“Come on over to…” is a new monthly series of posts where we visit a blogger from another land, to find out what’s interesting about their patch and why you should visit. Expat or native bloggers highlight why you should visit in spring summer autumn and winter, either as a travel blogger gathering stories, or simply on holiday.
Emma, who writes at A Bavarian Sojourn, left the UK for Munich, via Copenhagen, in 2009. One half of a ‘foodie couple and a family travel blogger, Emma now regularly explores Munich and the surrounding areas for her blog. Here she introduces us to some of the delights of a city where the size of the bier halls is only overtaken by the size of the mountains…
Spring
With the closest resort a little over an hour away, one of the great advantages of living in Munich is the close proximity of the mountains. On days when the “Föhn” wind is blowing, the Bavarian Alps look almost close enough to touch from the centre of Munich itself, and (if you had super powerful binoculars!) you might see thousands of Müncheners chucking themselves down the slopes!
Real Spring doesn’t truly arrive in Munich until April at least – it’s not unusual to have snow up until then. Optimistic city residents make the most of every season, and when it’s cold enough for the canals to freeze you will find them out skating or playing Eisstockschießen (Bavarian curling). Visit Nymphenburg Palace when it’s this cold to catch up with some skating action, or hire a car and head out for a day’s skiing at Garmisch.
Spring includes Easter of course, and this is when Munich really comes alive. Head to the Viktualienmarkt which is piled high with hand painted eggs and seasonal wreaths.
If you are visiting in May, do a quick online search for a Maibaumaufstellen. These traditional blue and white poles are scattered about the city and have to be replaced every 2-3 years. To witness a “putting up” ceremony and take part in the celebrations afterwards is great fun.
Summer
Although it has a great Café culture, Summer in Munich is heaven for bier lovers. The City’s ancient Chestnut Trees provide shade for bier garten revellers, and unlike pubs in the UK, they are a real family affair. Bring a picnic (which is fine if you are buying drinks!) or indulge in some real Bavarian Fayre and park yourself near the playground for a true Bavarian Summer day out. Head to Munich’s “back garden” the famous Englischer Gartens, where you will find a great Bier Garten at the Chinesischer Turm, but also a mass of green where you can make like a local and relax! Don’t miss the river surfers at the Eisbach here! Summer also sees the start of lake swimming season – there are plenty around Munich (as well as more conventional pools!) to choose from, so don’t forget your swimmers! If you take swimming seriously, do visit Munich’s Volksbad – quite literally swimming in an art deco museum – beautiful!
Autumn
Everyone associates Autumn in Munich with Oktoberfest. But you don’t have to visit the main event if you think it might be a bit much. There are plenty of much smaller local festivals at this time of year to celebrate the end of harvest. Actually despite all the bier drinking, during the day Oktoberfest can be a great family day out. Make your way to the (shhh it’s a secret) Oide Wiesn tucked away on the festival site. Here you will find a Bier fest of days gone by including fantastic vintage fairground rides, and family orientated attractions a plenty.
Munich is a bike friendly city, and a bike ride at this time of year is a stress free way to admire nature’s colourful autumnal display (Mike’s Bikes are good!)…
Winter
When you think of Munich in the Winter, you probably think of Munich’s Christmas markets right? And there are plenty to choose from, from the very arty Christmas Market in Schwabing, the fantastic Medieval Market at Odeonsplatz to the traditional Christmas Market underneath the Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten. Gluhwein is obligatory central heating whilst you do the rounds, trust me! At the beginning of December, make sure you keep an eye out for Krampus about the city – Saint Nicholas’s helper, he deals with the naughty children! Older children and (braver smaller ones) will love the Krampus Lauf in mid-December, dating back to ancient times…
Munich really does offer something for all seasons, so Come on Over! Give me a shout if I can help with any other tips!
You can find Emma’s blog at http://www.thesojournseries.com/bavaria/ Later in the year Emma will introduce us to her former adopted home of Copenhagen.
