Isar River north of Munich, Germany by Florian Schütz

About Munich

Munich’s 1.3 million population is the 3rd largest in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. It is the capital of Bavaria a free state within Germany. Munich sits at the bottom of the Bavarian Alps and is positioned on the Isar River (pictured above). Germany has had a considerably large amount of economic success in the post-wars years which has helped the city grow into the most popular tourist destination in Germany.

Its economic success has been helped by huge businesses like BMW originating from there; Munich is a high-tech city. Known not just for its beer festivals it is a hub for business. Munich has a great and a spirited night-life with a large number of night clubs and the tradition of drinking beer making everywhere a place to buy alcohol. The city has a sparkling artistic community and opera, theatre, dance and popular music flourishes in Munich where you will find musician’s performing everywhere.

National Theatre, Munich, Germany by Andreas Praefcke

What to do in Munich

As said above the night-life in Munich is full of music, entertainment from clubs to opera to theatre. Indulge yourself in the great brewing tradition of the city and enjoy a beer and give your taste buds a treat with a Weisswurst, a German delicacy, a white sausage traditionally served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.

Why not visit one of the football teams in Munich, Bayern Munich, TSV 1860 and SpVgg Unterhaching all apply their trade in the city of Munich in the Bundesliga. Visit the Allianz Arena (home of Bayern Munich) a huge stadium with a capacity of 71, 137 seats (pictured below). The Munich club are the most successful in German history and a visit to the Stadium would be great for any follower of football or architecture.

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany by Mattes

Munich is a large cultural city and many composers have emerged from the city such as Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Orlando di Lasso amongst others. The city still contributes to the modern music theatre and have theatres to visit in the city such as the Deutsche Theater, which is Germany’s largest theatre for guest performances.

One of the oldest Science museums in the world is located in Munich, the Deutsches Museum or German Museum which is found on an island in the River Isar. Munich also has several coveted art galleries such as the Neue Pinakothek and the Alte Pinakothek.

The home of BMW is in Munich and a visit would be great for any lovers of cars and for those who love sport the BMW headquarters is located next to the Olympic Park.

BMW Head Quarters in Munich Germany by Cccc3333

Conclusion

In conclusion the city of Munich is one of the best cities in the world and you won’t run out of things to see and do. When in this marvellous city, make sure you get a hire car, get lost in the culture of beer and sausages, and enjoy the parties, festivals and night-life. Visit a Stadium such as the Allianz Arena or the Olympic stadium.

For those who are looking for a more cultural aspect visit the theatres and museums, Munich really has something for everyone.

The post Fun Things To Do During A Weekend Break In Munich, Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.

Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to explore Europe, as there are so many stunning vistas which can be viewed by car as you make your way through this diverse landscape. The size and proximity of the different nations of Europe means that you can be in a totally different country in a matter of hours. From the rugged coastline of Scotland to the snowy mountains of Germany to the sun soaked villages of Italy, here are a few of the best road trips to enjoy throughout Europe.

Scotland’s Western Highlands

Start from the historic city of Edinburgh and take a 250 mile drive through winding roads and green countryside to the Isle of Skye. There are plenty of great historical sites to stop at on this scenic road trip, such as Linlithgow Place, Eilean Donan Castle, Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument and Fort William’s West Highland Museum. The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful, from rolling hills to tranquil Lochs to rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops.

If you get hungry along the way you can stop and enjoy some fresh seafood along the coast, such as oysters, scallops and mussels. Keep your eyes peeled because out the window you could spot seals, otters, foxes, deer, and birds.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland, UK by the Starling 2011

The Alpine Road, Germany

This route starts at the island town of Lindau located on Lake Constance and will take you 300 miles along the edge of the Bavarian Alps. The route twists and turns through picturesque small towns and villages, green alpine meadows, ancient forests, snowy mountain peaks, and fairy-tale castles giving you a fantastic taste of classic European scenery.

Lindau harbor, Lake Constance, Germany by Cody

The Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

This is a stunning drive through one of the most beautiful areas of Europe. Mountains overlook the clear glistening blue sea and stone churches are perched on the hills above villages of brightly coloured houses. The road winds slowly around the coast and takes you through hidden coves and sun soaked lemon groves. Anywhere you stop you will be treated to rich and flavorful Mediterranean food and friendly smiles from the locals, as well as soft sandy beaches. Be sure to take it slow, as you will want to stop multiple times to take the camera out and capture the amazing view.

Amalfi coast, Italy by Jenny

The Transfagarasan Mountain Road, Romania

This road in the mountains of Romania is thought to be one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It is 56 miles long and runs through the Fagaras Mountains which are part of the Transylvanian Alps. Host Jeremy Clarkson of the television show Top Gear claims that the Transfagarasan is the best road in the world.

This windy mountain road is filled with hairpin turns and challenging twists, so the maximum speed is 25 miles per hour. The road is only open from June to October because in the winter it is blocked by snow. On the way, you can even stop at the castle of Vlad III the Impaler, whom Bram Stoker based the character of Dracula on. You can also see Balea Lake, which is a glacier lake with cold, clear, icy water surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.

The Transfagarasan Mountain Road, Romania by Cristian Bortes

These are just a few of the most amazing road trips throughout Europe, but there are many more. Next time you have a weekend or a few days to get away, grab the steering wheel, put some music on the stereo and get out there on the open road!

Before you head out on the open road and enjoy one of these amazing European road trips, be sure to get some cheap car insurance so that you are protected no matter what happens along the way.

The post Ready for Adventure: The Best Road Trips in Europe appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by sacratomato_hr

Oberstdorf is the gateway to the five ski areas (Nebelhorn, Söllereck, Fellhorn / Kanzelwand, Ifen, Walmendingerhorn) which together have “only” 50 km of slopes, but this may just be ideal for a long weekend.

Right above the city rises 2224 metres high mountain of Nebelhorn with the skiing season lasting until May. It is a good place for snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts. On the other side, six kilometers from the city you can get into the main and largest site of Fellhorn / Kanzelwand that overflows to the Austrian valley Kleinwalsertal. It offers a nice mix of shorter and longer rugged trails with modern comfortable lifts.

Söllereck and Ifen offers rather easier descents and are suitable especially for families with children. The smallest of the local centres is Walmendingerhorn primarily offering a unique experience of skiing in deep snow.

Oberstdorf is naturally very attractive, from Nebelhorn you can enjoy amazing views of 400 Alpine peaks.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by BildSpracheundCo.de

Fares are different in each of five centres, e.g. one-day ski pass to Nebelhorn will cost €37.50 for adults and €14 for children. In the centre of Ifen you will pay €32 for adults and €14 for children.

Oberstdorf ski resort offers all kinds of services at the highest level including spa and wellness activities, rich cultural program and great restaurants and bars. Right on the slopes you will find children’s areas, fun parks, several snowboard parks and a range of extreme sports. Practically under each lift you will find parking place, but you can travel by skibus for free. In addition, a resort offers the longest downhill slope in Germany.

View Oberstdorf – south-Bavarian hiking and skiing resort in Germany in a larger map

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