Round the World 2015: Munich (Munchen)

We took what we had read would be the scenic route from Interlaken, Switzerland to Munich, Germany via Innsbruck, Austria. The train followed the valleys of the Alps from west to east, often along the shores of long, narrow, deep, milky, blue-green lakes. On a good day I am sure it was picturesque, but the mountains were socked in with clouds. The weather did break somewhat in Austria. What little we did see of Austria seemed much like Switzerland, but perhaps a little plainer or more ordinary. From Innsbruck, the train followed the Isar River valley down to Munich. We say several castles along the way.

In Munich, we had a great, roomy (except for the kitchen) apartment, 150 meters from the train station. We rented bicycles and toured the city. In Marienplatz, we witnessed the Glockenspiel, the giant coo-coo clock with royal bannermen, jousting knights and dancing men and ladies. We went to the Deutsche Museum. Although it severely lacked in environmental sciences, it was still one of the best science and technology museums I think I have visited. The cool think was at least half of those in attendance were under 20 yo and highly engaged.

We had lunch (bier, sausages, sauerkraut, crackling pork, potato dumplings, white asparagus and salmon) at the Hofbrauhaus, Munich’s famous and enormous, state-run bier garden. Bier is food in Germany. After that we took a 10-mile bike ride, weaving along the waterways of the English Gardens and beyond.

Just a note - I know it could be expected, but 80% to 90% of cars in Munich are VW, BMW, Audi, or Mercedes. in that order of predominance.

West of Innsbruck, Austria from the train