Okay so I need to tell you about Germany, because I went this month for a work conference and loved it!
The conference was in Munich, and I figured if my company was flying me all the way across the ocean it would be rude not to stay a few extra days and actually see the place. Very generous of me, I know. I love my daughter more than anything, but I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t nice to wake up without someone yelling “Mom” from the other room before my eyes were even open. Of course by day three I was scrolling through pictures of her at dinner and missing her like crazy, because that’s how mom brains work. We beg for a break and then cry about the break LOL
Where I stayed
I stayed at the Westin Grand Munich in Arabellapark, and my room had the most beautiful view of the city. Every morning I’d make my coffee and sit by the window watching the sun come up while the trees below turned orange and gold for fall. I forgot how quiet my mornings used to be, and I didn’t know mornings could be that quiet.
And yes, I ordered room service more than once. Okayyy more than twice. After a long day of conference sessions there was nothing better than climbing into bed with a steak, some roasted veggies, and a pile of fries big enough to feed a small family, and I ate every single one of them. Wellness journey starts next week.
Munich is so green
The first thing I noticed walking around Munich is how many trees and parks there are, and how people actually sit in them instead of rushing past on their way to the next thing. Everyone just seemed so calm, and after a day or two of trying to speed walk everywhere like a true American, I gave up and slowed down too.
I spent one afternoon wandering through the Englischer Garten and found this spot where crystal clear water runs right through the park over smooth little stones. I ended up standing there watching it for way longer than a normal person should, and I didn’t check my phone or my email once AND THEN… I saw people surfing. In the middle of the city. In a park. In Germany. Right at the edge of the Englischer Garten there’s a spot on the Eisbach river where the water creates a wave that never stops and surfers in wetsuits line up along the banks waiting for their turn to hop on and ride it. I stood there watching way longer than I’d like to admit, fully convinced I could do it, while also knowing I would fall in immediately and float all the way to Austria ahahah If you’re in Munich you have to check it out! It’s free entertainment and honestly one of the coolest things I saw the whole trip.
Eisbach surfers at its southern edge
My favorite afternoon
If I had to pick one favorite moment from the whole trip, it would be sitting outside at Café Roma on Maximilianstraße with a Hugo in my hand. If you’ve never had one, it’s prosecco with elderflower, mint, and lime, and it’s so good that I’ve already looked up how to make it at home, which I absolutely will not do correctly. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried a Hugo Spritz and if there’s any variations I should try!
I sat at a little green marble table under the trees. I will say they were VERY busy so it took forever to get a server and even my check but it was worth it! I honestly didn’t have any where to be but if you’re in a rush - this may not be the spot if they’re busy!
Hugo Spritz at Cafe Roma!
A night at the beer garden
On the 3rd day our conference had an event at the Bamberger Haus beer garden in Luitpold Park, and it was so much fun! There were string lights hanging in the trees and a Bavarian band in lederhosen playing the accordion, trumpet, and tuba - they were there for at least 2 hours playing. crazy!
The most famous beer hall in the world
Of course I couldn’t go to Munich and not stop by the Hofbräuhaus, because that would be like going to Hawaii and skipping the beach. It’s tucked into a little square in the old town called the Platzl, and walking up to it in the evening with every window glowing gold and the cobblestones still wet from the rain felt like stepping into a postcard.
The Hofbräuhaus started all the way back in 1589 as the royal brewery for the Duke of Bavaria, which makes it older than the United States by almost two hundred years, and I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that. Today it’s probably the most famous beer hall in the world, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Fun fact I only noticed when I looked back at my pictures: the umbrellas right outside say “Weihenstephan, Älteste Brauerei der Welt,” which means “oldest brewery in the world.” So I was standing between the most famous beer hall in the world and the logo of the oldest brewery in the world, and I’m choosing to count that as a very cultural experience.
The Hofbräuhaus glowing at dusk on the Platzl
Can we talk about the trains though
I need every American to hear me on this one, because the trains in Germany are clean, they show up on time, and I booked my ticket on my phone in about five minutes without having to call anyone or download five different apps. I took a train from my hotel to Cafe Romas, and in just 2 hours I was stepping off the train in Salzburg, Austria. A whole other country in two hours for about fifty bucks. Meanwhile it takes me forty five minutes to get across town if there’s a little bit of snow ahaha
Salzburg deserves its own post, so I’ll be sharing that one soon!
What I’m bringing home with me
I went to Munich expecting a busy work trip and came home feeling more rested than I have in months. I think I forgot what it feels like to slow down and just be somewhere without a to do list running in the back of my head, and Munich reminded me. So if you ever get the chance to add a few days onto a work trip, please do it.
If you’ve been to Germany let me know how your experience was, helpful tips, and fun things to check out!!
Prost, friends!
If you go
Where I stayed: The Westin Grand Munich in Arabellapark. It’s a little outside the old town, but the U-Bahn gets you into the center quickly.
Where to get a drink: Café Roma on Maximilianstraße. Sit outside and order a Hugo.
Don’t miss: The Englischer Garten, St. Anna im Lehel, the Hofbräuhaus on the Platzl in the old town, and the Bamberger Haus beer garden in Luitpold Park.
Munich to Salzburg by train: I took the RE5 regional train from München Hbf to Salzburg Hbf. It’s about 2 hours with no changes.
How I booked: The DB Navigator app from Deutsche Bahn. You can also use Omio. My one way ticket was about $50.
Money saving tip: The regional trains to Salzburg also accept the Bayern-Ticket and the Deutschlandticket, which can be cheaper. The faster EuroCity and Railjet trains take about 90 minutes but cost more
