Tag

Germany

Beer Festivals, Craft Beer Travel, Europe, Travel

Things to Know When Attending Starkbierfest in Munich

Thinking of planning a trip this fall to Munich to attend Oktoberfest? If it’s an authentic German festival you’re after, then I’d recommend thinking again. It’s true that Oktoberfest may be one of the world’s largest parties with over 6 million people in attendance over the 16-day event. However, how many of those people do you think are actually German? Not as many as you’d believe. Instead, consider attending Starkbierfest, Munich’s lesser-known…

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Europe, Travel

48 Hours in Munich

As an avid traveler, I’m often asked if I can spend this weekend anywhere in the world, where would it be? The answer is easy. I’d love to spend 48 hours in Munich. From the beer gardens to the food to the history to the beer halls (yeah, I said beer twice), Munich has a laid-back atmosphere with just enough culture to appeal to the nerd in me. A little sightseeing mixes nicely…

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Eating, Europe, Food, Travel

A Romance with Bavarian Food

It was a brisk early spring evening in Munich.  So early that the trees were yet bare.  Still, Munchens flung to the streets to celebrate this first break in weather.  The beer gardens and sidewalk cafes teamed with life and laughter.  We commandeered a table for two on the sidewalk in front of Paulaner Im Tal.  The waiter noticed us from across the sidewalk and asked if we wanted two beers.  We…

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Craft Beer Travel, Europe, Travel

A Toast to Bavarian Beer Culture and Oktoberfest

This toast is to you, dear Bavarian, and your strong beer culture.   Where beer drinking is not simply a past time, or a binge that college students partake in on weekends, or an act old men perform on riding lawn mowers wearing running shorts and worn-out V-neck t-shirts. No, dear Bavaria, you have proudly integrated beer drinking into your way of life, to the accolades of beer connoisseurs worldwide.     Yes, my esteemed Bavaria,…

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Beercation Itineraries, Craft Beer Travel, Europe, Travel

Bamberg Beercation: A Self-Guided Bamberg Beer Tour

I couldn’t possibly venture to Bamberg, Germany without making a mention of its significant brewing tradition.  In fact, a mention wouldn’t do Bamberg justice.  This little city’s contribution to the beer world merits an entire post.  Secretly, it was the main reason why I wanted to visit – to go on a self-guided Bamberg beer tour. UNESCO World Heritage Site aside, this town of 70,000 boasts 9 breweries brewing 50 unique beers. …

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Europe, Travel

Bamberg Travel Guide

The brewery heavy medieval town of Bamberg, Germany draws both history buffs and beer pilgrimas alike as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are ten breweries in town with 300 plus in the surrounding countryside. My Bamberg travel guide will help you find the best things to see, do, and drink in Bamberg. As traveled as Bamberg is, there is little found about the city in the guide books. What we did find was in Lonely…

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Beer Festivals, Craft Beer Travel, Europe, Travel

Starkbierfest, Munich – Let the Debauchery Begin

By happenstance, we stumbled into Munich for Starkbierfest – Munich’s secret beer festival First, let me start by explaining what Starkbierfest is, besides some good ole German debauchery. Starkbierfest traces its roots back to 1627 when the kind hearted Paulener Monks were looking for a way to reprieve the citizens of Munich from the pangs of hunger felt during Lenten fasting.  What better way to quench those pains than with a strong…

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Europe, Travel

Munich – Pretzels, Beer, Churches, and Museums

I didn’t get that coming-of-age summer backpack trip after college, and to this day I regret it.  It’s not like I didn’t have the time – It took me nine months to find my first full-time job.  Nor the will – I have always had the travelling bug.  The problem was I lacked a travelling companion.  Maybe that’s because my sights were set on South America.  I envisioned starting in Ecuador and…

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Europe, Travel

Voyage to Europe – Getting There is Half the Battle

They say getting there is half the battle. Well, if that’s the case, the ours was one hell of a battle and it better be over. First, my reliable secretary / wife let me down for the first time when it comes to booking travel. She is normally so good with the timing of flights that I am not sure what happened this time. Needless to say, I found out a week…

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