Munich—Welcome to Bavaria

The capital of the ancient and proud European region of Bavaria, Munich is so different from the rest of modern Germany that its natives hardly consider themselves Germans. Until the early 20^th century, Bavaria retained its identity and rights as a monarchy, and even to this day it’s almost like a different country. It has its own constitution, a strong sense of native pride, and some unique cultural distinctions from the rest of Germany. In Munich, this evinces itself in the structures, the clothing, the food, and the layout of the city. Bavarian pride is at its height during Oktoberfest, but it powers the city year round, and gives a unique identity.

To appreciate some of Munich’s distinctive architecture, head straight to Marienplatz, the commercial center of the city since knights used to fight exhibition tournaments there in medieval times. The centerpoint of the square is the Mariensäule (Marien’s Column) erected in 1632. Twice a day at 11 AM and noon (or more frequently during high season), crowds gather to gawk as the giant Glockenspiel cuckoo clock bursts into a loud mechanized spectacle, with little figurines reenacting famous scenes in Munich’s history. After about 15 minutes, the show ends with all 40+ bells chiming different tunes in tandem.

Oktoberfest

There is perhaps nothing that better epitomizes the perception of German and Bavarian cultures as that of Oktoberfest. Each year nearly eight million people flock to the event, which is a huge part of the culture of this region and often conjures up visions of beautiful beer maids skillfully hoisting enormous jugs of foamy beer. An estimated one million gallons are guzzled during the course of the event. Given this fact, it’s not surprising that Oktoberfest has more than its fair share of "Bierleichen" (meaning “beer corpses”), or folks who tipped back a few too many. Be careful not to become one yourself.

Photo Credit: Munich (Michael Nagy/Munich Tourist Office)

Oktoberfest in Munich: Six Million Exuberant Beer Lovers

Each year, more than six million exuberant beer lovers pack Munich’s streets for Oktoberfest, the world’s largest public festival, which began last Saturday and continues until October 7. Besides overflowing Maßs of beer, veal sausage, whole-roasted chicken, and Lederhosen-clad men and Dirndl-donned women will be a familiar sight by the time you stumble out of this rowdy bacchanalia of Bavarian brews and culture.

Photo Credit: Marienplatz Square, Munich (Photodisc)