Tag Archives: German

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 |

|

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 |

|

Beer Gardens Around the World

Friends having beer in a beer garden.

The concept of beer gardens originated in Germany, when brewers along the Isar River began selling their beer directly out of their cellars, setting up a couple of benches outside to ensure their success. Today, beer gardens can be found in so many different countries, each one putting their own spin on this German tradition.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Amsterdam, Holland
Brouwerij ‘t IJ first opened its doors in 1985, at a time when microbreweries were becoming more popular due to a general dissatisfaction with the bigger brands. Since all of their beers are not only brewed on site, but are also completely organic, Brouwerij ‘t IJ has become one of the top drinking spots in Amsterdam. Both the brewery and beer house have been created from an old bath house, with the brewery being available to tour before you sit down next to the giant windmill for a drink. While the beverage menu may be mind-bogglingly extensive, OROGOLD highly recommends that you give the organic Zatte a try, as this was the first beer that was brewed on site in 1985.

Luong Son, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This buzzing beer garden in the heart of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is just as popular with tourists as it is with the locals. It is as casual as beer gardens get, with hundreds of plastic chairs and communal wooden benches. Here, classic Vietnamese beers are served up alongside barbecue dishes that are cooked on tabletop grills. The food is exquisite and the choices are great for those that want to try something different, as well as for those that want to stick with something known. Ranging from garlic beef skewers to deep fried scorpion to pig’s stomach, whatever you choose to order, OROGOLD highly recommends a pitcher of Saigon to wash it all down.

Hirschgarten, Munich, Germany
No list of beer gardens would be complete without a mention of one of the many in Germany. Hirschgarten in Munich is the largest in the country, seating over 8000 people. This is one of the country’s most historic beer gardens, with 200-year-old chestnut trees providing a canopy of shade, and the game reserve next to the beer garden, with their freely roaming deer, offering up some beautiful views. There are both self-service and tableside options, with the refreshing Augustiner beer being served straight from the cask. While drinking, OROGOLD recommends ordering some of their freshly made local snacks, such as the baked pretzels, roast pork, or homemade cakes and ice cream. This is also a beer garden that has stuck to one of their oldest traditions – customers are allowed to bring in their own food to eat, with only cold drinks and beer needing to be purchased from the venue itself.

Beer gardens are a great German tradition that have now spread all over the world. Whether you’re after a quick drink after work, or a leisurely lunch with a couple of pitchers on a Sunday afternoon, check out your local beer gardens the next time you are heading out for a brew.

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 |

|

OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: Texas Hill Country

A flowing waterfall with giant gnarly roots and cypress trees in Texas Hill Country,

Being the second largest state in the US, Texas seems to have it all, from the bright lights of the big cities to the simplicity of the small towns to the stretches of white sandy beaches and other natural wonders. Texas Hill Country, the pride of Texas, comprising of 25 county regions, has a landscape of rugged hills, underground caverns, countless creeks, unique vegetation and open roads that seem to go on forever. Once an independent nation, the 25 million residents of Texas are bound together by a shared history and culture, and their pride in their state’s heritage is why OROGOLD considers these Texas Hill Country destinations to be timeless.

A cowboy riding riding into the night.

Bandera
Bandera, the self-proclaimed cowboy capital of the world, was once part of the ‘Wild West’, and clings to their roots more than other country towns, giving visitors a taste of an authentic western atmosphere. Bandera hosts many rodeos, from local open competitions to top-name rodeos, attracting talent from all over the country. Bandera is also known for their honky tonks, and several nights a week sees many of these bars open their doors to customers. If you want to catch some live country music, the weekends are the best time to visit. The area around Bandera is also sprinkled with many different dude ranches, from ones that cater exclusively to visitors to working ranches that allow visitors to help out with day-to-day tasks, giving them a true western experience. For more outdoor activities, the Hill Country State National Park has some picturesque horse riding trails, and is also great for fishing and walking, while the Medina River is extremely popular in the summer months with swimmers, inner-tubers and canoeists.

Historic public library in Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, founded by German immigrants in 1846, is home to a thriving German community, as well as one of the most successful wine industries in the country. Texas is the fifth largest wine producer in the country, and most of this comes from Hill Country, with over 20 different award-winning wineries on your doorstep that you can visit. Fredericksburg is also known for its German influened cuisine, as well as its delectable Texan BBQ delights, and OROGOLD especially loves the variety of dining establishments available, from outdoor patios to indoor Biergartens (beer gardens). Fredericksburg is also an ideal place to learn more about the German, Native American and military history of the region, with the impressive state-of-the-art National Museum of the Pacific War being a great starting point, followed by a tour of the private ranch of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. For some timeless outdoor adventure, head to the nearby rock climber’s playground, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a looming dome of pink granite that rises 325 feet above the small stream that flows around its base.

From the fine craftsmanship of its German towns to the pocket canyons and sparkling rivers, the Hill Country is the geographic and emotional heart of Texas. The gentle hills doused in wild-flowers, relatively untouched by the oil industry, and its deep cowboy culture roots makes the Hill Country OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destination in Texas.

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.