Munich Travel Guide: Explore Bavaria’s Vibrant Capital & Fairytale Castles

Munich, Germany, captivated us with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Our recent visit to this beautiful Bavarian capital was an unforgettable experience, packed with charming streets, iconic landmarks, and delicious local flavors. Join us as we recount our journey through one of Europe’s most enchanting cities and its picturesque surroundings.

Majestic Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen, Germany, on a cloudy day — *The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Germany. A true fairytale come to life.*

Starting Our European Adventure in Munich

Returning from Europe, it took some time to fully process the incredible sights and experiences. The infamous jet lag finally subsided, reminding me of the adjustment period required after a long international flight. Juggling work and family life after such a trip certainly adds to the challenge, but the memories of our adventure make every moment of recovery worthwhile. This journey, a 12-day exploration of some of Europe’s most captivating destinations, began in the heart of Bavaria: Munich.

For those who follow my social media or previous blog posts, you might have caught glimpses of our travel snippets. My goal with this article is to offer a more detailed account, a virtual scrapbook of our experiences. While my primary focus often revolves around recipes, I believe sharing these travel stories provides a wonderful way to document our memories and perhaps inspire your own adventures. So, for all the travel enthusiasts out there, allow me to take you through our exciting journey, starting with our first stop in magnificent Munich.

Stunning view of a church in Munich, Germany, with traditional architecture — *A beautiful church standing tall in the heart of Munich, Germany.*

Our First Glimpse: Munich City Center

Our journey began with an overnight direct flight from Chicago to Munich, Germany. My primary mission on the plane was to get some solid sleep, and surprisingly, I succeeded! As a naturally light sleeper, the fact that I managed to rest on a 9-hour flight was nothing short of a miracle. Upon arrival, we retrieved our formidable backpacking backpacks and navigated our way to the hotel, eager to begin our exploration.

Despite a bit of rain during our stay, the weather couldn’t dampen our spirits or deter us from experiencing the city’s charm. Munich’s city center is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from historic churches to grand municipal buildings. A stroll through these streets reveals centuries of history embedded in the facades of every structure. The vibrant energy, even under grey skies, was palpable, offering a warm welcome to Bavaria.

The impressive facade of the New Town Hall in Munich, Germany — *The intricate architecture of the New Town Hall, a centerpiece of Munich’s Marienplatz.*

A large backpacking backpack standing in front of a historic building in Munich, symbolizing adventure — *Our trusty backpacking companions, ready for adventure in Munich.*

Bavarian Delights: Pretzels, Beer, and Obatzda

When you imagine food and drink in Munich, two things undoubtedly come to mind: pretzels and beer. And for good reason! While I’ll admit that traditional German cuisine, with its often heavy meat-centric dishes, isn’t always my personal preference, the beer and pretzels in Munich are in a league of their own. The pretzels are truly exceptional – freshly baked, perfectly salted, and often as large as your head, offering a delightful chewy texture.

Delicious pretzel with a side of creamy cheese spread in Munich, Germany — *A delightful combination: a giant pretzel served with a savory cheese spread.*

Close-up of a giant pretzel, a staple in Munich, Germany — *More delicious pretzels, a must-try culinary experience in Munich.*

A particular highlight for us was discovering the delightful cheese spread, known locally as Obatzda, often served with pretzels in many establishments. My husband and I simply couldn’t get enough of it. After returning home, we did some quick online searching and believe we’ve found a promising recipe here that I’m eager to try and recreate. This creamy, flavorful dip is the perfect accompaniment to the crunchy, salty pretzels, making for an ideal Bavarian snack.

A large pretzel with the name 'Hugo' in a Munich beer hall — *This “Hugo Pretzel” was indeed as big as my head!*

Beer Halls, Lively Markets, and Green Oases

No visit to Munich is complete without experiencing its legendary beer hall culture. These vibrant establishments are more than just places to drink; they are social hubs, filled with laughter, music, and a palpable sense of community. We made sure to stop at a few, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere and, of course, sampling the renowned Bavarian brews.

The bustling interior of Hofbräuhaus, a famous beer hall in Munich, Germany — *The historic Hofbräuhaus, a must-visit in Munich.*

Julia enjoying a large glass of Bavarian beer in Munich — *A refreshing pint of authentic German beer.*

A traditional German band performing in a Munich beer hall — *Lively traditional German music adds to the authentic beer hall experience.*

Beyond the beer halls, Munich also boasts fantastic markets, with the Viktualienmarkt being a standout. This bustling open-air market is a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to exotic spices, local delicacies, and charming gifts. We were particularly impressed by the incredible olive bar, a true haven for any food lover.

An array of fresh olives and antipasti at a market stall in Munich — *A delightful selection at the olive bar, a true highlight of Munich’s market.*

Colorful and fresh vegetables displayed at a market stall in Munich — *Fresh vegetables, a vibrant display at Munich’s bustling market.*

A colorful fruit market stall with an abundance of fresh produce — *A picturesque fruit market brimming with seasonal delights.*

Piles of freshly picked red strawberries at a market — *Succulent fresh strawberries, a sweet treat from the market.*

Another absolute must-visit is the Englischer Garten (English Garden), one of the world’s largest urban public parks. This expansive green oasis offers a perfect escape from the city bustle. Here, you can watch incredible river surfing – yes, in the middle of a city! – stroll along beautiful tree-lined paths, or simply relax. Don’t miss the chance to stop at The Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), a charming beer garden nestled within the park, providing a quintessential Bavarian experience amidst nature.

Scenic view of the Englischer Garten with lush trees and a path — *A tranquil scene in the sprawling Englischer Garten, Munich.*

Surfers riding a wave on the Eisbach river in Englischer Garten, Munich — *Witnessing river surfing in Munich was a truly unique and exhilarating experience!*

The impressive Chinese Tower structure in the Englischer Garten, Munich — *The iconic Chinese Tower, home to a lively beer garden.*

Day Trip to Fussen: Fairytale Castles and Bavarian Countryside

After immersing ourselves in the bustling energy of Munich, we embarked on a picturesque two-hour train ride to Füssen, Germany. This charming town is the gateway to some of Bavaria’s most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the equally impressive Hohenschwangau Castle. The journey itself was a treat, offering stunning views of the Bavarian countryside – rolling hills, lush forests, and serene lakes – a truly relaxing contrast to the city.

Neuschwanstein, often called the “fairytale castle,” lives up to its name in every aspect. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, it’s a breathtaking structure that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Its turrets and spires rise majestically from the forested hills, creating an almost mythical silhouette against the sky. Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig’s childhood home, is equally captivating, offering a glimpse into royal life with its vibrant yellow facade and rich history. Exploring both castles up close, marveling at their intricate details and grand scales, was an absolute highlight of our German adventure.

The majestic Neuschwanstein Castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps — *The dreamlike beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle.*

Hohenschwangau Castle, King Ludwig II's childhood residence, in Bavaria — *The historic Hohenschwangau Castle, a royal marvel.*

A serene lake surrounded by mountains near Fussen, Germany — *The tranquil lake in Fussen, offering stunning reflections of the Bavarian landscape.*

Panoramic view of Fussen town with traditional Bavarian buildings and mountains — *The charming town of Fussen, nestled amidst Bavaria’s natural beauty.*

Practical Tips: Making the Most of Your Bavarian Adventure

While our time in Bavaria was limited, we packed it with incredible experiences. Based on our two days in Munich and our day trip to Fussen, here are my top suggestions for an unforgettable visit:

Explore the Historic City Center: Dedicate time to wander around Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town). Marvel at the stunning architecture, particularly around Marienplatz, and don’t miss the famous Glockenspiel performance at the New Town Hall. Consider a walking or bike tour to learn more about the city’s rich history.
Indulge in Bavarian Delicacies: Head to a traditional beer hall like Hofbräuhaus or Der Pschorr. Savor a giant pretzel with that incredible Obatzda cheese spread, and try other local specialties like a roasted chicken. And, of course, enjoy a fresh, crisp Bavarian beer!
Relax in the Englischer Garten: Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to explore this vast urban park. Stop for a refreshing beer at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden and make your way to the Eisbach wave to watch the unique river surfers.
Discover the Viktualienmarkt: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Munich’s premier open-air market. It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh produce, local cheeses, unique souvenirs, and, if you’re like us, to stock up on delicious olives.
Embark on a Fairytale Day Trip to Fussen: This is a non-negotiable for castle lovers. Take a scenic train ride to Fussen and visit the magnificent Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. The Bavarian countryside views along the way are simply breathtaking.

Munich is a city that truly offers something for everyone, blending historical grandeur with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Our time there set a high bar for the rest of our European adventure. Stay tuned for our next stop: Interlaken, Switzerland – hands down, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!

Julia