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Published: February 24th 2009
Hofbrauhaus
Go Deutschland!Arrived: Hauptbahnhof Station - Munich, Germany (early morning) + Day Tour in Fussen
Accommodation: Euro Youth Hostel-- www.euro-youth-hotel.de
• first impression = welcoming/ across the street from train station
• room = 6 person room
• shower = shared in hallway
• tip = get in early for the free walking tour
Gone.. Go Trippin'- Munich We arrived early from our overnight train from Amsterdam. Note-- couchette or sleeper trains must be booked or reserved so plan ahead. We checked into Euro Youth, located literally steps from the train station. This was the one time we were glad we arrived early morning since the hostel offers walking tours for a small fee (tip for the guides). What a no nonsense, hassle- free and affordable way to see the city. The meeting area was located in Marienplatz by the clock tower which happens to be in the center of the shopping district. Marienplatz is a short two metro stops away. It is also convenient to walk from the hostel. The tour was about 2-3 hrs encompassing historical landmarks, churches and a few FAQs along the way-- a great morning exercise and time saving way to see the town. After
the tour, we headed back to wash up before spending the afternoon shopping in Marienplatz. Dinner was planned at the famous Hofbrauhaus. We neglected to realized it was the night before the World Cups and Germany played host country which meant mayhem in Munich.. especially the Hofbrauhaus. How lucky were we?! This was bigger than the Superbowl! It was intimidating to walk through the place and we ended up in the back outdoor patio where it was even more crowded. Outnumbered and out of place, we were just about to give up on the festivities when, bless- it- be, we bumped into some fellow Americans who graciously let us joined them at their table. Some drunken hardcore German rushed our tables and ask if we wanted to paint our faces with the German flags. "When in Munich!" It was all fun and games and truly an awesome experience. We had traditional German food and lots of Guinness beer.
Gone.. Go Trippin'- Fussen Courtesy of our walking tour, we decided to take a day tour in Fussen as a mini getaway from the bustling craziness that is Munich. It's a full day bike/ walk tour with lunch and admission
to Neuschwanstein Castle included. A short 1hr charter bus ride out into the countryside and you're suddenly surrounded by breath- taking rolling hills and luscious lakes as far as the eyes can see. Neuschwanstein Castle belong to King Ludwig II and was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. See the resemblance?
Our tour guide was awesome and told the most amazing stories which made the trip all the more memorable. First up- a bike ride through town and around "Swan Lake" (there were swans.. in the lake!). In the summer, you can opt to para- glide if the weather permits. The bike ride is just as thrilling so either way, you can't go wrong.
To get up to the castle, there are trams/ buses that makes its round to make the trip a lot less strenuous. Or, you can do what so few have done and hike up with the guide along the backroads of the castle. The hike is a straight incline all the way up with stairs! This is not for the faint of hearts. Note to self- this is no easy hike; bring more water and inhaler next time. But what you get in the end
is nothing short of that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. A spectacular view so few get to experience.
Do's & Don'ts DO tip your guides well. Especially if they're good. If you consider how much you pay for the tour and figure out how much of that is their commission, it's not much.
Don't forget to pack a good pair of walking/ hiking shoes.
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