Munich | Germany 2011

In 2011, we embarked on a grand journey through Europe, beginning in the vibrant city of Munich, Germany. Tucked away in a charming residential neighborhood, we found ourselves immersed in local life from the very first day. Our introduction to Bavarian cuisine came with a hearty plate of cheddarwurst and warm roti, a simple yet delightful start to our adventure.

From there, we made our way into the heart of Munich at the Marienplatz, the city’s central square since 1158. Surrounded by the towering New Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel, we felt the weight of centuries of history as we strolled through the bustling marketplace and admired the colorful stalls of the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s beloved outdoor farmers’ market that has been serving locals since the early 19th century.

One of the highlights of our time in the city was a visit to the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), Munich’s iconic landmark. Its twin onion-domed towers dominate the skyline, and stepping inside offered a glimpse of Gothic architecture at its finest, with soaring arches and centuries-old artistry. The cathedral also carries with it a fascinating legend: the Devil’s Footprint.

As the story goes, the devil struck a deal with the architect, agreeing to help finance construction so long as the church contained no windows—believing it would be a monument to darkness. When the building was finished, the devil stepped inside and, from the entrance, saw only solid walls and towering columns, with no light streaming in. Triumphant, he stomped his foot in approval, leaving a charred imprint in the floor. But when he moved forward, he discovered the truth: tall stained-glass windows cleverly concealed by the columns flooded the cathedral with light. Realizing he had been tricked, the devil howled with rage, the echo of his fury said to still swirl in the howling winds around the towers. When we stood on that spot, it felt like stepping right into the story.

We also wandered into the lush expanse of the Englischer Garten (English Garden), one of the largest urban parks in the world. Originally created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson for Prince Charles Theodore, the garden spans over 900 acres, blending formal landscapes with wild, natural beauty. It was here that we witnessed an unforgettable and unexpected sight: surfers riding the Eisbach River, a tradition unique to Munich that has become a symbol of the city’s playful spirit.

Of course, no visit to Munich would be complete without sampling its legendary beer culture. We raised our steins in some of the city’s most famous beer gardens, from the historic Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589, to the traditional Augustiner Bräustuben, Munich’s oldest privately owned brewery. Each stop gave us a taste of Bavaria’s warm hospitality and centuries-old brewing heritage.

A highlight of our time in Bavaria was a day trip to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Perched high above the Bavarian Alps, the castle seemed to step straight out of a storybook, inspiring none other than Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Nearby, we explored Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig’s childhood home, adding even more depth to the region’s royal history. After touring the castles, we took a scenic stroll down the mountain, following the riverbank past cascading waterfalls—an enchanting end to a magical day.

Our time in Germany left us enchanted by its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From lively beer gardens to serene river walks, from Gothic spires to fairytale castles, every moment felt timeless. We left Munich with full hearts and a deep appreciation for Bavaria, eager to return and explore more of this remarkable country.