Munich, capital of the German federal state of Bavaria, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls. I was surprised to learn that the Oktoberfest is actually celebrated in September, so my visit in October was about 2 weeks late. A visit to Munich is not complete with visiting central Marienplatz Square in the Old Town. On the square the famous Neo-Gothic town hall continues to amuse visitors with the popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century.
Nymphenburg Palace is located within Munich. It is a sprawling, nearly 500 acre, palace estate with rococo interiors, coach display & symmetrical baroque gardens.
Linderhof is the smallest of the three royal castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1864-1886), and the only one which was completely finished. Crowned at age 18, Ludwig’s earned the nickname “Mad Ludwig” by withdrawing from day-to-day affairs of state in favor of extravagant artistic and architectural projects. He commissioned the construction of two lavish palaces and Neuschwanstein Castle. Ludwig spent all his royal revenues on these projects, borrowed extensively, and defied all attempts by his ministers to restrain him. This extravagance was used against him to declare him insane.
Oberammergau is a town in the Bavarian Alps, Germany. It’s known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play in the Passion Play Theater. Buildings are painted with beautiful pastel frescoes and shops sell wood carvings among other crafts.
