Bavarians
love their beer and each Munich brewery has its own large beer halls
and gardens. From the raucous oompah-energy in the Hofbräuhaus to
the stately elegance of the Augustiner Grossgastätten, the swinging
live music in the Waldwirtschaft Grosshesselohe to the lazy
afternoons in the Englisher Garten, visitors will discover many ways
to make new acquaintances, enjoy local culinary treats and while
away the hours.
Munich also features its share of intriguing museums. Examine
artworks by German masters in the Alte Pinakothek or more modern
works in the Neue Pinakothek. Those with a historical bent will find
plenty to pique their interest in the Bavarian National Museum.
Younger visitors will especially enjoy the push-button exhibits in
the Deutsches Museum (a huge technological museum similar to
Philadelphia's Franklin Institute).
Take a ride on the subway to
wander around the glass-and-steel sports facilities of the 1972
Summer Olympics at the Olympiazentrum. After getting a birdseye view
of the city from the Olympic Tower hop back on the subway and head
back toward the downtown area with a stop off at Münchener Freiheit.
Venues offering live music, trendy boutiques, restaurants and street
vendors crowd this section of town known as Schwabing.
From Schwabing stroll down into the university district and on into
the city's famed Englischer Garten. Completed after the Thirty
Years' War in the 18th century, this green expanse features miles of
paved rollerblading and biking paths, several beer gardens,
playgrounds and canals from the nearby Isar River. Stop for a rest
at one of the outdoor eateries such as the most famous area by the
Chinese tower and sample a plate of "Radi" (white
radishes), ribs and a huge pretzel.
After walking or riding the subway
back into the downtown area be sure to stroll up the
Kaufingerstrasse (oodles of shopping opportunities) and visit the
nearby Frauenkirche (the 15th-century dual onion-domed cathedral).
Stop in the city's heart, Marienplatz, to admire the old Rathaus
with its Glockenspiel (animated musical clock) and get a lofty view
of the city center from the tower. Not far from Marienplatz is yet
another opportunity to people watch, sample local goodies and relax
at the city's open air Viktualien Markt.
If traveling with children be sure
to visit the Hellabrunn Zoo, one of Germany's most extensive and
animal/children-friendly facilities. A nearby campgrounds in
Thalkirchen offers camping accommodations for those who would like
to spend more time in the area.
There's lots more to do and see in
Munich, such as the Nymphenburg Castle (a 17th century palace
modeled after Versailles), but you may decide to simply make the
city a one-day trip from one of the nearby AFRC resorts. Facilities
in Chiemsee and Garmisch feature hotel and camping accommodations,
summer and winter sports programs from windsurfing to snowboarding,
child care facilities, and sightseeing trips and hikes among some of
the most breathtaking scenery in Germany.
When not sailing around the lake
and exploring the palace and monastery at AFRC Chiemsee drive just
across the border into Austria for a visit to the charming splendor
of Salzburg. Or head farther south for a visit to Berchtesgaden with
its summer bobsled runs and salt mines.
If staying in AFRC Garmisch, be
sure to hop on the Eckbauerbahn (two-person cable cars situated by
the ski jump stadium) and hike back down the mountain through the
Partnachklamm (gorge). This natural wonder is a showcase of rushing
glacial waters squeezed between several-hundred-foot-high cliffs.
Visitors make their way through the gorge on narrow paths cut into
the sides of the rockface. Younger family members may also want to
test their bobsled driving abilities at the summer bobsled run near
the entrance to the cable car.
Giessen's Outdoor Recreation
Checkout Center features express trips to Munich's Oktoberfest
during the three weekends of the event. Cost is $30 per person with
buses leaving at 5 a.m. Saturday and return expected at 1 a.m.
Sunday. Tourgoers should sign up at least two weeks in advance by
stopping by the Outdoor Rec center in Building 58 on the Giessen
Depot. For more information on those and other upcoming trips, AFRC
facilities in Bavaria and equipment rental call mil 343-8202 or civ
(0641) 402-8202. |
