The Real Oktoberfest: Plus Tips for Your Own Trip

Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest in the world - beer and Fall festival. Drawing about 8 MILLION visitors every year over the three week period at the end of September, and this year we returned to our favorite German city to experience it.

We made it a point to leave early on Monday morning so we avoided all the crowds found in the evenings and afternoons. So, still dark out, rain coming down, we made our way to Munich for all the fun.

Oktoberfest is definitely something you should try to do if you find yourself in Germany while it's going on.

There is so much to see and do. The grounds are HUGE!!! I've never really seen anything like it before. Sure Stuttgart's Spring Festival was large, but Oktoberfest, was massive.

Everything is decorated to the nines. Not a single place was left untouched on the grounds

In most places the rain coming down, would stop people from attending. Not here. Cold - we are talking 55 degrees - and rain and the people still were coming in large groups from the metro station.

Look at this weather though. You would not guess it was just after ten in the morning.

Every stall and beer tent was over the top with festive wear. The amount of time it must take to decorate for this three week event is crazy. People must work around the clock to get this all together.

We got there at opening for the day, which for us (and anyone going without an actual plan) was a good call. It allowed us the time to walk around and see everything and still get a seat in one of the tents, which later in the day is no small feat. We saw all the reserved signs placed out for 2 PM till closing.

Inside one of the tents. We didn't get to see inside many others, but I can only imagine the decor they had as well.

There's the Hubby being adorable.

I cannot get over how large the beer mugs are here in Germany. The women are so talented, we saw one carrying almost ten mugs in one trip with no tray. TEN!!! How crazy is that!?

And of course my favorite thing:

The Ferris Wheel!!!

At every German festival, you can find these stands filled with gingerbread.

We had a fantastic time and you can bet we will be back next year and we may even come on a weekend to get the whole experience.

If you are planning your own trip to Oktoberfest, I created a short list of tips to help it run smoothly.

• If you are driving, a great place to park is at Fröttmaning Park and Ride
• The U6, which will take you there directly (no changes needed) is located on the ground level of this garage.
• We paid only 1€ for three hours of parking, so it is a great choice
• The metro in Munich is very user friendly. You will purchase your tickets at a kiosk (many language options) and then validate it on your way down the stairs to the stop.
• For 12€ per adult you get a ticket that is good from the time it is validated till 6 AM the following day for all metro lines
• A great option for seeing Munich as well as Oktoberfest
• At 13 stops you have arrived at Oktoberfest
• If you go Monday-Thursday in the morning (opening is 10 AM). You will have no problem snagging a table in any tent.
• Factor about 30 to 40€ per person for beer and food within the tents
• Be sure to bring extra money along for the rides, food stalls, and shopping (Oktoberfest like Disney World has tons of merchandise and official designed items for the year)

Also for anyone with children, it is more than kid friendly. Children are allowed in all the tents, plus tons of rides and games to entertain them. It may be a beer festival but it is a family affair for sure. There are even discounted days for children during Oktoberfest.

Have a great day everyone!!!

City Tripping
 Monday Escapes
 Wanderful Wednesdays

Life's a Beach

I never fully understood why my Mom loved the beach so much. Sure it is beautiful but I never fully got it till we went to the lake.

Mom, I get it now. As a mostly adulting adult, I fully understand it. It's like being on vacation without really actually being on vacation. I have seen the light.

To round out the most vacation like weekend ever we set out for the beach. I had spent several days prior to the weekend, researching beaches and trying to find the best one for us. With Lake Constance not too far from us an Germany occupying 160 miles of it's coast, it was a pretty long search.

Strandbad, proved to be the best choice for us. Plenty of space, an area to take kayaks and paddle boards out, - not that that applied to us this trip - and a beach bar on sight. That sold me right there.

This was the easiest drive we have ever taken. We got on the autobahn, drove for an hour, exited, and drove till we saw the Strandbad sign. Simple right?

Oh and the most amazing thing about this location? Across the street from the parking area was tons of fruit stands. Hog heaven for sure. 

We are now just waiting for another off day with great weather - it was 90 degrees and cool refreshing lake water - to make our next trip. Still a month and a half of summer to enjoy.

So relaxing and the perfect end to our weekend. Festivals, adventure, and the beach. All the makings of a great vacation and we got to do it all without going too far from home.

Get the rest of our weekend recap:

Stuttgart

Mörsdorf

Heidelberg

Summertime in Heidelberg

After our time in Mörsdorf, we made our way down to Heidelberg to experience one of their three major firework shows this summer. 

Every year this little town, basks it's castle ruins in flame like lighting to commemorate the sacking of the town by Louis XIV. After which the fireworks begin recalling just over 400 years ago when Friedrich V brought his lovely new bride from England back to Germany. 

Can you imagine? Your anniversary is still celebrated 400 years later... So romantic.

Heidelberg will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first place we ever went once I arrived here in Germany. I was so excited to come back and get to see it again in the summertime and experience such a historic event for them.

How can you not fall in love with that view?

These people had the best spot for firework viewing no doubt.

Of course another stop at the lovely Kornmarkt. This was my favorite place on our first visit. Not as many people as the main square and adorable architecture.

I take it back THEY have the best spot to watch the fireworks.

Our first castle tour... Don't you just love this place?

Before the show we decided to stop for dinner. Off the main area is this wonderful Irish pub. The food was amazing. Easily one of the best burgers I have had recently. I really wanted the full breakfast, but hey maybe next time.

Blurry, but you can get an idea of the deliciousness and size.

Most of the photos didn't come out well, but I though this one had something special about it so I had to share it.

We had a fantastic time exploring two awesome sights within Germany with new friends.

Illumination, we will see you again next summer.

If you missed the first half of our Saturday, you find it HERE.

For more on Heidelberg, you can go HERE.

Flying High in Mörsdorf

If you follow along on Instagram, you may have seen what we were up to this weekend. Now it is time for some summer weekend recap.

On my super long list of summer fun, I added a little bit of heart pounding fun. In the quiet town of Mörsdorf, Germany there is an adventure lover's dream hiding away. Late last year this sleepy town, opened up Geierlay Bridge; the longest suspension bridge in all of Germany. At 330 feet high, the views off this bridge cannot be beat.

By no means am I fearless, my fear of heights is directly proportionate to how safe I view the activity.

Fly and roller coasters?

No problem.

This bridge?

Slight problem.

The drive to find this tiny little section of Germany is an adventure all its own, filled with fantastic country side. When I saw this place is in the middle of no where, I really mean it. No cell service, car park is almost 2 km back, along with all the signs of civilization - like toilets. All that in mind though, it was so amazing to totally unplug from my phone - that baby is almost always attached to my hand.

Shaking Standing on the bridge, taking it all in was so relaxing. Even if you don't go on the bridge - plenty of benches over looking the bridge and the views - it's worth the trek to the Shire, just to feel that peace settle over you.

Now, are you ready for those awesome views I was talking about?

 Such a precious church on the street corner. It had maybe six pews inside.

This was someone's pool!!! The had the most beautiful home and gardens. Who has stained glass windows on their house!? I wanted to knock on their door so I could see the inside. 

Can I move in?

Finally back in the woods. 

The closest I got to the edge the whole time.

Don't the boys look so excited to have their picture taken?

A tiny currywurst stand tucked away on the walk back. The best was still in Salzburg, Austria but still yummy.

After our adventuring and time in nature we headed of the wonderful town of Heidelberg. This was the first place James and I ever went in Germany and I was so excited to see this adorable town again. This time we were here for one of the three firework shows they do every summer. Come back Saturday to read all about our second time in Heidelberg and their amazing show.

Till next time,