Tag Archives: Bavaria

Travel |

|

Best Oktoberfests Around the World

The original Oktoberfest has been held in Munich every September and October since 1810, and is the largest beer festival in the world. The city welcomes over six million visitors for the celebration, with this year’s event having just recently begun. However, if you are not able to make it to Germany in time for the most authentic Oktoberfest there is, then these are some other Oktoberfest festivals around the world that will still provide you with a similar experience.

People enjoying OktoberfestKitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Canada
The largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, Kitchener and Waterloo are twin cities in Canada that have strong German roots, with Kitchener formerly being called Berlin. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a nine-day festival that is held over 18 days, and attracts over a million visitors each year. In addition to the beer-related events and entertainment, there are plenty of other Oktoberfest activities held in the two cities, from the Rocktoberfest concert to the Pancake Breakfast to the Oktoberfest Parade, which is the only major parade held on Canadian Thanksgiving Day.

Oktoberfest of Blumenau, Brazil
Held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau, in the region of Santa Catarina, Oktoberfest of Blumenau is the second largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, and is held at the Germanic Village Park for 17 days. There are numerous traditional German activities held throughout the festival, which is the largest in Latin America, from folk dancing to shooting matches, and, of course, plenty of German food and beer. One of the most highly anticipated events here each year is the National Competition of Chopp in Meter Drinkers, in which competitors have to drink one meter of beer without stopping, with the competition being held each night, and the winner being the competitor who drinks their beer the fastest.

German Bierfest, Hong Kong
Considered to be the best Oktoberfest celebration in Asia, Hong Kong’s German Bierfest is being held this year from October to November, and features a number of different Bavarian events. Officially hosted at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, although many other spots in the city will also be participating, German food and beer is accompanied by traditional folk music from the Notenhobler Band, which has been the official band of Hong Kong’s German Bierfest since 1994. Fun games and activities to look forward to include the strong man competition and the various beer drinking contests.

Oktoberfest celebrations
Oktoberfest Brisbane, Australia
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in Australia, Oktoberfest Brisbane attracts around 30,000 people each year, although they manage to maintain quite an intimate feel to the whole festival. Held over two weekends in October, the festival was first started by two Australian-German families, and while it may have had humble beginnings, it now always promises to be a fun-filled weekend. In addition to the German food and activities, Oktoberfest Brisbane also features traditional German beer that has been brewed specially for their event, and has been held to the exact same standards as the beer that has been brewed for Munich’s Oktoberfest.

There is no denying that for the most authentic Oktoberfest experience, Munich is the place to be. However, there is still plenty of authenticity to be found at the other Oktoberfests all over the world, so whether you happen to be in Hong Kong or Brisbane, you will still be able to enjoy a fun and exciting Oktoberfest.

Travel |

|

Classic German Beverages and Dishes

The cuisine in Germany is as varied as the country’s landscape, and there are a number of traditional local dishes and beverages that travelers to the region should definitely not miss out on. From the many different sausage varieties to the world-famous German beer, here are some of the most popular classic German dishes and drinks.

sausages

Sausages
One of the leading countries when it comes to sausage production, Germany is home to hundreds of varieties of sausage, many of them not known elsewhere, with each area having their own closely-guarded secret recipe. The Thuringian Rostbratwurst is one of the oldest of German sausages, with the original recipe dating back to the start of the 17th century, and is a sausage that is regulated by law. Often used to prepare a currywurst dish, these sausages are seasoned with marjoram and caraway seeds. Bratwurst is another popular variety, as is blutwurst, which is also known as blood sausage. The Teewurst is a mild, air-dried, raw sausage, similar to salami, while the weisswurst, also known as the white sausage, is traditional to the south of Germany, and is a popular variety to eat in the mornings.

German Bier
Germans are exceptionally proud of their beer, and, in the south of the country, you are likely to find a brewery in just about every village. For those who like pale beers, Marzen, which is a malty lager from Bavaria, has a beautifully crisp finish, while Weissbier, which is a wheat beer, has a tantalizing aroma of spicy cloves. On the other hand, Schwarzbier is a black lager that is often just as black as Guinness, but has a lightness about it that is reminiscent of a fine pale lager, while Rauchbier is quite unusual, as it is made from a malt that has been smoked, giving it quite an intense flavor.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten
Considered to be one of the national dishes of Germany, sauerbraten is basically a pot roast, and can be made from a number of different meats. Marinated in a special seasoning mix for up to ten days, sauerbraten is an exceptionally flavorful dish, often accompanied with sauerkraut and dumplings, as well as a pint of pilsner beer.

Black Forest Cake
Another classic German dish that is famous all over the world, the key ingredients in a Black Forest Cake are cherries, cherry schnapps, chocolate, cream, flour and sugar. While there may be different varieties of this dish found around the country, German law states that a cake can only be marketed as a Black Forest Cake if it contains the specialty liquor Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser, which is the cherry schnapps that helps to give the dessert its unique flavor.

Food has always been a significant part of German culture, and those traveling around the country are likely to notice a number of differences between the local cuisine in different regions. However, there are key flavors and techniques that tie the country’s cuisine together, and, once you have tasted a few authentic German dishes, you will understand why German food is renowned all over the world.

Travel |

|

Top Things to Do in Munich

In addition to being the birthplace of Oktoberfest, Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is full of historical landmarks, stunning architecture, a number of museums and much more. Here are some of OROGOLD’s top things to do in Munich, Germany.

Beer hall.

filmfoto / Shutterstock.com

Visit Beer Halls
Munich is famous for its beer, and no visit to the Bavarian capital would be complete without stopping off at at least one of the city’s many beer halls. The majority of them brew their own beer, serving up platters of local dishes alongside your brew, while traditional oompah bands liven up the atmosphere. Hofbräuhaus is not only the most famous beer hall in Munich, but also in the world, and OROGOLD would highly recommend that you stop by for a stein of their home-brewed beer.

Marienplatz

Explore Around Marienplatz
Marienplatz is a square located in the heart of Munich, with the streets around it being packed with landmarks, historical buildings and more. This is also where you will find the New Town Hall, the tower of which contains the Glockenspiel that chimes at noon, along with life-sized characters re-enacting historical Bavarian events.

English Garden

Jazzmany / Shutterstock.com

The English Garden
The English Garden is the largest park in Munich, and one of the largest city parks in the whole of Europe. This lush oasis is a great way to take a break from the busy streets of the city, whether it is just for a short walk along one of the wooden paths, or for an afternoon on the lake with a rented paddle boat. The English Garden is also home to four beer gardens, all of which are absolutely beautiful thanks to the foliage around them.

Munich Residenz

Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com

Munich Residenz
The Residence Palace of Munich sits right at the edge of Munich’s Old Town, and used to be the royal palace for Bavarian monarchs. Today, the Residenz boasts a grand and sprawling interior, as well as ten courtyards and historical gardens. This is one place in Munich that OROGOLD would highly recommend any interior design buffs visit, as it is home to one of the best interior decoration museums in the whole of Europe.

Literaturhaus

vvoe / Shutterstock.com

Literaturhaus
Many do not realize that Munich is actually the largest publishing city in the whole of Europe, and Literaturhaus, which opened in 1997, is a place that celebrates this. From book readings to concerts to workshops to exhibitions, Literaturhaus is a must-visit for anyone with a keen interest in literature. OROGOLD would recommend planning your visit around lunch time, as the adjoining Oskar Maria Brasserie has some exquisite dishes that you can enjoy over a post-exhibition discussion.

Many of Munich’s attractions are located relatively near to each other, meaning that you can easily walk around the city and be able to fully appreciate all that it has to offer. Whether you are looking to sample some of Bavaria’s famous local beers, wanting to take in the incredible culture and history that the region has to offer, or looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of the city, you can be sure that OROGOLD’s list of top things to do in Munich will have you covered!

Travel |

|

Top Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest

Although it may have originated in Germany, Oktoberfest is now celebrated all over the world. No matter which continent you may be on, you can be sure that there will be a Bavarian bash hosted near you. Here are OROGOLD’s picks of the top Oktoberfest celebrations around the world.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany, making it the second largest in the world. Attracting around a million visitors each year, the festivities last for nine days, with the most popular feature being the Oktoberfest parade on Canadian Thanksgiving. The region has strong German roots, with Kitchener’s former name being Berlin, and not only do many of the residents have a German heritage, but they also speak the language. This all contributes towards the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest being truly authentic. With cultural attractions and a whole host of entertainment options, as well as plenty of German beer and food, this is an Oktoberfest celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Hong Kong, China
Home to the largest and most exciting Oktoberfest celebrations in Asia, Hong Kong has been holding their own festivities for over twenty years. Unlike the majority of Oktoberfest celebrations, the ones in Hong Kong stretch all the way into November, so you are bound to be able to find the time to attend one. Their oldest celebration is the Marco Polo German Bierfest, with the beer, including a special Oktoberfest version, being provided by Erdinger. With a German band, endless options of German cuisine, and a view overlooking the harbour, the Marco Polo German Bierfest is definitely one of OROGOLD’s favorite Oktoberfest events in Hong Kong. However, the city has a whole lot more to offer, with many other Oktoberfest celebrations. From Oktoberfest at the Happy Valley Racecourse to Beertopia to the quieter festivities at the Regal Airport Hotel, you will no doubt be spoiled for choice when deciding where to go.

Munich, Germany
No Oktoberfest list would be complete without mentioning the grandest, most popular celebration of all – the original Bavarian Oktoberfest. Held each year in Munich, over 6 million people attend the celebrations each year, making the most of the 17 days of beer-filled fun. The attractions seem almost endless, with great options for the whole family, from fairground rides to sideshows to games and competitions. The massive beer tents, all serving up Oktoberfest beers that have been brewed within the city limits of Munich, welcome thousands at a time, while the traditional food served up, from the sausages to the roast pork to the potato pancakes, will be some of the best German cuisine that you will ever try.

Oktoberfest is a significant part of Bavarian culture, with celebrations dating all the way back to 1810. For those of you that have never attended an Oktoberfest celebration, it is something that OROGOLD highly recommends, not only for the fun that you will have, but also for an authentic taste of German culture and tradition.

Travel |

|

OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: Bavaria, Germany

The historic monastery in Amorbach.

With its unique history, rural traditions and independent streak, the Free State of Bavaria, the largest German state, epitomizes authentic German icons that have been made famous worldwide. From men dressed in lederhosen enjoying beer and pretzels in front of an Alpine backdrop, to fairy-tale castles in dark forests to half-timber geranium-covered houses in quaint little towns, the region of Bavaria is one of the most timeless in Germany.

Regensburg, Bavaria.

Regensburg
Regensburg is one of the few German towns that managed to come out of the second world war with no major damage, making it the most well-preserved medieval city in Germany. The Porta Praetoria, a gateway built by the Romans remains in the Old Town, as do plenty of other Roman settlement remains, just one of the many historical aspects of Bavaria that OROGOLD believes makes it timeless. With over 1500 listed buildings, 984 of them being on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the architecture around the city is one of Regensburg’s treasures. Although a city with deep roots in its heritage, it is a lively and vibrant place, with plenty of entertainment and dining options tucked away in narrow lanes.

Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg
Rothenburg is the main tourist destination along Germany’s Romantic Road, and with its cobbled lanes and towering walls that have held on to their charm throughout the years, it is easy to see why Walt Disney chose this medieval town as the inspiration for the village in the 1940 Pinocchio film. Rothenburg has the strictest preservation orders in the whole of Germany, often making the town feel like a medieval theme park, but OROGOLD recommends staying overnight, because once dusk sets in and all of the day-trippers have returned to their home towns, the floodlit cobbled streets are all yours for the evening.

Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden
Nestled into Austria and framed by 6 towering mountains, the Berchtesgadener Land is a stunningly beautiful corner of Bavaria, said to have been formed when angels distributing the wonders of the planet were startled and dropped them all here. In Berchtesgaden you will find the Watzmann, the second highest mountain in Germany, and the serene waters of the Konigssee, one of the most photographed bodies of water in the country. In the past, salt was the main income source for the region, and is still important to all the wellness centers today, leading it to be declared a ‘health resort region’ and placed on UNESCO’s biosphere list. One of the main attractions in the area is Eagle’s Nest, a lodge that was built for Hitler up in the mountains. There is also a popular dark-tourism destination, the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a museum that documents Berchtesgaden’s sinister Nazi past.

A region steeped in history, tradition and natural beauty, Bavaria’s cheerful villages and romantic landscapes have earned it a place on the list of OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destinations around the world. Any season is good to visit the region, as the winter months offer skiing and winter sport opportunities, while the summer months are perfect for idly wandering around the Bavarian towns and soaking up the vibrantly authentic atmosphere.

Travel |

|

Location Spotlight: Germany – OROGOLD Reviews

Germany, located at the heart of Europe, shares its borders with nine other countries. With the biggest economy on the continent, more inhabitants than any other European country, and a cosmopolitan culture intermingled with a rich history, it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to visit and explore this fascinating country. Divided into 16 states, each region of Germany has their own unique traditions and local customs, making it an excitingly diverse destination to visit.

The Bode Museum on Spree River in Berlin, Germany

Berlin
Berlin is said to be the creative hub of the country, which came about due to its multicultural population and buzzing underground scene. If nightlife is what you are after, then Berlin is the city to visit, as it is one of the most liberal cities in Europe, with a hedonistic nightclub scene. With strong roots in music and the arts, Berlin has a vibrant culture, but is still relatively inexpensive when compared to other European cities. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city for almost 30 years, has sections that are still standing today. To learn more about German history, there are plenty of world-class museums that document what life was like under the rule of the Nazis and the Soviets.

Scenic landscape in the Bavarian Alps, Germany

Bavaria
Located in southern Germany, Bavaria is known for its unspoiled natural surroundings, laid-back attitude and welcoming hospitality. Visitors can spend days exploring the numerous medieval castles, baroque churches and grand palaces, and if you time your trip well, you can also take part in some of the traditional Bavarian festivals. In total, Bavaria has over 100,000 architectural monuments and over 1200 museums, as well as 40 exceptional theater and opera venues, making it ideal for a cultural break. Bavaria is also home to the Bavarian Alps, the most spectacular mountain range in Germany, and the gorgeous landscapes are comparable to those you would find in Switzerland and Austria.

The Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany

Cologne
Cologne, located on both sides of the Rhine river in west Germany, is most famous for their impressive Gothic cathedral, the Kolner Dom, which used to be the tallest building in the world. It is so breathtaking that it is no surprise that it holds the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors to the cathedral also have the option of climbing the 509 stairs to the top, which may seem tiring but the view makes it completely worthwhile. A great way to explore Cologne is by a river cruise, which will take you through towns and mountains along the Rhine. Be sure to stop off at one of the many traditional brewpubs along the way, where local beer is served. Foodies will love Cologne’s cuisine, with many rediscovered traditional dishes being served by fantastic restaurants.

Berlin, Bavaria and Cologne are only 3 of the many amazing destinations within Germany. When visiting this magnificently diverse country, it would be best to explore as many cities and towns that you can within your time frame, so that you can truly appreciate all that Germany has to offer.