Oktoberfest Wiesn Kompakt

Using Munich’s efficient public transportation system we head downtown to start our exploration of the city: Founded in 1158, Munich has a rich history from the “First Reich, Second Reich” and was, of course, the birthplace of the infamous “Third Reich.” Our walk through Munich’s old town covers all these periods – medieval architecture, historical anecdotes and insights into the culture. Although each walk is slightly different and customized to the guest’s interests, we typically begin in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz. After the hearing the chiming of the Glockenspiel, we set off to explore the city – the Neues and Altes Rathaus (City Hall), the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), and Munich’s open air market – Viktualienmarkt. We also walk part of route that Hitler’s failed Putsch attempt of 1923. We’ll also see where he attended his first meeting of the DAP (German Worker’s Party – later the NSDAP) and visit where he gave his first major public speech.

In the afternoon, you can have some free time before we head for dinner at Scott's favorite place: The Schneider Bräuhaus, featuring Schneider's amazing Hefe-Weizen Beer, know in Munich simply as Weissbier. 

Put on your Lederhosen or lace up your Dirndl and get ready to head to Oktoberfest! Once at the grounds we'll see the massive Volksfest and the many historical rides and carnival attractions before we make our way to the most traditional of all the tents, Augustiner. Once inside, we'll sway to the traditional music while enjoying the Oktoberfest beer served up in one liter glass mugs and dine on the famous Wiesn rotisserie chicken.

This morning we take a bus towards the Alps. At this time of year, the peaks should be covered with snow, making an excellent backdrop for Ludwig II´s magnificent castle, Neuschwanstein. It gets a little phyical getting up to the castle and hiking the many stairways, but it's worth it. On the way back, we drive a little stretch of the "Romantic Road." and make a long stop at Kloster Andechs for dinner. Known to locals as "the Holy Mountain" it offers a beautiful rococo church and the world's best Schweinehaxe and Doppelbock beer.

It's back to the Wiesn and our reserved seats at the Schützenzelt. In the back of this tent, there is a highly serious shooting competition going on using air rifles. You can peer inside or just enjoy the music and the revelry in the tent as we sample the Löwenbräu Wiesn beer. In the early evening, you have tiem to enjoy more of the fest on your own - our pro tip to to visit the Oide Wiesn to experience traditional music and dance!

We drive north of Munich toward the Danube River! Here we board a small ship for a 40 minute cruise through the Danube Gorge. There is so much to see as we make our way to Kloster Weltenburg, which dates to 1050. In addition to the marvelour church, you will get to try one of the world greatest beers, the Weltenburg Dunkles. After lunch and a few rounds of dunkles, we have a short trip to the Kuchlbauer brewery. Their excellent Weissbier is somehwat overshadowed by the Hundertwasser Turm. There brewery is an amazing mash up of Dr. Seuss meets Willy Wonka! Brew Science, Art and whimsy are all on tap.

Everything has an end - only the sausage has two, says the Bavarian. Today is departure day and you'll make you own way out to Munich airport to catch you flight home. The Munich airport is located 10 miles north of our hotel. You will make your own way to the airport, depending on your personal flight time. A taxi can be arranged, but we recommend you use the S-Bahn which goes to the airport every 20 minutes.