Ocktoberfest 2011 - Munich, Germany - September 17 - October 3

Oktoberfest Camping Accommodation

2011-03-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

The draw of Munich's most famous event is amazing, but in order to enjoy the party to the fullest it is best to plan ahead when thinking about Oktoberfest camping accommodation.

Getting your motorhome safely and of course, efficiently, parked for the autumn event means more time for the stein and less worrying about driving home.

For Bavarian beer is best enjoyed on foot, by all means drive there, but finding a campsite well ahead of time is something well worth thinking about, if you have to pay for a hotel room during the festival be prepared to pay somewhat over the odds. By taking a mobile hotel with you, you'll be saving valuable money to spend on valuable beer, pigs' knuckle, bratwurst and of course sauerkraut - all fine Bavarian dishes designed to keep you on an even keel, rather than keeling over.

From an event that began in 1810 to celebrate Crown Prince Ludwig's, later to become King Ludwig I, marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, there are many places set aside for those who wish to arrive in a motorhome, as well as the expected six million people who visit the two week festival in October.

This many visitors obviously puts a lot of strain on the local infrastructure, so it does make sense to take your own, the road system is brilliant and the organizational skills seen here are impeccable, even so it pays to plan ahead.

In case you're wondering some 70 hectorlitres of beer are consumed, half a million chickens and almost 150,000 pigs.

Ist good ja.

Oktoberfest camping accommodation is best booked in advance. Motorhome rental is available in the UK, if you would like to drive to make a real 'road trip' to the Oktoberfest in Germany: Call free on 0800 612 8719.

The Culinary Specialties of Oktoberfest

2010-12-27T05:49:00.001-08:00

Different regions boast distinct specialties, particularly when it comes to food. The same goes for the capital city of Bavaria, Germany.

Munich is popular for the weißwürste (weisswurt), white sausages ten to twelve centimeters long and two centimeters thick. They are made from minced veal and fresh bacon, and typically flavored with parsley, lemon, mace, onion, ginger and cardamom. Afterwards, the mixture is stuffed into fresh, clean pork casings.

This type of sausage is traditionally eaten as a snack between breakfast and lunch. Prior to the advent of refrigerators, weißwürste would go bad before nightfall because the meat is not smoked. It is often served together with weisswurstsenf (Bavarian sweet mustard), brazen (pretzels) and weißbier (specialty Bavarian beer).

Leberkäse is similar to bologna. It is made by grinding corned beef, pork, bacon and onions and then baking the mixture as a loaf in a bread pan. Bavarian leberkäse are allowed not to contain liver, otherwise there must be a minimum liver content of four percent.

Leberkäse can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some serve it on a bread roll and season it with mustard. Others cut leberkäse into finger-thick slices, and accompany it with sweet mustard, pretzels or kartoffelsalat (potato salad). Pan-fried variants are served with a friend egg, potato salad and spinach.

Leberknödel (liver dumplings) are usually part of a Pfälzer Teller (Palatinate Plate) together with a slice of baked saumagen (stuffed sow's stomach), sausage, sauerkraut and bread. They can also be served with just the last two.

Well-loved desserts include the apfelstrudel (apple strudel with vanilla sauce), millirahmstrudel (cream cheese strudel), dampfnudeln (yeast dumplings with custard) and auszogene (donut-shaped fried pastry without a hole). The prinzregententorte, a dark chocolate glaze-covered pastry consisting of more than six thin layers of sponge cake interlaid with chocolate buttercream, is popular as well.

Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect German Flag and buy cheap German Flag.

Head to Munich Festival For German Beer Tasting

2010-03-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

When people think of Germany as a place to head to for a holiday staying in a youth hostel, there are many things which may spring to mind as ideal ways to pass the time.

From checking out the interesting history of cities such as Munich, Berlin and Hamburg, to sampling the wide range of traditional food on offer before dancing the night away in some of the dance clubs which the country is famous for, there is truly something for every traveller in the nation.

But those who love sampling different types of alcohol could find heading to the city of Munich and staying in a Munich hostel the best way to experience the country, as the metropolis hosts a number of beer festivals.

One of the best beer festivals for tourists to visit is the Strong Beer Festival, which is held every March in Munich.

A world famous festival

The Strong Beer festival is famous the world over and boasts an interesting background and story.

Called Starkbierzeit, the festival is a must see for any Brit choosing a trip to a youth hostel in Germany as part of their summer break or longer travelling plans.

According to legend, the history of the beer event can be traced right back to the time of the Paulaner monks. It is thought that during times of fasting, when the monks were not allowed to consume any food in the day, they brewed extra strong beer to sustain them.

As such, the strong beer which can be drunk at many of Germany's festivals often has an interesting malty flavour and a more distinctive taste than other beers which Brits may have sampled abroad.

When visitors have sampled a pint or two of German beer, they can eat some traditional German food, such as roast chicken - or Brathendl, as well as other snacks including Steckerlfisch - literally fish on a stick.

Traditional cultural activities including stone lifting competitions can also be enjoyed at the beer festival, an event definitely worth visiting on a holiday to Munich.

HostelBookers.com is a leading UK-based budget accommodation website that provides affordable youth hostel. It offers a range of hostels and budget accommodation including hotels, B&Bs and apartments in over 2,500 destinations worldwide. To book a Munich hostel head over to HostelBookers.com.

Worldwide Oktoberfest Celebrations

2010-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

The largest Ocktoberfest outside Germany is held in Kitcheners-Waterloo, Ontario, around the time of Canadian Thanksgiving. Another large event is held in Cincinnati, Ohio--with over 500,000 visitors during the 2009 Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati. The pseudo-Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington holds Oktoberfest during the first two weeks in October yearly. The city of New Braunfels, Texas also holds an Oktoberfest, as does Addison, Texas; Mount Angel, Oregon; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Panama City, Florida; and the Bavarian-reproduction town of Helen, Georgia

A huge Oktoberfest is held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau (more than 600,000 visitors in 2007), and many other Brazilian cities founded by Germans have their own Oktoberfest, such as Santa Cruz do Sul (more than 500,000 visitors in 2007), Rolândia, São José do Cedro, Seara and Itapiranga.

In Argentina, a town called Villa General Belgrano in the Cordoba Province has an Oktoberfest that is well known and the biggest in the country.

Hong Kong has celebrated the Oktoberfest since 1991 and it is organized by the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has celebrated Oktoberfest since 1992 and it is held at the Hotel Equatorial. Not called "Oktoberfest", but very similar in character, is the CannstatterWasen in Stuttgart which starts one week later and is the second largest fair in the world. Smaller beer festivals similar to the Oktoberfest are common in Germany and take place throughout the year in bigger German cities.

Inspired by a joke on The Simpson’s, there is now a Scottish version called the Scotchtoberfest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets, an international gourmet chocolate shop. Harmony Sweets’ mission focuses on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives, as well as corporate gift-giving. Gourmet chocolate gift baskets and personalized chocolates are also available.Website: http://www.harmonysweets.com

2009-10-26T23:21:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Ocktoberfest Dates:

Oktoberfest Munich Dates:

2010: September 18 - October 3
2011: September 17 - October 3
2012: September 22 - October 7

Oktoberfest is Coming! Time to Drink Up, Eat Well, And Study German

2008-08-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

From September 20 to October 5 of this year, Munich, Germany will once again celebrate Oktoberfest. With the myriad of food and drinks offered during this sixteen-day festival, it's a good idea to learn German to be able to pronounce them.

Oktoberfest will once again be held in Munich, Germany from September 20 thru October 5, 2008. The Oktoberfest is a very valid reason to study German online, if just for the pleasure of actually being able to eloquate the myriad of food and drinks available in the 16-day event.

Food and Delicacies

The numerous kinds of "wurst" (German sausages) are never far behind when you envision Oktoberfest. The frankfurter is the most common sausage, but you will also appreciate the bratwurst (pork, beef, and/or veal), knackwurst (pork or beef with fresh garlic), and bockwurst (pork, lamb, turkey, chicken with salt, paprika, white pepper, chives, and parsley), among other sausages. To avoid making a fool of yourself, learn German in order to eloquate the German names of these delicious sausages.

You'll also have the opportunity to try the many kinds of spatzle, or noodles, the perfect accompaniment to beer. These noodles are made from common ingredients such as salt, eggs, milk, flour, and diverse spices. You should absolutely try the kasespatzle - cheese noodles with fried onions. These are so scrumptious that studying German, if only to show your gratitude, is a must.

You can also sample other German dishes like hendl (roasted chicken), sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), and Apfelpfannenkuchen (apple pancakes). As if these are not sufficient reasons to study German, wait until you get to the beers.

It's All About the Beers and Wines

The Oktoberfest is a festival famous for its wines and beers, perhaps much more than its food, music, and costumes. If you have a fair grasp of the German language, you'll be able to distinguish the plethora of wines and beers offered by the fourteen tents in the Oktoberfest.

You can go for sekt, sparkling wine that's fizzier than most because of high carbon dioxide levels. Go for the Deutscher Sekt, or sekt formulated from Riesling and Pinot black grapes and gris for special occasions.

You can also get intoxicated on German wheat beer. There are numerous types, including the traditional and unfiltered Hefeweizen, Kristallweizen (crystal wheat), Dunkelweizen (dark wheat), and Weizenstarkbier (strong wheat beer), to name a few. Alcohol content is usually higher with darker wheat, and the monikers hint of the alcohol strength, so learn German quickly so you will not confuse them.

Most of all, get drunk on the marzen (pale lager), a specially-brewed Oktoberfestbier. During the Oktoberfest, there are many more kinds of beers and wines available, with as many as 15 wines offered by the Weinzel tent alone.

Obviously, to drink bacchanalian pleasures, eat great food, meet new people, and appreciate Oktoberfest, you need not learn German. Still, if you want to be heard over the Oktoberfest raucous, learning German is a benefit.

Of course, to drink bacchanalian pleasures, eat great food, meet new friends, and enjoy Oktoberfest, you need not learn German. Still, if you want to be heard above the Oktoberfest noise, learning German is a benefit.

About the Author

Want to learn german online in a short span of time? Get our 6 Day Speak German Free Course. Learn how to speak german now for free, visit EasilyLearnGerman.com now!

Ocktoberfest 2008 Dates

2007-10-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

The 175th Annual Ocktoberfest in Munich, Germany will be Held from September 20th - October 5th 2008.

Why does Oktoberfest begin in September you ask ?

Here's the Answer from the Official Oktoberfest Website:

The festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17th with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September.

By moving the festivities up, it allowed for better weather conditions. Because the September nights were warmer, the visitors were able to enjoy the gardens outside the tents and the stroll over “die Wiesen” or the fields much longer without feeling chilly. Historically, the last Oktoberfest weekend was in October and this tradition continues into present times.

Oktoberfest 2007 opens in Munich (München)

2007-09-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

Munich, Germany - Munich opened the beer taps on Saturday to launch Oktoberfest, with an estimated six million people expected to attend the beer celebration over 16 days. Munich Mayor Christian Ude ordered the tapping of the first beer barrel, the ritual kick-off for the 174th edition of the party. The festivities are held at Theresienwiese, a 31-hectare (12.4 acre) park with 14 large tents where drinkers, many wearing traditional Bavarian costumes, take their spots at long wooden tables. In line with tradition, the first mass, or litre, was served to the minister-president of Bavaria, Edmund Stoiber, who is set to leave office at the end of the month after 14 years in his post. Last year more than six million litres (13 million pints) of beer were drunk.

How To Celebrate Oktoberfest

2007-09-24T11:44:00.001-07:00

Oktoberfest kicks off tomorrow, September 22, in Munich and will keep the city buzzing till October 7. Historically, the holiday started with the October 12, 1810, wedding of Bavaria's Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen...

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The Official Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy

2007-08-06T15:04:00.001-07:00

The Official Michael "Vick" Dog Chew ToyLet your dog begin chewing today!The Official Vick Dog Chew ToyIs it different you ask? You bet it is! The Vick Dog Chew Toy is made of state of the art "dog" material. The Vick Toy Doll is so strong and flexible, it will challenge even the most aggressive breeds. Especially The Pit Bull.Unlike Slick Vick, our manufacturer is so sure of its durability they guarantee it against the most aggressive dog destruction. It Bends. It Bounces. It Flies. It Floats. And best of all, it lasts through the whole season and more!Get Your Official Vick Dog Chew Toy today!

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Oktoberfest 2007!

2007-07-30T15:57:00.001-07:00

Oktoberfest in Munich is the biggest beer festival of the year. The festival starts with a twelve gun salute and is followed by tapping of the first keg. Then Oktoberfest has begun and everyone can start drinking beer and enjoying in the festivities. The festival offers roller coasters, festival parades and even live bands. Everyday during the festival is a reason to drink. Some of the problems is that people will drink too much and can be found stumbling throughout Munich.

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Girls @ Oktoberfest 2006

2007-07-01T16:10:00.001-07:00

Oktoberfest 2006
Originally uploaded by Leonski

This is the big one! Oktoberfest is the world's biggest beer festival. For 18 days around 7 million visitors come to Munich and consume aproximately 6 million litres of beer in 14 giant beer tents.

Happy people at the Oktoberfest

Nightshot @ Oktoberfest

2007-07-01T16:08:00.001-07:00

@ Oktoberfest
Originally uploaded by Fuad

Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September and early October. It is one of the most famous events in the city and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year.

Oktoberfest Numbers

* 30% of the year's production of beer by Munich breweries will be consumed in the two weeks of Oktoberfest.
* 12,000 People are employed at the Oktoberfest. Of these, 1600 are waitresses.
* There is available seating for 100,000 people.
* The six Oktoberfest breweries, (Spaten, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu) sold 6 million mugs of beer in 2005 (5.5 million in 2004).
* Roasted oxen: 88
* Sausages: 219,443 pairs
* Roast chickens: 459,279

(by Wikipedia)

Paris Hilton at Oktoberfest – What You Don’t Know

2007-07-01T14:14:00.001-07:00

Now this is quite funny, I have just been informed by a German friend that Paris Hilton's trip to Oktoberfest didn’t exactly go as planned.

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Oktoberfest Panorama

2007-07-01T14:02:00.001-07:00

Oktoberfest Panorama
Originally uploaded by Michael Nagel

Very nice panoramic photo of the Oktoberfest fairgrounds the day before opening.

Watch Oktoberfest Bartender fill Stiens

2007-07-01T13:58:00.001-07:00

Watch as this guy fills Giant Beer glasses in an amazingly quick and efficient manner, truly great german technique. from Youtube.com

10 hints for Oktoberfest Survival in 2007

2007-05-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Munich Airport has published 10 hints for a successful Oktoberfest survival

1. Get there early so you can pick your seat! Seriously, even though there´s available seating for up to 100,000 people at the Oktoberfest, with many tables reserved months in advance, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances are of getting a place to sit. Together, with your friends, and not by yourself near the toilets. Some people start lining up at 7 in the morning, well before opening time (10 a.m.), then stay all day in order to hold their place in the evening.

2. Secure your hotel accomodations early, too: Getting a hotel room during the Oktoberfest makes getting a seat in one of the tents look easy. If you haven´t already booked a hotel room in advance of arriving in Munich for Oktoberfest, check Survival Tip #1 for information on last-minute hotel accomodations.

3. Learn a few key phrases in Bavarian: Being able to toast a round of fresh-"zapft" (tapped) bier with a hearty, Bavarian-accented "Prost" just makes the whole thing more fun. And if you´re travelling on to OTHER German cities after your visit to the Oktoberfest, it´s a great way to show Hamburgers and Berliners that your heart "beats Bavarian"—just like Pope Benedict the 16th´s!

4. Don´t limit your Munich visit to the Oktoberfest grounds! While partying hard with other inebriated Americans, Japanese, English, Italians and Australians at the Oktoberfest does have its cachet, a safari to one of Munich´s numerous biergartens around town is the best way to sight the native Bavarian in his / her authentic habitat. Our favorite biergartens include: the Hirschgarten, the Chinese Tower in the English Garden and the Augustiner biergarten near the Central Station.

5. Do dress up for Oktoberfest: You might not be a native Bavarian, but donning the traditional "Tracht" dress (lederhosen for men, a dirndl for women) is a great way to fake it. And once you´ve invested in the whole get-up, you can recycle it for Halloween or your hometown´s own mini Oktoberfest once you´ve returned home.

6. Don´t try to keep up with the locals: With Oktoberfest beer packing a walloping around 5% alcohol content, it´s no wonder Bavarians often complain that beer from other countries tastes like water! In short: they grew up with this potent form of barley pop, you didn´t, so if you want to avoid becoming a "bierleiche", which is German for "beer corpse", then pace yourself.

7. Go on the rides BEFORE you drink: This one´s pretty obvious: a belly full of beer and rollercoasters DON`T mix!

8. Crime doesn´t pay (shameless Munich Airport plug, part 1): Although thousands of the traditional, heavy glass beer mugs used at the Oktoberfest get successfully stolen every year, if the police catch you, they can fine you up to 50 euros. It´s easier—and cheaper—to buy a souvenir mug from one of Munich Airport´s Bavarian boutiques upon departure.

9. Pre-Wiesn warm-up drinking is not mandatory, but is recommended! (shameless Munich Airport plug, part 2): Showing up at Oktoberfest can be a shock to the system for many newcomers—the noise, the crowds, the wanton revelry. One of the best antidotes for this is to imbibe BEFORE you set foot on the Wiesn, or even before you leave the airport—the friendly staff at Munich Airport´s Airbräu is waiting to get you into the mood!

10. DO check out the Oktoberfest web sites.

Links to Oktoberfest web sites in english:

- oktoberfest-tv.com
- German News Oktoberfest WEB
- Oktoberfest Shop

source: Munich Airport

German Beer Facts

2007-05-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Beer is among the most popular and important part of the culture of Germany. Fact is, its popularity is well known all throughout the world. The beer in Germany is highly diverse. There are more than a thousand breweries all over Germany. The popularity of the German beer is the outcome of the strict process it undergoes before it is sold to the public. That is because beer manufacturers in Germany are required to follow the purity law. The purity law enables the beer manufacturers in Germany to differentiate which ingredient they must and must not use. The basic ingredients that the beer manufacturers Germany are allowed to use are water, hops, and barley malt.

It is the reason why German beers, by far, taste much more luscious from other beers. German beers have distinctive taste (of which has either little or no aftertaste). Presently, German beer has a diverse beer styles. The ales that are manufactured by beer breweries in Germany also have a wide variety of beer styles. These German ale styles are Koelsch, Weizen, and Altbier. The beer lager styles of Germany also have a wide variety of styles. The most common are Bock, Pilsener, Dunkel, Helles, and Maerzen. Bear in mind that the taste, aroma, and color of the German beers vary. The ones that are mentioned are identified as being true German beers.

The beer lagers of Germany are very popular not just throughout the country, they are known all throughout the world. Pilsener is also one of the most well known and most recognizable German beers. These types of German beers provide you with more hops and less malt and are available all over the world. They are also very popular in North America and are considered as one of the most popular dark lagers worldwide.

The German beer Altbier is a common dark ale in Germany. It is top fermented in the lower regions of the country. These types of German beers have yellowish color, and have a taste that is rich in hops. Another well known variety of German beer that is well-known for its smoky color and flavor is the Rauchbier. They have excellent tastes and are very popular among beer drinkers all throughout Germany.

There are more than 4,000 brands of beers in Germany. Some of the well known and larger manufacturers in the northern region of Germany are Beck, St. Pauli, Warsteiner, and Krombach. However, there are more breweries in the southern part of Germany; although these breweries are somewhat smaller, and are owned and operated by the locals. One of the oldest beer breweries in the world - The Benedictine Abbey - is located in this region in Germany. The Benedictine Abbey started manufacturing beer since the year 1040.

For those who do not know, Germany is home of the world renowned "Oktoberfest". This world renowned beer festivity in Germany is held annually in Munich. Oktoberfest is usually held in late part of September. The beer festivity lasts for two weeks, ending in early days of October. The world renowned beer festivity in Germany is mostly visited by beer drinkers from all over the world. The distinctive and savory taste of German beers makes them want travel to Germany and celebrate and experience the luscious and distinctive taste of German beers. Oktoberfest is visited by more than 5 million people yearly, making it one of the biggest and largest beer celebrations in the whole world.

The local breweries in Munich are the only breweries allowed to serve beer in the larger tents and there are a total of six breweries that produce a variety of different German beers during the beer festivity. If you attend this world renowned beer festivity, you will learn, taste and most of all enjoy the rich bold flavor that has made the German beer popular worldwide. Because of the success Oktoberfest gets each year, numerous countries worldwide try copy the said event. Some of them are successful; however, the levels of success of these events are nowhere near the original beer festivity held in Germany.

German beers are very popular all over the world, with Oktoberfest proving the claim. If you are fond of drinking beer but have never tasted the beers from Germany, you really should try one. As soon as you have tasted and experienced the German beer, you will know the reason why German beers are very popular.

About the Author

Dirk Blurd, a wine lover and aficionado, writes for The-Wine-Site.com.

Oktoberfest Party: Dancing, Drinking, And Dining!

2007-04-26T13:30:00.001-07:00

It doesn’t get any better than an Oktoberfest party. Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a wedding party in honor of King Ludwig I, of Barvaria, and Maria Teresa of Saxonia. A state fair was proclaimed, and the tradition of the Oktoberfest Party began. Traditionally held from September 9th through October 29th Oktoberfest the festival was dedicated to the fall harvest and the regions most famous product, beer. It has been held annually ever since.

In Germany and many parts of the world Oktoberfest has become a large festival with plenty of food, beer, music and merrymaking. Huge tents set upon the Theresienwiese meadow in Munich are the setting for the festivities. The event begins with the mayor ceremoniously tapping the Oktoberfest keg of beer.

Throwing your own Oktoberfest party is easy and fun. Setting up tents, roping off areas for dancing, plenty of music, women in white aprons and men in suspenders, traditional food and beer, and you have an Oktoberfest party! Just send out invitations early, get organized by deciding if the party will be catered, or if each person will be bringing dishes for a pot luck, and that is left to do is have fun!

Traditional chicken dance at your Oktoberfest party: Anyone who's not chicken, stands in a circle facing each other. When the music starts, hold your hands out in front of you, and open and close them four times, like a chicken beak then, put your thumbs in your armpits, and flap your wings four times. Place your arms and hands like the tail feathers of a chicken, and wiggle down to the floor four times. Clap four times, and repeat steps one through four, four times each. After the fourth time, take the hands of the people on either side of you, while everyone moves in a circle. When you get dizzy, switch directions. Repeat this until the end of the music, or until you fall on the floor.

Traditional Food and Drinks for an Oktoberfest Party: The name of the game is indulgence. A keg or two of German beer, and traditional foods such as German sausages, hot German potato salad, sauerkraut, sweet and sour cabbage, German-style chicken, and yummy black forest cake rounds out the Oktoberfest party menu. Should you need recipes, they are easily found online.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has a huge selection of free party games, coloring pages, word find, word scramble, printable baby and bridal shower activities.

A Tourist Guide To Munich

2007-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Munich is the third largest city in Germany and is the capital of the State of Bavaria. The city is renowned worldwide for its famous annual beer festival named the Oktoberfest. The Isar River cuts though the city and contains most of the attractions on its left bank.

Traveling to Munich:

Flying is easy as the Franz-Josef-Strauss Airport connects Munich with many other European destinations. The journey to the city centre is approximately forty minutes and can be made by train or car. The city's rail links are excellent and connects to most major German and European cities. Road links within and around the city are also good and are cheaper than the rail service.

Accommodation Options:

Accommodation options in Munich are vast and prices decrease towards the outskirts of the city. The busiest season in Munich is between October and May so be sure to book any accommodation well in advance. There are types of accommodation for all from hotels to bed and breakfasts, inns, hostels and campsites.

History:

Over the years since Munich was first founded in the 12th century, it has grown in the reputation of being both cultural and artistic. National Socialism developed in Munich following the First World War. The city then got struck heavily during World War Two and has since had the damage repaired and had become a modern metropolis.

Sights and Attractions:

Munich's old town (known as the Altstadt) is a popular sightseeing attraction. Stroll through it towards the beautiful square (Marienplatz) and through the lanes that contain some impressive cultural and historic features. The Westend of Munich is a much more modern experience. This is the area where the Oktoberfest is held and is a great laugh for any party enthusiasts. Schwabing is home to Europe's largest park where there is plenty to do and see.

Shopping in Munich:

Munich has excellent shopping opportunities where you can pick up a variety of designer goods as well as traditional Bavarian handicrafts. There are piles of shopping malls and areas all over the city so you will never find yourself wanting more.

Dining Options:

Munich has a great selection of places to eat out at ranging from restaurants to bistros, bars and takeaways. It is easy to find both traditional and international cuisine at the majority of restaurants. However, be sure to get cash out prior to eating as most restaurants in the city do not accept credit.

About the Author

Dan writes for hirecars.co.uk and recently finished this article tourist guide to Munich from Budget car hire specialist

Oktoberfest Oktrivia

2007-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

1. Which city is the birthplace of Oktoberfest?
A. Munich
B. Berlin
C. Dublin
D. Cincinnati

A. Munich
QQ: Oktoberfest is an institution whose origins are unique to Munich. It is not celebrated elsewhere in Germany or even Bavaria.

2. The first Oktoberfest evolved from what event?
A. A funeral
B. A peace treaty
C. A wedding
D. A christening

C. A wedding
QQ: Oktoberfest began in 1810 as the wedding reception of Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later to be King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen and has evolved into an annual celebration of lager and lederhosen observed worldwide.

3. What has always been the site for the traditional Oktoberfest celebration?
A. Therese's Meadow
B. Munich Beer Garden
C. Beer Street in Munich
D. Munich's Beer Boulevard

A. Therese's Meadow
QQ: The wedding took place at what came to be called the Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow), and this remains the site for the Oktoberfest.

4. To date, Munich has had to cancel 24 Oktoberfests. What is NOT a reason for cancellation?
A. World War I
B. Cholera epidemic
C. Black plague
D. World War II

C. Black plague
QQ: To date, 169 have been held on the grounds (24 have had to be canceled because of the impact of wars and of the cholera epidemics in the mid- nineteenth century).

5. Munich celebrates its Spring Strong Beer festival every March as a prelude to the so-called beer garden season, a series of outdoor events culminating with the city's renowned Oktoberfest. What reason was the original "Strong Beer" brewed?
A. As a preparation for Lent
B. As a celebration of Spring
C. To pay taxes
D. To avoid taxes

A. As a preparation for Lent
QQ: In spring, the monks brewed a stronger-than-usual beer for consumption before Lent, to ward off possible emaciation during the period of fasting. The strong beer festival grew out of these origins.

6. Why is October a significant month in the beer brewing year?
A. Because Saint Octavius is also the patron saint of beer
B. It marks the beginning of the winter brewing season
C. It is the last good date to have a great outdoor party
D. It marks the end of the summer brewing season

B. It marks the beginning of the winter brewing season
QQ: Long before modern chemistry and refrigeration made brewing a year-round industry, the last safe brewing month was March. Though early brewers hadn't identified the microscopic culprits, they knew that summer's warm weather encouraged spoiled beer. So the last batch was stored, or lagered, in the caves around Munich. They worked on that through the summer and when October's cool weather allowed brewing again, "they had a big blowout" to finish off whatever March beer was left. The blowout became an agricultural fair, which eventually coincided with the commemoration of Ludwig I's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and today’s Oktoberfest.

7. Although perhaps best-known for giving us Oktoberfest, Ludwig I also left this legacy?
A. Made Munich Germany’s richest museum center
B. Legalization of beer gardens
C. Built many of Munich’s grandest sights
D. All of the above

D. All of the above
QQ: Ludwig I is by far the most significant of Bavaria's monarchs. He aspired to elevate the city into a great artistic, scientific, and cultural center and is the city's great builder. Many of Munich's grandest sights can be attributed to his rule, notably his palace the Residenz (residence), the galleries at the Nymphenburg summer palace, the art galleries of the Glyptothek and Pinakothek, and many more. It is his legacy that today gives Munich the reputation of being Germany's richest museum center. But it is his other legacies, the legalization of the beer gardens and the celebration of Oktoberfest, that perhaps most well-known. If his palaces and castles are the most extravagant expression of Bavarian heritage, beer is its most commonplace symbol. In Bavaria, beer rules.

8. In addition to a royal wedding, what event took place at the first Oktoberfest?
A. A horse race
B. A Polka dance off
C. Beer barrel races
D. The first funnels

A. A horse race
QQ: The first Oktoberfest consisted of a royal wedding and a horse race, not beer tents. Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.

9. How is the Munich Oktoberfest known to locals?
A. the “Wiesn”
B. Always simply “Oktoberfest”
C. the Fall Beer Festival
D. Lederhosen Time

A. the “Wiesn”
QQ: The Munich Oktoberfest - known by the locals as the "Wiesn" – because at what came to be called the Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow), and this remains the site for the Oktoberfest. The fields where the wedding took place have been named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's fields") in honor of the Crown Princess ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n".

10. When did the first beer tents and halls appear at Oktoberfest?
A. Never, Oktoberfest isn’t really about beer at all
B. The first year of course!
C. 1896 with the backing of the breweries
D. Not until after prohibition was repealed

C. 1896 with the backing of the breweries
QQ: In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and halls set up by enterprising landlords with the backing of the breweries.

11. What is true of Oktoberfest?
A. Originated in Munich, it is now celebrated throughout Bavaria and Germany
B. Originated in Munich, it is not celebrated elsewhere in Bavaria and Germany
C. It is a celebration of All Saints Eve or Halloween
D. The consumption of beer is forbidden at Oktoberfest

B. Originated in Munich, it is not celebrated elsewhere in Bavaria and Germany
QQ: Even though Oktoberfest embodies the outsider's view of German popular culture. Oktoberfest is an institution whose origins are unique to Munich. It is not celebrated elsewhere in Germany or even Bavaria.

12. Munich has a full calendar of annual celebrations and dulten, which means fairs, which include the renowned Oktoberfest. What was the original meaning of the word “Dult”?
A. Drink up
B. Cheers
C. Church festival
D. Wedding feast

C. Church festival
QQ: Munich celebrates its Fruhjahrs Starkbier (Spring Strong Beer) festival every March. This is the first event in Munich's annual calendar of celebrations and Dulten (fairs). It also serves as a prelude to the so-called beer garden season, a series of outdoor events culminating with the city's renowned Oktoberfest. The original meaning of the word Dult was "church festival."

13. Many Americans speak some German every day without realizing it as so many German words have worked their way into our language. One common expression, used to follow a sneeze, is “Gesundheit.” What does it mean?
A. To your health
B. God bless you
C. Use a tissue
D. Beware the devil

A. To your health
QQ: Bet a lot of people went for “B”!

14. Some German words have become so commonly used in English that they are now considered part of the American language. Which of these is NOT an American word adopted from German?
A. Poltergeist
B. Noodle
C. Sauerkraut
D. Kindergarten
E. They are all German words
F. None of these are German words

E. They are all German words
QQ: You are a dummkopf if you guessed sauerkraut or kindergarten although poltergeist and noodle were a bit trickier!

15. Many Americans speak a little German every day without realizing it as so many German words have worked their way into our language. Some words are identical in German and American and other words have slightly changed. Which words are identical?
A. Mother
B. Uncle
C. Winter
D. Wind
E. A and B
F. C and D

F. C and D
QQ: Both winter and wind are identical in both German and English while these two have changed slightly from mutter to mother and onkel to uncle.

Deanna Mascle publishes two Fun Trivia ezines and several blogs featuring Useless Trivia.

German lederhosen with a built-in cell phone at CeBIT

2007-03-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

For thigh-slapping beer drinking Bavarian dancers, a pair of lederhosen with a sewn-in cell phone. Showecased at CeBIT and reported by IOL.

"The lederhosen from century-old German all-weather clothier Lodenfrey feature a mouthpiece embedded in the suspender straps and a row of unobtrusive olive green buttons down the side of the leg."

Oktoberfest

2007-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Prost!

Blatt that tuba, blare that trumpet

Swing that tune, beat it! jump it!

A German band can get your heart bumping,

Your fingers tapping, your two feet stomping.

I know that song! My grandfather sang it!

In the German chorus where he rang it.

Play another one! Don't let them rest!

I'll meet you at the Octoberfest!

At every carnival and festival all over the world, music touches that primeval place in our brains that lifts our spirits and binds us together. The original Octoberfest was just a fancy wedding celebration for the King of Bavaria in 1810. Although the wedding date was set for October 17th, the party starts in mid September and lasts through the beginning of October. A grand opening parade with decorated beer wagons pulled by pampered Clydesdale horses marches through Munich and lasts for hours.

For sheer size, the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany dwarfs every other emulator. Twelve tents house over ten thousand merry makers each. Like giant redwood tree trunks, three massive poles soar to dizzying heights, sheltering three twenty piece Gerrman bands. One tent features a giant ox roasting on a huge turning spit, keeping the chefs busy basting the ox with spices. Choice seats simulating local beer stubes line the sides. Tables are reserved for months in advance by Munich corporations for their employees. I was fortunate one year to know someone who had a spot for me and my wife at the Hackerbrau table. We had a grand time 'schuttling' back and forth to songs my grandfather sang.

If you have heard that Oktoberfest beer is stronger, you have not been lied to. The special beer is timed to perfection for the festival, resulting in a slightly darker color, rich in hops flavor, and topped by a fine-grained head of foam. A one liter mug (mass) will put you into a good mood for hours. As one strolls down the wide avenues, enticing aromas assault the senses. Spit-roasted half chickens, broiled smelts-on-a-stick (steckerl fish), and roasted honey almond treats are all irresistible.

The main concourse is lined with quaint rides and interesting side shows. A house-sized barrel caught my eye that turned out to sell only fancy German chocolate candies in every variation imaginable. Strings of four to eight strollers singing German songs dance down the alley, sometimes apologizing for sweeping visitors along with them, other times not. Police 'Kontrollers' keep a sharp eye out for rowdy behavior, allowing some partying, but ejecting anyone who disturbs the peace. The original Octoberfest epitomizes the word 'Gemutlichkeit' and visitors the world over take away with them that warm, friendly feeling to spread around at home.

About the Author: A retired portrait and wedding photographer, I enjoy writing , how to articles, helpful articles on photography and many other subjects. My hobbies include quartet singing, shop, bicycling and photography. Please visit my web site at http://www.photoartbyken.com/

Visit Munich for its remarkable culture, stunning sights and a stein of local beer

2007-03-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Located just north of the Bavarian Alps on the River Isar, Munich is truly a stunning sight - both naturally and architecturally. In fact, it seems that no matter where you turn in the city, there's something truly remarkable to see.

At the centre of Munich, for instance, is Marienplatz - a large, open square which houses the New Town Hall. But perhaps even more spectacular than the square itself is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel - a famous, ornate clock with life-sized moving figures. At 11:00am every day, the clock chimes and re-enacts two sixteenth century stories to the crowds below: the first is a scene from a medieval jousting tournament, while the second is a performance of the famous "Schäfflertanz" - roughly translated as the "Barrel-makers' dance".

But while the streets of Munich are laden with beautiful sights, a visit to the city's host of impressive museums and art galleries is certainly worthwhile. The Deutsches Museum, for instance, which is located on an island in the Isar, is one of the oldest and largest science museums in the world. Other popular museums and galleries in the city include: the Alte Pinakothek gallery, the Munich City Museum, the Bavarian National Museum and the BMW Museum. And if you enjoy the performing arts, you'll also take delight in the operas, ballets, musicals and orchestras of spectacular city venues such as the Nationaltheater, Gärtnerplatz Theatre, Deutsche Theater and Residenz Theatre - the last of which is home to the world-renowned Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

If you're ever looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll find that Munich's many parks provide a perfect retreat. The Englischer Garten, for example, is one of the world's largest urban public parks and contains jogging tracks and bridle-paths for locals and visitors to enjoy. Other green spaces include: Olympic Park, Hofgartenand, Hirschgarten, Ostpark and the parks of the stunning Nymphenburg and Schleissheim palaces. And if you're traveling to Munich with children, the city's zoological park, Tierpark Hellabrunn, is guaranteed to offer a fun and memorable experience for all.

But if there's one thing that Munich is particularly famous for, it's the local beer breweries; it's therefore fitting that the largest beer festival in the world - Oktoberfest - takes place annually within the city. In fact, the festival attracts so many tourists that about 30 per cent of the year's beer production by Munich's breweries is consumed in just two weeks at Oktoberfest! This year's Oktoberfest festival will take place from 22 September - 7 October, and will feature beer gardens hosting some of Munich's most famous breweries; among the most popular are Hofbräu, Löwenbräu and Augustiner. The festival is also an ideal time to sample Munich's culinary specialties: try Munich's famous Weißwürste ('white sausages'), traditionally served with sweet mustard and a freshly baked pretzel - it's bound to go well with a stein of Bavarian beer! Or why not sample the popular Bavarian apple strudel with vanilla sauce? However, rest assured that no matter what time of year you visit Munich, you'll be able to take advantage of such delectable delights.

If you're planning a trip to Munich, you'll find plenty of Munich hotels located near the city's top attractions. And if you're considering attending this year's Oktoberfest, it's always best to book your Munich hotel early. But even if you decide to travel to Munich outside of its festival season, remember to sit down with a stein - or perhaps a few - of the local beer.

About the Author

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

Oktoberfest: A Marriage Celebration for Nearly Two-Hundred Years

2007-03-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

Oktoberfest has become known as the largest fair in the world as every year it brings together nearly 6 million people in Munich Bavaria Germany. Intended to celebrate a historic marriage the celebration lasts 16-17 days depending on how the calendar year falls. Alcohol, beer mainly, plays a significant role in the festival, made heartily darker and of higher alcohol content when prepared for the festivities. Similarly, foods of the Bavarian culture such as sausage, chicken, cheese noodles and sauerkraut are served throughout the fairgrounds.

The unification of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese from Saxe-Hildburghausen in holy matrimony on October 12th, 1810 sparked the tradition of the widely known Oktoberfest of today. Becoming annual event, it has rarely been cancelled; 24 times of cancellation exist today in its past of nearly 200 years. Main issues of cause for cancellation are related to war and disease.

In 1835, a parade was inducted into the common procedures prior to the festivities. Gatherings nearing 8000 people join in center of Munich on Maximilian Street for the annual Bavarian rich addition to the celebratory events of Oktoberfest.

About the Author:

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for birthday party supplies and fun free educational party games.

Family Friendly Oktoberfest

2007-01-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

As with any social event, alcohol and partakers of often can cause a scene that is less than respectable to some. There has always been a rising issue surrounding the alcohol consumption of younger participants and how they behave there after. Those that cannot handle what they have consumed are called Bierleichen, which stands for beer corpses in Deutsch, and when the inebriation reaches a point of passing out they are brought to the medical tent where they can be looked after.

The most recent development towards creating a more family-friendly atmosphere during Oktoberfest contains two parameters. In 2005 it was purposed and accepted no Schlager will be drank until 6:00 in the evening. Likewise, pop music would not be played but rather a soft melody of traditional wind music would float across the atmosphere. Seemingly successful, many families have enjoyed the comfort of a child-appropriate setting with which they can enjoy with their families.

Do's and Don'ts at the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

2007-01-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

If you're planning to visit the Oktoberfest for the first time, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Following these tips will help you to have a pleasant stay at Munich's famous beer festival.

Do's

1. Always take a friend or more with you
Even though most of the people are friendly and peaceful, there is the occasional drunk that can cause you trouble. Being with a friend makes your stay much safer (especially a woman should never go alone). Furthermore, it's a lot more fun to celebrate with your friends than with strangers.

2. Drink a lot of water
The old rule "one beer, one water" also applies for the biggest beer festival in the world. The beer tents are hot and you'll be thirsty. Drinking only beer makes you drunk much faster than you even notice, especially when you're not used to the strong German beer.

3. Be friendly to the waitress
Waitresses in the beer tents are the secret queens of the Oktoberfest. They decide if you can stay or have to leave. And they definitely decide if you get a beer or not. Remember that you can only order beer once you sit at a table. No beer is sold to persons standing in the alleys.

4. Do everything that requires coordination before the second beer
It's not funny to be trapped inside a roller coaster after the second or third beer. Owners of the attractions will not let you inside anyways, because they know what can happen.

5. Enjoy!
Dance and sing as much as you want and have a lot of fun.

Don'ts

1. Don't bring valuables
Bring only the amount of money you're planning to spend. Don't wear expensive jewelry. Wherever there are masses of people, there are also pickpockets. Be on the watch out.

2. Don't drink and drive
Use the public transport for your sake and the sake of everyone else who could be involved in an accident with you. Drunk driving will cause you to lose your drivers license and get you into a lot of trouble. Germans are very tolerant with alcohol but not in connection with driving.

3. Don't try to get into the tents at the main entrance
Despite their size beer tents fill up quickly and are closed for security reasons. Chances to get in through the main entrance are nil. Your luck will be better waiting at the side entrances where security sometimes lets people enter when someone else leaves. To avoid closed tents either have a reservation or come early, preferably during weekdays.

About the Author

Marion Kummerow is the author of http://www.inside-munich.com/oktoberfest-2006.html . She's been living in Munich for many years and has intimate knowledge of the city and the famous Oktoberfest.

German Bavaria: The Wonder Land!

2007-01-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

I was seated in one of the chairs at the beach - end table facing the Indian Ocean.

I had hardly seen any objects in the Ocean, but the shining stars in the far distance and the Bavarians near me triggered my thoughts back into the good old Bavaria over the Alps.

Now I could see the several beautiful rivers across Bavaria. The Danube, the Main, the Isar and the Inn were passing so silently. I could also visualise the largest lake in Bavaria, the lake Chiemsee with other picturesque lakes Starnberger and Ammersee near Munich and in the little distance the lake Königssee in Berchtesgaden, which is surrounded by the impressive mountains of the Alps. The lake Bodensee, one of the largest lakes in Europe, which belongs to Bavaria, is silently shining to sun beams.

The scenic panorama of the Bavarian beauty in the vicinity of the Alps lasting for many centuries was saturating my mind. Now I could see with my inward eye the very impressive Alps Mountains with its highest peak Zugspitze offering a breathtaking panorama across several hundreds of peaks with a scenic view of four countries, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Bavaria is one of the oldest states in Europe.

The ethnic group of the Bavarians had come to be mixed with Romans, Celts and Teutons some 2500 years ago. The Otto of Wittelsbach founded the State of Bavaria. Hitler took over power in 1933 and Bavaria became no longer an independent state. After Germany's capitulation in 1945, the American Forces occupied Bavaria.

The events were moving in my inner eye one by one towards the present day Bavaria. Fredrike Wagner has inspired me a lot on Bavaria and the Munich on our tsunami visit to the Northern part of the Island. When I remember Fredrike Wagner, my mind used to recall the legendary Richard Wagner who revolutionized German opera by making the music secondary to the dramatic action. Still in Bayreuth every year the Wagner festival takes place - a high society event. Wagner's most famous works "The flying Dutchman", "The ring of the Nibelungen" and "Tristan and Isolde" are such fascinating works which could inspire any one in the world.

Bavaria is the largest land of the federal republic of Germany with nearly 18 million people. Munich, the capital of Bavaria with more than 1.2 million inhabitants is one of the dynamic cities in Europe and in the world. A number of German Praktikum (Internship) students from Bavaria told me that the culture in Bavaria is very distinct from the rest of Germany. They have told the differences are very marked still in the rural areas but are less significant in the major cities.

The religious faith in Southern Bavaria is the predominant faith of Roman Catholicism, contrasting with the more Lutheran-Protestantism in the Northern parts of Bavaria. The students told the typical expression of greeting in Bavaria and Austria is: "Grüss Gott!" which means God greet you. Bavaria could be proud of the present pope, Benedict XVI, his name being Joseph Alois Ratzinger who is from the Marktl am Inn in Upper Bavaria.

But when I asked Fredrieke Wagner which religion she is practising, she told simply, "I don't have religion". I wondered and couldn't make out whether she does practise a religion in the Catholic-dominated Bavarian region or she had expressed a mere pleasantry.

I heard that Bavarians resemble the inhabitants of Latin countries and tend to give great attention to their personal appearance, while folks in some other parts of Germany dress more casually. It is fascinating even at business meetings to see southern Bavarians wearing traditional clothing.

Bavarian cities and towns, whether they are rich or poor, are the best looked-after locations in Germany. The students also told me that Bavarians are very proud of their different dialects and most of them speak with a Bavarian, Franconian or Swabian accent.

I also heard from some of the German students and others that the Christian Social Union, which has ruled Bavaria uninterruptedly since 1957, is arguably the most inward looking of the major German political parties, which combines socially conservative positions with an advocacy for extensive involvement of the state in its economy.

About the Author

Rajkumar Kanagasingam is author of a fascinating book on German memories in Asia and you can explore more about the book and the author at AGSEP

Popular Tourist Attractions in Bavaria

2006-11-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

When it comes to travel and tourism, Bavaria is a destination in Germany that enjoys a thriving trade and is hugely popular amongst visitors wishing to enjoy a memorable and special European vacation. You will find a vast array of places to visit, things to do, sights to enjoy, and places to stay throughout Bavaria, which forms the southernmost state of Germany. The capital city of Bavaria, which is Munich, is a popular choice amongst visitors to the area, as are the beautiful and majestic Bavarian Alps. With over twelve million residents throughout Bavaria you will find yourself in a vibrant and colourful destination when you visit the area, and with so much to see and do here there is something to suit every member of your party or family. You can visit a variety of major cities throughout Bavaria in addition to Munich, and this includes Nuremburg, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Furth, Augsburg, and Erlangen.

Enjoy the natural beauty to be found in Bavaria

The unique and wonderful destination of Bavaria is also a place of fabulous natural beauty, with some incredible natural sites to visit. This includes, of course, the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, rivers such as the famous River Danube, lakes including Lake Constance, and parks such as the Bavarian Forest National Park. Boasting a long and fascinating history as well as distinct culture that stands out from other parts of Germany, this is an area that will provide you with a truly memorable and unique vacation experience. You will also find many attractions, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which is famed as the model of the Sleeping Beauty castle as used by Walt Disney. Enjoy the beauty and unique theme of the Romantic Road which runs through the area, as well as museums, galleries, historic sites and attractions, cultural delights, and recreational facilities. A range of events and festivities such as the famous and lively Oktoberfest will help to add to your experience when you visit Bavaria. Also due to host matches for the soccer World Cup 2006, Bavaria is set to enjoy an even larger influx of visitors this year.

Other attractions throughout Bavaria

In addition to all of the above attractions and facilities you will enjoy a vast array of additional amenities in Bavaria, from excellent shopping to lively nightlife. A great range of eateries will enable you to enjoy both local and international cuisine, with Bavaria being a destination that is far more focussed on cuisine that much of the rest of Germany. You will also find a great choice of accommodations throughout Bavaria, so no matter which part of this area you wish to stay in you can enjoy lodgings that offer comfort and great service at affordable prices and to suit all needs. In short, a vacation to any part of Bavaria is one that you will remember for a long time to come, and this is certainly an area you are likely to want to return to.

About the Author

Ken Morris frequently pens articles on areas associated with history. You might find out more about his articles on Bavaria over at http://www.munich-to-vienna-via-salzburg.com/munich/bavaria.html and many different sources for Bavaria knowledge.

Top 10 cities for beer lovers

2006-11-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

Munich’s Oktoberfest has come and gone, but that’s no reason for beer lovers to sit home and drown their sorrows in a frosty mug. The world is full of destinations where the natives know – and love – their beer, and where you can sample some local brew all year long. We sipped our way around the world and came up with ten great destinations for beer lovers – how about a visit to a German city that’s home to over a dozen beer gardens? Or perhaps a visit to the world’s oldest brewpub is more your pint of ale? And we can all probably agree that a city in Asia where beer is sold in vending machines is definitely worth a visit. So no matter how you say “cheers” – whether Prost! Na zdraví! Kampai! Salúd! – our list will help you raise a glass around the globe.

Amsterdam
Berlin
Brugge
Burlington
Dublin
Mexico City
Montreal, Quebec
Portland, Oregon
Prague
Sapporo, Japan

List courtesy of MSNBC.com

German Vacation Destinations - Munich

2006-11-03T04:28:00.000-08:00

Arguably one of Germany's most celebrated, famous, and visited cities; Munich is a popular spot for visitors from across the globe ranging from ordinary tourists to jet-setting celebrities. Munich has sights, attractions, and events for everyone. The city is a bustling metropolis filled with modern flair and classic culture at the same time.

Munich is home to many castles, landmarks, and churches will keep the fine arts lover, history buff, and anyone else busy for days, even weeks, trying to see them all.

Considered to be the "must-see" destination for visitors to Munich, the Nymphenburg Palace was built in the 17th century as a gift from Ferdinand Maria to his wife, Henriette. His heir, Maximilian Emanuel, expanded to the palace by adding symmetrical buildings that span from the central structure. The Nymphenburg Palace also features a large landscaped park with meticulously manicured lawns, trees, shrubs, and fountains. The associated pavilions include Amalienburg, a hall that is secular in shape and lined with mirrors; Badenburg, which houses the first modern heated pool; Pagodenburg, which was built with a mixture of French and Oriental designs; and Magdaleneklause, which was constructed to resemble ruins and built to honor Mary Magdalen.

The astounding BMW Museum features the history and technological advances of BMW. Motor sports fans will enjoy the history of BMW's role in sports racing and its array of various prototypes on display. The BMW Museum is currently temporarily closed to the public for renovation, but will reopen in early 2007.

Historic churches of note that are often visited in Munich include Alter Peter or the Church of Saint Peter, the Cathedral Church of our Lady, Theatinerkirche, and Asamkirche.

Munich is the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest festival and houses the Beer and Oktoberfest museum, which is open year round. The museum gives visitors a lesson in the history of beer and Oktoberfest and is housed in one of Munich's oldest historical buildings.

The Oktoberfest festival celebrates Bavarian Beer and lasts for several weeks each year starting in September and ending in October. The tradition is nearly 200 years old and is probably Munich's largest attraction each year. Festival events include the Oktoberfest Costume and Rifleman's Parade, open-air music, beer tents, and distinct German cuisine feasts. Oktoberfest draws over six million visitors each year, with rates of attendance increasing with each passing year.

Munich is a very modern and cosmopolitan city and is an imperative hub to the high-fashion and glamour industry. Famous, world-renowned artists, designers, clothiers, actors, and models flock to the city to set trends, be seen, and make themselves known to the world.

It is also a very active community for the family and outdoors enthusiasts. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, towering over 2,900 meters above sea level. The Munich Zoo is a popular attraction and houses over 460 species of domestic and exotic animals. It has the distinction of being the first "geo zoo" in the world. Finally, the Isar River is a well-loved target for rafting fans for its natural beauty.

About the Author

Puripong Koomsin is the owner of Travel Europe Guide German Vacation Destinations - Munich

Oktoberfest – Let the Party & Beer Roll!

2006-10-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

Oktoberfest is also known as the Largest People's fair in the World. Generally the event is associated with fun & partying with endless flow of beer. It is an event full of entertainment with music, art & crafts, food and drink throughout the entire weekend. Oktoberfest means “Reason to celebrate” & also it’s known as called "Wiesn” meaning "Meadow" by local Bavarians.

Today it’s the most popular German festival which is also celebrated throughout the world. There are many Oktoberfest celebrations held in countries like Japan & America. The inherent reason for this is that large number for people of German origin and culture live in U.S and Canada, and also fact which can’t be denied that as lot of food, drinking, carnival & other fun activities are involved with this festival so people are quite attracted to join the celebrations.

The origin & history of the event goes long back in time as far as the 19th century in the free state of Bavaria in Germany. The first Oktoberfest took place on October 12th 1810 as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Luitpold I & Princess Theressa of Bavaria. Around 40,000 people of Bavaria were invited on this occasion and the five day long event ended on 17th with a horse race.

The reason for the celebration was two, firstly to thank the Lord for the past year crops & secondly for enjoying the wedding with the people & family of the state. The meadow where the race was held was named as Theresien-Wiese in honor of the princess. So Munich remains the original place where Oktoberfest was traditionally held, but celebration also takes place in other cities and towns. Millions of people visit 64 acre large Theresien-Wiese. Many visitors come from other countries like Italy & from other non-European countries like Japan and Australia. German Oktoberfest has evolved as one of the largest festival arcross the globe as in the world with over six million visitors visiting each year.

Besides the Oktoberfest, there is a second festival which takes place at the same place in April/May called as The Munich Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival), which is also known as "Little Oktoberfest”. In USA also it is held in different cities & places, but the first Oktoberfest in USA was held in La Crosse, Wisconsin on October 13th 1960. In North America, major celebrations take in place in places like Texas, Wisconsin, Helen, Georgia, Newport, Rhode Island, California, New York, North Carolina and Oklahoma. Outside Germany some cities like Ohio & Ontario Canada hosts some of the largest Oktoberfest .The festival starts at noon when the clock of St. Paul's Church in Munich strikes 12 noon. One of the highlights of the festival is the Trachtenfest parade in which thousands of German people participate in their native costumes.

Oktoberfest parties are quite simple & fun to attend. All you need is a stockpile of German beer to go with lip smacking grilled chicken, barbequed fish, and potato salad. Traditional pretzels and mustard are served alongside authentic German grilled sausages. The main German beers served in the festival are Pilsner, Bock, and Weizenbier & Oktoberfest. Pilsner is bitter in taste and also commonly known as “Pils”. Weizenbier is the lightest one among all and Bock is quite strong. Whereas the most popular beer for the festival is Oktoberfest and it is specifically made for the event. Beers are served in mugs known as Oktoberfest beer mugs made from heavy glass and typically have a decorative brewery logo on the side. So this year you should party hard & brew up a whole lotta fun with your friends on this Oktoberfest weekend.

Sean Carter writes on holidays, events and celebrations around the world. He also writes on family, relationships,love and friendship. He is a writer with special interest in online marketing and in the ecard industry. He writes for 123greetings.com

Bayern Munich at Ocktoberfest 2006

2006-10-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Great Video of Munich Footie team hanging out at Ocktoberfest 2006.

Ocktoberfest 2006 Dates

2006-10-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Munich 2006 Oktoberfest runs from Saturday September 16th until Sunday October 1st.

The Tapping of the Keg is @ 12:00 pm sharp and the close at 10 PM on the Last day. So in between...PROST !!!

Oktoberfest 2006 - A Celebration Of German Culture

2006-10-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Oktoberfest is one of the world's great seasonal festivals. It is held every fall in Munich, Bavaria, and in other locations around the world.

The first Oktoberfest started as a series of horse races in honour of the wedding of the Crown Prince of Bavaria in 1810. The horse races became an annual event and were combined with the state agricultural fair the following year. By 1818 the folks were setting up booths and serving food and drink.

By the late 1800s the booths had become large beer halls or tents. And that is the image of Oktoberfest that persists to this day.

The beer tents are still set up each year at Oktoberfest on the Theresienwiese, named in honor of the Crown Prince's bride. Today the Munich festival also features a large midway and fair, and always lots of eating and beer drinking.

This year's Munich Oktoberfest runs from Sept. 21 through October 6, and it is expected that roughly 6 million foreigners will visit the city. They will be there for the non-stop festivities -- "endless rounds of beer, sausages, toasts, dances, parades and oompah bands."

Bavaria is a distinctively Catholic area and carries on the Catholic tradition of celebrating the abundance of the earth with lots of jovial merrymaking, hearty eating, and unrestrained drinking.

Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The world's second largest Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The large German community in the Waterloo County area had been accustomed to celebrating Oktoberfest at their local cultural clubs.

In 1969, some enterprising citizens took the festival, then being held annually at the Concordia Club in Kitchener, out into the community. They saw it as an opportunity to turn it into a civic event that the entire community could share in. It became a uniquely local celebration of the deep German traditions of the area.

Since those first years, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has become the largest Bavarian festival in North America, and hosts the grandest Thanksgiving Day Parade in Canada.

Visitors come from all over North America and around the world to share in the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit. As in Munich, numerous Festhallen (large beer tents) are set up around the community, and the trademark eating, drinking, and celebrating takes place day and night for two weeks.

There are also a growing number of family and cultural events including presentations highlighting German traditions, language, clothing, dancing, music, and cuisine.

About the Author

Rick Hendershot publishes Linknet News

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest

2006-09-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Travelers to Germany during late September and early October are in for an Oktoberfest treat: two solid weeks of beer drinking, revelry and entertainment. For a glimpse into the festivities, as well as some of the history surrounding the event, read on.

Travel Germany: History of Oktoberfest

Even though the event is named for the month afterwards, travelers to Germany’s will notice that Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Originally, the party began on the 12th of October, 1810, with the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event caused such a stir that it just had to happen again the following year! This started the German tradition that travelers from around the world flock to see every year.

In 1818, the celebration was comprised of one carousel and a couple of rides (appropriate for the times). The beer tents didn’t start popping up until 1896, and because Munich was quite a bit smaller than it is today, visitors to the German Oktoberfest had to travel to a large, 31 hectare field known as die Theresienwiese, which was named after the Princess. Locals, however, know the area just as die Wiesn.

Travel Germany: Oktoberfest Today

Oktoberfest in Germany to travelers is a lot like the agricultural fairs elsewhere, complete with rides, merry-go-rounds, a carnival-like atmosphere, food, and, of course, the overflowing amounts of beer available at the 14 Bavarian beer tents. However, German travelers should be aware that the full meal deal agricultural fair, called Zentrallandwirtschaftsfest, is only held every three years. Also, die Theresienwiese now lies within the city limits, so visitors to Germany’s Oktoberfest don’t have to travel so far.

Officially, Oktoberfest starts when Munich’s mayor, known in German as the Oberbürgermeister, taps the first beer keg and yells O'zapft is! (meaning, literally, “it’s tapped!”) at noon on the first Saturday of the event; travelers from around the world come just to see this! And as always in German culture, everything has a name, and this date is no exception; travelers will hear the first day of Oktoberfest called Wiesn-Samstag. Nowadays, the festivities start on a Saturday in September, and end on the first Sunday in October.

Families aren’t left out of the loop either at the festivities; travelers to the German Oktoberfest can attend the two Tuesday afternoon events designated just for families, called Familiennachmittagen. From 12:00 to 6:00 on these days, German travelers can take advantage of special prices for public transportation and entry rates as well.

Since Oktoberfest is held in Munich, the language primarily used is Barisich. Because this Bavarian dialect is a bit strange, travelers to Germany and Germans alike sometimes have a hard time understanding the die bairische Sprache (Bavarian dialect), so it’s a great idea to brush up a bit on your terms before heading to the event. This link will help you learn some of the more familiar words you’ll encounter on your travels to Gemany’s Oktoberfest, as well as Bavarian words used on the streets to help you navigate your journey. http://oktoberfest.sat1.de/en/.

Jean Sutherland is the owner of the informative website http://www.spasoftheworld.com/europe/germany.htm

Munich OktoberFest 2006 September 16

2006-09-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Watch the Opening Day parade at Ocktoberfest in Munich Germany. Thousands of Bavarians dressed in Traditional Costumes.

"München Liebt Dich" & You Will Love It, Too

2006-06-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

The city's new motto, "Munich Loves You," may be a bit commercial, but it is exactly how you will feel from the very moment you find your bags at the airport. It is also not overeagerly presumptuous to say that whoever you are, this Bavarian capital will have you head-over-heels enamored with some or all parts of its eclectic mish-mosh of cultures. There is absolutely something for everyone when you travel to Munich.

Of Germany's major cities, Munich is Berlin's more cosmopolitan sister, with perhaps a bit of an adolescent identity crisis. Throughout history Munich has often taken a different path from the general German way. During the Reformation, Munich remained staunchly committed to the Catholic Church, and while the people enjoyed the flourishing Renaissance period, the Duke marveled in such endeavors as bankrupting those very institutions.

Additionally, Munich's Kingdom of Bavaria maintained its sovereign status from Germany until Ludwig II's notorious habits prompted Germany to fully incorporate the region in 1871. After World War I, Munich was a hotbed of social movements where the Nazi party was capable of growing deep roots and slowly taking hold of government. By 1938, the first concentration camp, Dachau, had been constructed to the north. Visitors to Munich can take a tour of this historic site, which has largely been destroyed but contains memorials and an extensive collection of information on World War II.

When in Munich The best way to experience Munich is to think and act like a local. There are a multitude of wonderful cultural experiences in the center of town that are overlooked by many visitors. Assimilate your way into Bavarian life by attending any one of the superb classical or modern plays at the Residenztheater, a wonderful artistic alternative to the National Theater that is also in the city center. To the northeast, the royal family's summer residence, Nymphenburg Palace, is also a more desirable alternative to the crowded and touristy Residenz in central Marienplatz for its magnificently vast gardens, stables, winter ice-skating, natural history and science museum and open public parks. The palace is open for public viewing year-round as well. At night, pubs and jazz clubs open their doors with generous hospitality to anyone who shows a little respect and appreciation for the German way of life. Veer off the main square to find a meal fit for a Bavarian King and cocktails among chatty natives.

Beyond Beer Gardens in Bavaria Although Munich is home to one of the largest beer gardens in the world, not to mention the famous Oktoberfest, its proximity to Italy, the Alps and the Mediterranean coast makes Munich the ultimate German destination for city travelers. Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy Munch; however, winter in known for its riotous six-week pre-Lent gala of Festivals, Balls and overall indulgence. Even if Munich is just a stop along the way, you may find yourself compelled to drop everything and rewrite your plans!

About the Author

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Munich, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.

Oktoberfest Celebrations Worldwide

2006-05-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

Can't make it to Munich, Germany, to the official 2006 Oktoberfest? Why not check out one of the many other Oktoberfests celebrated around the world. The largest Ocktoberfest outside Germany is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, around the time of Canadian Thanksgiving.

Another large event is held in Cincinnati, Ohio--with over 500,000 visitors during the 2002 Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati. The pseudo-Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington holds Oktoberfest during the first two weeks in October yearly. The city of New Braunfels, Texas also holds an Oktoberfest, as does Addison,Texas; Mount Angel, Oregon; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Panama City, Florida; and the Bavarian-reproduction town of Helen, Georgia.

A huge Oktoberfest is held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau (more than 600,000 visitors in 2004), and many other Brazilian cities founded by Germans have their own Oktoberfest, such as Santa Cruz do Sul (more than 500,000 visitors in 2004), Rolândia, São José do Cedro, Seara and Itapiranga.

In Argentina, a town called Villa General Belgrano in the Córdoba Province has an Oktoberfest that is well-known and the biggest in the country.

Hong Kong has celebrated the Oktoberfest since 1991 and it is organized by the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has celebrated Oktoberfest since 1992 and it is held at the Hotel Equatorial. Not called "Oktoberfest", but very similar in character, is the Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart which starts one week later and is the second largest fair in the world. Smaller beer festivals similar to the Oktoberfest are common in Germany and take place throughout the year in most bigger German cities.

Inspired by a joke on The Simpsons, there is now even a Scottish version called the Scotchtoberfest.

About the Author

Author Bio Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets, an international gourmet chocolate shop. Harmony Sweets' mission focuses on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives, as well as corporate gift-giving. Gourmet chocolate gift baskets and personalized chocolates are also available.

Website: http://www.harmonysweets.com

History of German Beer

2006-05-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Throughout Germany, beer is very popular with the culture. Germany contains well over 1,000 breweries, which is more than any other location in the world. All beer that is manufactured in Germany must follow the purity law, which lets manufacturers know what ingredients can and can't be used. Basically, the only ingredients allowed to make beer in Germany are water, hops, and barley malt.

Due to the strict purity requirements, you can easily notice German beers by their overall level of quality. They have a distinct taste, with little to no after taste. Some styles of German ale include Koelsch, Weizen, and Altbier. Some types of German lagers include Bock, Pilsener, Dunkel, Helles, and Maerzen. Keep in mind that the taste, aroma, and color can vary, although all can be identified as being true German beers.

The German beer Altbier is a very common dark ale, that is top fermented in the lower regions of Germany. The beer proposes a yellow color, with a taste that is rich in hops. Another ale, Rauchbier, is known to have a smoky flavor with a smoked color. These beers taste great, and happen to be very popular throughout the regions of Germany.

German lagers are also very popular, and happen to be popular in other areas of the world as well. Pilsener is one of the most popular and most familiar of all German beers, providing you with more hops and less malt. Pilsener can be found for sale all over the world, and happens to be very popular throughout North America as well. Several bars serve it as well, as it happens to be one of the most popular dark lagers out there.

Throughout Germany, there are several different companies, produce over 4,000 different brands of beers. Some of the more well known and larger companies of north Germany are Beck, St. Pauli, Warsteiner, and Krombach. In the southern region of Germany, there are more breweries, although most of them are smaller, as they are locally owned and operated. Southern Germany also contains the Benedictine Abbey, which is one of the oldest breweries in the world. This brewery started producing beer in 1040 - very impressive indeed!

Germany is also home to Oktoberfest, which is held every year in Munich. Oktoberfest starts in late September and carries on for two weeks, ending in early October. During Oktoberfest, beer drinkers from all over the world will travel to Germany and celebrate German beers. Each and every year, over 5 million people attend the event, making it one of the biggest beer celebrations in the world.

During Oktoberfest, local breweries in Munich are the only breweries allowed to serve beer in the bigger tents. There are six breweries in total, producing a variety of different beers. By attending this yearly event, you can learn more about German beer, sample the different varieties, and enjoy the rich bold flavors that make German beer so very popular.

Due to the success Oktoberfest gets each and every year, other cities around the world try and mimic this event. Even though they have success, their level of success isn't near as much as the original Oktoberfest - Germany. German beers are very popular around the world, with Oktoberfest helping to prove that very claim. If you drink beer but have never experienced what beers from Germany have to offer, you really should give them a try. Once you do, you will quickly realize why German beers are so very popular - and why the taste simply cannot be duplicated with any other beer.

About the Author

Carl Hoffman has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience. He has many online ventures and author of many articles on sales, leadership and marketing, food and cooking.

Visit him at http://www.hoffyskitchen.com and http://www.cehoffman.com

Oktoberfest

2006-04-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Prost!

Blatt that tuba, blare that trumpet

Swing that tune, beat it! jump it!

A German band can get your heart bumping,

Your fingers tapping, your two feet stomping.

I know that song! My grandfather sang it!

In the German chorus where he rang it.

Play another one! Don't let them rest!

I'll meet you at the Octoberfest!

The History Of Oktoberfest

2006-04-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

The first Oktoberfest was held on Ocotber 12, 1810, in Munich to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Maria Teresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields have been named Theresienwiese - Theresa's fields - in honor of the Crown Princess ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n". Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest. The festival was dedicated to the fall harvest and to the Regions most famous product, beer. Tradesman and merchants came throughout Germany to join in the merry-making. They examined the crops, sang songs, danced and sampled the first beer of the season. The celebration was such a success that Ludwig issued a royal Decree making October festival time in Munich. The horse races, which were the oldest and - at one time - the most popular event of the festival are no longer held today. But the Agricultural Show is still held every three years during the Oktoberfest on the southern part of the festival grounds.

In the first few decades the choice of amusements was sparse. The first carousel and two swings were set up in 1818. Visitors were able to quench their thirst at small beer stands which grew rapidly in number. In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and halls set up by enterprising landlords with the backing of the breweries.

Ocktoberfest Today

Oktoberfest 2006 celebrates it's 173nd year. Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world, with 6 million visitors from around the world attending the Munich Oktoberfest each year. Each year, these attendees consume more than 5 million liters of beer and over 200,000 pork sausages, as well as large quantities of traditional hearty fare such as sausage, hendl (chicken) and sauerkraut, along with such Bavarian delicacies as roast ox tails.

Only six Munich breweries are allowed to serve beer at Oktoberfest – Löwenbräu, Spaten, Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. Each Bierzelte (beer "tents") hold some 3,000–10,000 people. There are currently 14 main tents at the Oktoberfest. A special Oktoberfest beer is brewed for the occasion which is slightly darker and stronger, in both taste and alcohol.

The festivities are accompanied by a program of events, including the Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Costume and Riflemen's Procession, and a concert involving all the brass bands represented at the "Wies'n".

And since the Oktoberfest is still held on the Theresienwiese, the locals still refer to the event simply as the "Wies'n". So "welcome to the Wies'n" means nothing other than "Welcome to the Oktoberfest"!

About the Author:

Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets. Harmony Sweets’ mission focuses on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives and corporate gifting, all with best-in-class customer service. Website: http://www.harmonysweets.com

Oktoberfest 2006 Reservations

2006-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Reserving a table at Munich's Oktoberfest can be an adventure. For one thing it's already kinda late to reserve for 2005. The weekends get booked up to a year in advance. There is an obligatory amount of beers and chickens to be purchased in order to guarantee your Oktoberfest Reservation. It's best to check out the official Oktoberfest website.

http://www.oktoberfest.de.

A few of the less touristy beer tents I prefer are the Schützenzelt, Hippodrom, Kaefer, Nymphenburger...... I just reserved may tables this week they only had sunday afternoon, sunday evening and monday evening left. if you book now you'll get a table for a saturday in 2006, but it's much better to reserve than trying to chance upon a space for 16 people...... Remember that you will have to book in blocks of 10 so it is sometimes a good idea to either buy space from someone else or to share a block application with someone you know.

Oktoberfest 2006 Dates

2006-01-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

The Munich 2006 Oktoberfest runs from Saturday September 16th until Sunday October 1st. Get your reservation in now, before it's too late...

Entire Blog Erased !

2006-01-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry Guys,

Not sure what happened but google erased my entire blog. Log in to my blogger account and shows no blogs ? I'll post more when I know more. I hope it's not 2 years of work down the drain...

Cheers,
Beer Lover

Ocktoberfest 2005

2006-01-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Mass of People at Oktoberfest 2005. Most people don't realize that there are roller coasters, ferris wheels, etc.... Googd to ride before you start binge drinking !

Oktoberfest in Munich - The World's Biggest Party

2005-10-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

What lures us die-hard Oktoberfest fans to Munich each and every year without fail? Why do we come back again and again to re-experience the world’s largest festival?

Is it the beer? For sure, it’s probably the best in the world. No preservatives, no chemicals, just lots and lots of pure unadulterated water, hops and yeast resulting in double the taste (and alcohol content) of a typical beer. It’s smooth. It’s flavorful. It’s wickedly deceptive in its ability to seduce you. One sip and you’re powerless to halt its consumption.

This drug-like concoction is served up by full-bosomed waitresses with elongated arms that cradle up to two-dozen liter steins of beer. They seem to defy the laws of physics by carrying more beer than their body weight. Their bosoms must somehow stabilize their cargo. I haven’t seen one topple yet.

As an added bonus, the hangovers seem less thunderous. Maybe it’s because of the purity of the brew. Then again, maybe it’s because the consumption starts up the next day before your brain has a chance to register the carnage from the day before.

Is it the food? Ooh the food. Fat aside, its appeal will bring tears to your eyes. Forget the calories, forget the cholesterol and forget about the numerous animals that have given up their lives for your gluttony. There’s the delectable ‘rubber eagles’, seasoned whole chickens broiled in their own juices as they rotate over and over before your adoring eyes. Then there are the delicious sausages, the sauerkraut that isn’t actually sour, the sauerbraten in gravy, the shwein-hoxen covered in a layers of hardened broiled fat, the radishes that uncoil like slinkies, the fragrant cheeses and the numerous sugary convections. All are designed to please your taste buds and lay waste to your wardrobe.

Is it the camaraderie? Maybe. Where else can you find six million people from all reaches of the globe united in blissful rejoicing uninhibited by language, politics, personalities or decorum. Standing on chairs and tables, raising mammoth beers, swaying and dancing to oom-pah-pah music and ancient American rock songs seems to unite cultures more than any United Nations assembly ever could. Forget about terrorism, Iraq, Afghanistan, and all the idiocies that drive a wedge between our varied cultures. Ein beer, zwei beer, drei beer and all is forgotten. We all become long lost friends forever or at least for the moment.

Is it the traditions, the parade of floats, beer wagons and costumed Bavarians parading into the Oktoberfest grounds? The children, the parents and the grandparents all wearing clothing and playing music originated by their ancestors makes us all long to be part of the festivities.

How about the beer halls and gardens, the glockenspiels, the magnificent castles and palaces, the obsessive cleanliness, the green parks, and the efficient U-bahn and S-bahns that effortlessly wisk you from one corner of Munich to another? They all to add to the magic of a culture innocently preserved from generation to generation, changed, but not spoiled by the twenty first century.

They all blend together to provide an experience unequaled by any other. A reality enhanced by consumption of good frothy beer and fabulous food, friendships that ignore borders and traditions never forgotten all seem to compel you to return time and time again to this wonderful magical land.
I am a successful semi-retired finance/management executive and real estate investor who achieved financial independence by the age of 35. I have subsequently spent the last 17 years managing my investments and traveling extensively around the world.

I have tried to help others by writing on topics including meditation, stress management, personal money management and financial and travel possibilities. I have self published a book on meditation and am in the process of writing other books on mediation/stress reduction and financial opportunities.

I have been fortunate enough to have the time to explore alternative lifestyles and to discover ways for ordinary people to physically, spiritually and financially improve their lives.

http://www.beanopportunist.com

Munich Germany -- 10 Insider Tips

2005-10-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Munich Germany is a city in the state Bavaria. Would you like to know what the real interesting sights in Munich Germany are? I will tell you 10 of my good ones.

If you would like to know something about the city and its history, visit my website for information about that. In this article I will let you know of 10 insider tips of this German city -– short and sweet –- so that you can print them out and easily scour the sights.

First, once you arrive in the city, go to the tourist information office. It is located at Munich Germany main station (outside) or at Marienplatz (downtown).

Also, since you already know that this city is venue of the well-known Oktoberfest, there is actually no need for me to tell you anything about that, right?

Now, shall we get started? Great! :-)

TOP 10 Bars and Restaurants

1. An absolute must-see and must-experience is the "Hundskugel" (Dogs Ball) located in Hotterstrasse in old town. This is Munich's oldest house which has the perfect ambience for original Bavarian food (e.g. "Schweinshaxe" -- knuckle of pork). Quite frankly, once you were here, your friends will become envious you were there without them.

2. The "Schuhbecks in den Suedtiroler Stuben" (Schubecks in the South Tyrol Rooms) is a tavern with notable factor. They serve original Bavarian cuisine in high quality. It is located at "Platzl" in old town.

3. Another excellent restaurant with original Bavarian cuisine is "Gasthaus Beim Sedlmayr" (Tavern by Sedlmayr). The funny and happy waiters make your time even more glamorous and jollier. Their menu has "all you ever need" once you are in Munich.

4. The "Haxnbauer im Scholastikahaus" (sorry, I'm not able to translate that yet...;-), located next to Marienplatz in Sparkassenstrasse, inspires visitors to stay longer than they might want once they enter. It's just amazing, old woody walls and tables, smelling beer and meat, just unforgettable.

5. If you are looking for a chance to see famous football stars and actors, you have to go to the noble P1. I must admit it is not easy to enter this exceptional bar, but definitely worth more than one try. You will find it in Prinzregentenstrasse. The location is, however, quite hidden. Only a small sign beside stairs refers to the legendary club discotheque. Tip: It might be a bit easier if you go in as a couple.

Sightseeing and culture

6. Stroll along Ludwigstrasse. Ludwig I. underlined the royal Munich with this classicistic boulevard. As a road of sciences, the Ludwigstrasse (Ludwigstreet) is one of the most monumental and most generous roads created in the 19th century. The monument of king Ludwig I on Odeonsplatz, created by Max Widmann, reminds of the owners and name giver who had to withdraw in 1848 after the Lola Montez affair.

7. The Maximilianstrasse (Maximilian Street) spreads still old flair while strolling through this historical street. With museums and theatres, galleries and numerous exclusive shops, this splendour road certainly belongs to the most distinguished addresses of Munich Germany.

8. Are you art and historical interested? Then walk along the Prinzregentenstrasse (Prince Regent Road). It is considered as museum mile. Prince Regent Luitpold let put on this avenue road at the end of the 19th century.

9. The Englischer Garten (English Gardens) is Munich Germany's famous 900-acre park. It is actually starting in the heart of the city and transitioning into the countryside. The park offers shaded paths for walking and cycling in summer and picturesque frozen lakes in winter. In addition, it contains four beer gardens (Chinesischer Turm, Seehaus, Hirschau, Aumeister), whose invite to stay long after sunset.

10. Marienplatz is world-wide well-known with the "new" Neo-Gothic City Hall and its "Gingle Bells" sounds. Acutally a huge square with some interesting taverns. Visit http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/munich.html for additional information and images.

By the way, from Munich Germany's main station, it is a quite short way to downtown and old town -- just a few minutes walk.

Enjoy your trip!

All the best,
Marcus Hochstadt
© Copyright www.smart-travel-germany.com All Rights Reserved

When is Ocktoberfest 2005 ?

2005-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 17th, the Schottenhamel tent is where you want to be, to be apart of the official keg tapping ceremonies. At noon on the 17th of september, the mayor of Munich has the priveledge of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Once the barrel has been tapped, all visitors will then be allowed to partake in the worlds largest party. It pays to arrive early in order to experience everything up close, it’s not uncommon to see vistors standing at the front gate @ 9am to secure good seats. The Octoberfest festival will last until Monday October 3, 2005 @ 6PM.

Beer Serving Hours
Weekdays: 10am - 10:30pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 9am - 10:30pm

Daily Tent Closing Time: 11:30pm
The "Käfer Wiesn-Schänke" and the "Weinzelt" are open until 1am. Last call for alcohol: 12:15am.

The beer price will range between 6.65 and 7.10 Euros per litre.

There are 14 “Big Tents” on the festival grounds, here’s a link to a map and individual information about each one. http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/03/

Once you arrive at the Oktoberfest, you must pick a tent in which to imbibe. Where you go depends on what kind of atmosphere you want. The rowdiest and most tourist-filled tent is usually Hofbrau.

The trendiest, hippest tent is the Hippodrom, where celebrities and other VIPs come to drink. This tent also has a younger crowd, with more singles (you get the picture). The beer is Spaten Brau (although if you are a VIP, you may be drinking champagne).

Had enough of beer? A tent with a good wine selection is the Weinzelt. This tent is smaller than most, with a capacity of 1,300. It has a more subdued atmosphere, and is open until 1:00 am. The Weinzelt is also known, like the Hippodrom, for attracting famous guests
In order to be served a beer at the Oktoberfest, you must be seated! This can be a problem if you arrive late, especially on a weekend, or in the early days of the fest. On weekends, you need to get there as early as you can. On weekdays, it would be good to have seats by 3:00 or 4:00 pm, before the locals get off work and come out for an evening of beering!

Oktoberfest Tips:

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The first week of the Oktoberfest is heaving with tourists, if you want a more “local experience” go for the second week and party with the Bavarians!

The beautiful north. Take Busabout through the north and start the party in incredible capitol cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague and Vienna en route, the take the Beerfest express back to Paris after the festival.
Ultimate diversity. After you’ve had a gut full of beer carry on your travels to the magical city on Venice, put in some chill-out time on the beaches of the French Riviera from Nice, and finally go play in the snow at the top of the Jungfraujoch in the adventure capitol of the Swiss Alps in Lauterbrunnen. It doesn’t get any better than this!