Recently, I’ve been finding myself ever more weary of London life. The constant cacophony of screeching trains, beeping horns and angry commuters has been gradually grinding me down, and I’ve been longing to get back to the calm of nature. A long weekend spent exploring Alpine mountains, ancient forests and crystal lakes, hopefully with a sprinkling of snow to dust it all off.
So for my 26th birthday back in December, I decided to take some time off for myself and go in search of the Winter Winterland I was dreaming of.
And where better to look than in German Bavaria?
After a very early morning flight, we touched down in the first stop of our Bavarian adventure: Munich.
Of course number one on my list had to be indulging in the festivities of a Bavarian Christmas market.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to look too far!
Lying at the foot of the grand Gothic New Town Hall, the Marienplatz Christmas market is the largest in Munich. Lined with row upon row of wooden Alpine huts, you’re spoilt for choice with a huge variety of sparkling Christmas decorations and hand-made stocking-fillers, while ginormous wheels of cheese and luxurious chocolates are sure to tempt.
As the biggest market, it’s also the most popular, and the bustling crowds can sometimes get a bit overwhelming. But no problem, just grab yourself a mug of steaming Glühwein and a freshly-grilled Bratwurst, find yourself a table to lean on, and settle down to soak in the festive atmosphere.
With the sun starting to set and the air starting to chill, we set off in search of somewhere a bit warmer, a bit cozier, a bit merrier…
And you won’t get much merrier than the Hofbräuhaus!
The most famous beer hall in Munich, and arguably the world, the Hofbräuhaus was established in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria as the official Royal Brewery, making it the oldest beer hall in Munich. However, it’s history hasn’t always been one big party, being the location of Adolf Hitler’s first anti-Semitic speech to the National Socialists in 1920. This would of course later go on to pave the way towards WWII and the Holocaust, during which the hall continued to be used as the venue to celebrate the anniversary of the Nazis, before it was partly destroyed in the city bombings.
Thankfully, some of the hall was saved, and the Hofbräuhaus has returned to its former glory, being synonymous with the cheerful celebrations and animated atmosphere of beer-swigging revellers and the legendary Oktoberfest.
With the booming notes of a live Oompah band, the raucous laughter of thousands of visitors, and the sight of Lederhosen and Dirndl-clad staff dishing out Stein upon Stein upon Stein, it’s the perfect place for strangers and friends to come together and lose their inhibitions.
It might take a while to find yourself a seat, but don’t be shy. If you spot a space on one of the many long wooden tables, invite yourself in to join your new friends for the next couple of hours. After all, everyone’s here for a good time!
And don’t forget to line that stomach with a pretzel as big as your head!
Bellies full and spirits high, we retired for the night, ready to sleep off the beer and looking forward to heading into the mountains for the rest of our Bavarian adventure…
