One of the reasons I didn’t change the name of this site (apart from the fact that it’s such a nightmare to do so), is that we obviously spent a huge chunk of our lives in Bavaria and it just wouldn’t feel right to change it. Another reason is that we will of course continue to visit, even if we are not sure whether or not we will ever actually live there again. Plus, it still currently feels like “going home” weirdly…
Last weekend I had a flying visit on my own (which came at the right time, considering Thursday’s debacle!!) Not once have I ever considered the prospect of a National Express coach journey to be relaxing (I think I last travelled on one pre children many moons ago), but that, combined with a day that started with a lovely Espresso Library breakfast, a leisurely journey (on a vehicle unlikely to conk out suddenly) to the airport and I almost felt like I had had a holiday before I even stepped off the plane later. Chuck in a mini reunion few good friends that formed the majority of our Expat family whilst we lived there (a few of which had travelled much further than I had to get there!) for a mini reunion, and I would say it was all pretty much perfect.
I stayed at Gasthof Lohhof, which is out of town (but close to friend’s houses) and a mere stone’s throw from the train station. Not only does it do a mean schnitzel and chips, but the rooms are really quiet and comfortable, making it a good Oktoberfest option if you want something a bit closer to the airport? Mind you, you would probably have to book for next year already…
After a Friday evening full of catching up over a few of Bavaria’s finest dishes (plus plenty of liquid refreshment – naturlig), I somehow managed to head in to town super bright and early for a wander around a few of my favourite Munich places before the day really got going.
Having only spotted it without any form of scaffolding for at least 5 months after we moved to Munich, it was really lovely to spot the Theatinerkirche in all it’s glory again, some 7 years down the line…
The Viktualienmarkt was almost devoid of customers, but bustling with market holders getting ready for the day, with a few enjoying a quiet breakfast at the biergarten in the centre (I did have weisswurst, but at Dallmayr with a good friend of mine slightly later on! If you want to visit a bit of a Munich institution, you should visit for the food shop alone here, even if you don’t have time for lunch!)…
Talking of biergartens, we spent the afternoon meeting other lovely friends in what has to be the most magical biergarten I think I have ever visited (but didn’t during our time here as I had no idea about it!!). Set on the edge of a forest some 30km North of the city, Mariabrunn has been famed for its tiny chapel (where they still hold weddings and christenings today), and its Well with healing waters as far back as the 16th century.
If you get the chance, you should definitely visit. Apparently there’s a wonderful view of the city and the mountains if you can drag yourself away from the bier and walk a little further uphill… And if you are looking for a beautiful setting for a wedding, a party or just a big get together, you have found your place.
As I am more of a fan of the above, and not your average super noisy busy flashy bar nowadays (I think I stopped going to those at about 17, plus my hearing’s appalling so there’s little point!), the evening location was “interesting” (I think my German teacher would probably describe it as “schickimicki”), but I can’t deny it had a great atmosphere with at least 55 screens showing the Germany Game (good job they won that one!) and everyone up on the tables dancing at the result… Exhausted and mostly deaf, I caught the train back a good deal earlier than the rest of them (after automatically heading to what was once “our” trainline”), looking forward to the prospect of a comfy bed and no small people to wake me up super early the next day (so of course I woke up at 6!)…
Then a leisurely breakfast later it was time to head to the airport again, soul plasters (in reverse!) fully attached, and back to my own little gang at my other true home and headquarters.
See you again soon Munich. We move in 10 days, I might need to book another weekend shortly to recover!!
If you happen to be looking for a Munich with Kids Guide, look no further…
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Ah Germany is just so wonderful! reading this post and looking at all of the lovely photos had me wishing to transport myself back there instantly!! We didn’t get a chance to really explore Munich and so obviously I will definitely have to make that wish come true at some point in the future! Big moves can be so emotionally exhausting, good luck with everything xx #CulturedKids
Thanks so much Skyler! xx
We loved Munich, a perfect place to holiday with tweens and teens. #CulturedKids
It really is. Thanks Catherine! (: x
It must be sad to leave a city you love – but then lovely to return as a visitor, see friends and have a little bit of time for the sightseeing we never seem to manage when we’re actually living in a place! I’ve never been to Munich and it looks beautiful.
It’s definitely bitter sweet. Thank you! And you really should go!! :) x
I haven’t been for years and would love to take my kids unicorn-spotting there one day.
I am not sure I ever saw a unicorn during my time there, not even on the headiest Oktoberfest days! :D x
Munich looks great. Really want to visit with the kids soon. #culturedkids
You really should, there’s so much to do for kids! :) x
Munich is still on our list for a city break. I’ll need to refer to this when we eventually do make it there!
#culturedkids
You really must go! Maybe next time we live there! :D x
Spectacular photos and views. It all looks amazing.
Thanks Crystal! (:
We were supposed to visit Munich last year but had to cancel out plans..so we’ll go there with our baby at some point in the future..
You must! It’s very child friendly too! Thanks Tanja! (:
Aw, your soul plaster. Lovely way to describe your visit. I always tell myself to get up early on holiday to photograph the city but it never seems to happen.
Glad you had a rejuvenating trip, despite the car issues the previous day xx
Thank you. Totally typical that I woke up so early, but it was good to get out and make the most of it! :) xx
my little sister has moved really near munich and I really want to visit! x
Oh you should! Whereabouts has she moved to? Tell her to message me if she wants any help with anything if she hasn’t lived in that area before! :) x
What gorgeous photos and I’m really pleased you had a lovely, reviving time. The Theatinerkirche looks absolutely beautiful and I’m swooning over those boxes of cherries!
Thank you Nichola, it was so lovely to go back !:) x
It’s lovely to see the Theatinerkirche without all the scaffolding around it! It was just about removed before we left in January. Thank you so much for sharing your Munich adventures here and on Instagram. :) <3
Aw thank you. And thank you for reading/looking at them! :) x
It sounds like you had a great time in Munuch. I think my kids could take on that pretzel too!! My husband would be impressed by the buildings, he likes that sort of thing.
There are some really beautiful buildings there! Thanks Melanie! (:
What a lovely city – the buildings look so beautiful and it seems like the weather was fab for you too! x
Thanks Alex! (:
What a lovely post! And it’s so nice to have a “home away from home” that you can pop off to without much trouble. :)
(I’m also definitely adding that magical Biergarten to my running list of places to check out in Minga)
You definitely have to visit this biergarten! Thanks so much Heather! :) x
Isn’t it wonderful to have the city to yourself before everyone else wakes up? I loved reading this, and even though I’ve never called Munich ‘home,’ I know so well the feeling of returning to a place that *was* home ( and always will be, at least a little bit.) Also – ‘soul plasters’ – I love that phrase! I’ve been reading your blog for YEARS and somehow never stumbled across that particular post. You summed it up perfectly. Can’t imagine the whirlwind that must be life right now – in a very nice way! x
Thank you so much, and thanks for reading for all this time!! :) Hope to catch up soon, will be much closer to your neck of the woods shortly! xx
I have been to Munich nearly 10 years ago so it was lovely to see your photos. I did enjoy how wonderful the fruit market was and looking at the fresh cherry photos, it reminded me of my visit too.
Thank you so much! Yes, they were delicious! (I didn’t manage all of them!) :D
Glad you had a lovely time xxx
Thank you. xx
What a beautiful looking time to explore Munich, it seems like there was so much to do and see and as though the weather was just lovely for some sightseeing.
The best time of day! Thanks Sarah! :) x
Sounds like such a good trip, I’ve never been to Munich before but it’s been on my wish list for absolute ages x
Give me a shout before you go and I can give you lots of tips! :) x
Love this even though it made me feel so homesick for Munich- 4 years since I left but still feels like home to me
Aw sorry Caroline. I can’t believe it’s been four years already!! xx
I think I could also manage a Pretzel of that size! I’ve never been over to Munich or anywhere into Germany for that matter but I love the architecture of the buildings which always fascinate me in Europe.
You must go if you get the chance Rachel, it’s so lovely! :) x
Hi Emma, the building site at Marienhof is for the new S-Bahn-Stammstrecke/second train tunnel (again). I hope your move goes without a glitch and that you’ll come back to Munich soon!!
Take care, Heidi
Aha, that makes sense! Hopefully they will be able to retain some of the green space once they are finished! Thanks so much, so do I! :) You too!
It’s always good to be in Munich again :).
About your question – a new S-Bahn line is being built there as I remember we’ll. They started last year just before our move back.
Thanks Kinga! Yes, it’s always good! :) x