepish 10-15min climb on a wide and well-groomed path to get there from behind the castle. As noted above, Mary's Bridge can get a little crowded, so you might have to wait for a gap before you can fit on.

Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle

An inspiration for the Disney Castles, numerous fairy tales, and countless dreamers, the Castle of Neuschwanstein is perhaps the most famous castle in the world. The eccentric Bavarian King Ludwig II created this amazing palace in the 19th century as an idyllic version of a medieval castle. You can visit by taking a guided tour from Munich or traveling independently by train and bus. In addition to enjoying spectacular views you can take a guided tour of the castle interior which is well worth the experience (but keep in mind that there a lots of steps to negotiate). If traveling independentally, be sure to book your interior tour reservations at least two days in advance.

Stop by King Ludwig II's smallest palace on your way to Neuschwanstein and explore its delightful gardens.

Another of the eccentric (some say mad) King Ludwig II's creations is Linderhof Palace, which with its fantastic grotto and Moorish pavilion testifies to the king's vision. The smallest of his three palaces that he built, it is the only one that he lived to see completed. The palace is in between Munich and Neuschwanstein, meaning many tours stop there along the way.

Explore King Ludwig II's own version of Versaille on the island of Herreninsel.

The Herrenchiemsee Palace is yet another of King Ludwig II's megalomaniacal building projects (such as Neuschwanstein Castle). This monument to regal absolutism, which is far more magnificently furnished than the palace of Versailles on which it was modeled, was begun in 1878. The State Bedroom is the most expensive single room built in the 19th century, helping to explain how Ludwig brought Bavaria to the brink of bankruptcy and why his ministers sought to have him declared unfit to rule. Inside the palace, there's a museum documenting Ludwig II's life.

Journey by boat to a splendid little island within the lake where you'll find a 1200-year old convent.

The 15.5-hectare (38-acre) Frauneninsel (the 'women's island' as opposed to Herreninsel, the 'men's island'), is home to 300 permanent residents and an active Benedictine convent called Frauenwörth, which was founded in the 800's AD. A number of pubs and cafés serve what are said to be among the best Bavarian dishes around, and the island's fishermen offer freshly smoked Chiemsee whitefish and other delicacies in their gardens.

Excursion to Lake Chiemsee

Also known as the 'Bavarian Sea', the majestic Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria with three beautiful islands which all benefit from regular ferry connections to the mainland. King Ludwig II built yet another grand palace, Herrenchiemsee Palace (also known as the Bavarian Versailles), on Herrenchiemsee island, while Fraueninsel island has an 8th-century Benedictine convent with some of the best Bavarian restaurants around and Krautinsel island is uninhabited.

Explore King Ludwig II's own version of Versaille on the island of Herreninsel.

The Herrenchiemsee Palace is yet another of King Ludwig II's megalomaniacal building projects (such as Neuschwanstein Castle). This monument to regal absolutism, which is far more magnificently furnished than the palace of Versailles on which it was modeled, was begun in 1878. The State Bedroom is the most expensive single room built in the 19th century, helping to explain how Ludwig brought Bavaria to the brink of bankruptcy and why his ministers sought to have him declared unfit to rule. Inside the palace, there's a museum documenting Ludwig II's life.

Hike to one of Bavaria's most picturesque spots.

If hiking is one of your goals in Garmisch and you're looking for a gentle option after descending from Zugspitze (or you don't wish to ascend the mountain at all), then we can heartily recommend the Eibsee Lake, which is, of course, one of the stops on the Zugspitzbahn. Just follow the signs to the lake (you can't miss it) and then the signs for the gentle 7.5km (4.6mi) hike around the lake shore while soaking up the stunning views. Avail yourself of the Eibsee beer garden after you get back to cool down.

Venture deep within a stunning Alpine gorge.

If you want to avoid the expense of the Zugspitzbahn, then an excellent short or long hiking option is to head south of the train station to the Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge). The trail to the gorge starts from the Olympic Ski Stadium, which if you need to save time you can get to by city bus no.1 or no.2 directly from the train station rather walking 2km (1.25mi) to Skistadion. From there you follow the signs to the gorge, which is only 30min away (you can also take a horse-drawn carriage from the stadium).

Excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Nestled in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the German capital of summer hiking. The town has also been on the international winter-sports map ever since hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics.  Once two different villages, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, the two halves of the town do show sharply contrasting characters: Garmisch is lively and international (in winter at least), while Partenkirchen better preserves its original Alpine charm. Perhaps the biggest draw for tourists is the opportunity to ride the famous Zugspitzbahn railway to Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze.

Take a ride on the famous Zugspitzbahn railway and a cable car to the peak of Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze (2,962m or 9,718ft) for some truly breath-taking views.

The Zugspitzbahn railway is the classic and breathtaking way of ascending Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze (2962m or 9718ft). The line reaches as high as 2650m, making it the third-highest railway line in the world. The station and ticket office for the Zugspitzbahn trains (#3) is right beside the Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station. From here you take the purpose-built train along a cogwheel railway as far as Grainau - don't miss the wonderfully picturesque Pfarrkirche church that comes into view on the left as you near Grainau. In Grainau you'll change to a railcar that operates a rack-and-pinion system. The final 11.5km (7.1mi) gets steeper and steeper until you get just past the Eibsee station where you enter the 975m (3199ft) 'Rosi Tunnel'. You finally emerge at the Zugspitzplatt plateau on the Schneefen glacier below the Zugspitze peak. From there you journey to the summit on the ultramodern Gletscherbahn cable car (no extra ticket needed).

Transfer to Airport

Munich has one main airport, Munich International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. The "S-bahn" local trains takes 40 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Munich (München hbf). Other regional trains to the airport depart from other stations in Munich, so you may have an even better departure option near your hotel.  Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Transfer to Airport

Munich has one main airport, Munich International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. The "S-bahn" local trains takes 40 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Munich (München hbf). Other regional trains to the airport depart from other stations in Munich, so you may have an even better departure option near your hotel.  Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Transfer to Airport

Munich has one main airport, Munich International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. The "S-bahn" local trains takes 40 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Munich (München hbf). Other regional trains to the airport depart from other stations in Munich, so you may have an even better departure option near your hotel.  Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Transfer to Airport

Munich has one main airport, Munich International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. The "S-bahn" local trains takes 40 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Munich (München hbf). Other regional trains to the airport depart from other stations in Munich, so you may have an even better departure option near your hotel.  Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.