Germany – By Sarah

AKA A Winter Journey Through Germany and Czechia

Our journey to Prague started bright and early, as we left our (wonderful) accommodation at Locke, Munich at 8am.

Here, the International trains are orchestrated by the country of destination, so we said goodbye to the uber sleek DB trains and boarded the very nice Ceske Drahy trains.

Our journey took us through the picturesque town of Regensburg, Germany. Nestled along the Danube River, its medieval architecture and cobbled streets seemed frozen in time, offering a glimpse of history.

Our next stop was Schwandorf; a small town known for its serene atmosphere and charming countryside. The snow-covered fields surrounding Schwandorf added a quiet, peaceful ambiance.

Continuing on, the next stop was Cham (Oberpfalz), a town that sits at the foot of the Bavarian Forest. Its rolling hills and charming rural landscapes were wrapped in a soft winter blanket, making it feel like a hidden gem of the region.

Furth im Wald was our last stop in Germany, and the town was as enchanting as its name suggests. Surrounded by snow-capped trees and nestled in the Bavarian Forest, it exuded a fairytale charm that felt almost otherworldly under the winter sky.

Crossing into Czechia, we passed through Domazlice, a town with a rich history and stunning medieval buildings. The charm of the town was enhanced, with gently falling snow, made for a scene straight out of a postcard.

Next up was Holysov, a quiet town where the snow gently draped over the farmland, and the distant hills created a peaceful, almost cinematic backdrop.

Plzen, famous for its beer, greeted us with a lively atmosphere despite the winter chill. The birthplace of Pilsner beer, I glimpsed the historic brewery as we passed by.

Throughout the entire trip, the world outside my window was a winter wonderland. The heavy snow blanketed everything, and new snow began to fall as I passed by quaint houses, sprawling farmland, and breathtaking countryside. It was a journey that truly felt like stepping into a snow globe; where every town and every landscape felt like a chapter in a fairy tale.

While my travel companions dozed, I was glued to the window.

Finally, we arrived in Praha, the crown jewel of the Czechia. Our accommodation was another amazing boutique hotel on the edge of the Old Town.

We spent some time backwards planning our time here, before heading out to explore. As I walked through the streets of the Czech capital, more snowflakes drifted from the sky, adding to the timeless beauty of this magical city.

We stumbled across Sibeeria, a craft beer brand based in Prague, known for its innovative and high-quality brews that blend traditional beer-making techniques with modern styles.

Founded in 2012, the brewery draws inspiration from Siberian influences, incorporating a rugged, adventurous spirit into its creations. Sibeeria has gained a reputation for producing a wide variety of beers, from IPAs and stouts to lagers and barrel-aged brews, often using unique ingredients and methods. The brewery places a strong emphasis on creativity, with limited-edition releases and experimental beers that keep enthusiasts excited and engaged.

Sibeeria’s beers are available in many local bars and restaurants in Prague, and the brewery itself has become a popular spot for craft beer lovers. Known for its distinctive labels and innovative brewing techniques, Sibeeria offers a refreshing contrast to more traditional Czech beers, while still honoring the country’s brewing heritage. Its success highlights the growing craft beer scene in Prague, which has increasingly attracted both locals and tourists eager to explore new and exciting beer flavours.

My favourite photo from today is this shot of the backlit bar at Sibeeria:

Hubby’s pick is of the world-famous, astronomical clock:

Challenges by Sarah, Scribblings by Sarah, Summer Series

Summer Series – Eurotrip, Day 8

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Sarah W

AKA Exploring Munich: the Horror, the History, and the Legacy of a City Reborn

We spent the morning, a sobering few hours, at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, reflecting on the haunting legacy of the Holocaust.

Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp, was established in 1933 and became a symbol of the horrors that followed. Over 30,000 people died here, a number that pales in comparison to the millions who perished in the Holocaust. Originally built for 6,000, by the end of WWII, held 60,000!

Walking through the camp’s barracks, the haunting displays, and somber memorials, I was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of human suffering that took place here. Such unimaginable, immeasurable pain that cannot be captured adequately in any words. The silence here felt heavy, as though the ghosts of the past still lingered.

The emotional weight of standing where atrocities were carried out served as a stark reminder of the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and unchecked power. The horror of war and the cruelty it unleashes, were brought into sharp focus.

As we caught the train back onto Munich, I was left with a sense of deep reflection on the fragility’s of humanity and I found it hard to “shift gears” from the experience of the camp.

But, there was a little bit of solace to be found in the lively atmosphere of Marienplatz, where we enjoyed a late lunch before embarking on a two-hour walking tour of Munich’s old town with our guide, Franz.

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. From its early origins to the reconstruction after devastating bombings, Munich’s story is told through its architecture, culture, and traditions. Whether you’re walking through the cobbled streets or enjoying a stein of beer, the city’s rich heritage is all around you.

Bavaria, once an independent state, has always maintained a unique identity. Though now one of Germany’s 16 states, its history stretches back to centuries of Catholic tradition, its close cultural ties with Italy, and the preservation of its distinct heritage even as the Lutheran Reformation took hold elsewhere. Munich itself, named after the Old High German word for monk (“München”), was founded in 1158 and grew wealthy from its salt trade with neighbouring Salzburg. The city’s rich history comes to life as you wander through its historic streets, seeing how it evolved from fortified walls in the 1800s to a bustling metropolis that was devastated by WWII bombings – leaving 65% of the city destroyed.

Despite the destruction, much of Munich has been beautifully rebuilt, like the New City Hall (which was designed to look centuries old and remarkably survived the bombings).

We meandered through the old town and Franz explained the many layers of Munich’s identity, from its Saint Peter’s Church, which has been destroyed and rebuilt in different architectural styles, to the Hofbräuhaus, where beer was once brewed for the royal family before being opened to the public.

Saint Peter’s Church, or Peterskirche, is one of Munich’s oldest churches and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, most recently in the Baroque style (during the Thirty Years’ War, a period marked by religious and political turmoil). The church is home to the relic bones of Saint Munditia, believed to offer blessings for single and lonely women; a quirky detail that adds to its charm.

We also learned about Bavaria’s shifting political landscape, with the Duke becoming the King of Bavaria in 1806 after aligning with Napoleon, and Munich’s transformation into a centre of culture, politics, and commerce.
The move seemed like a good one at the time, but after Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia, Bavaria’s fate took a dramatic turn. The Duke was crowned King Maximilian I of Bavaria, and from that point onward, the region would have a succession of kings, with a monarchy that lasted well into the 19th century.

For those fascinated by Bavaria’s royal history, Munich offers a glimpse into the opulent life of the monarchy. The Residenz, the former royal palace, offers a fascinating tour of rooms filled with priceless art and treasures.

Nearby, the Italian Bride Church, a beautiful Baroque structure, stands as a tribute to the region’s architectural influence and royal connections.

Munich is a city of contrasts: its history, steeped in both beauty and tragedy, is woven into every building and every street. From the darkness of Dachau to the lively atmosphere of Marienplatz and the tradition-filled beer halls, Munich offers a profound reflection on the resilience of a city and its people. It is a city that remembers its past while celebrating its future, carrying with it the lessons of history, the strength to rebuild, and the warmth of its unique culture.

Munich sits on low-lying land that is prone to flooding, which is why many important structures, including monasteries, were built on higher ground. One such monastery was established in the 11th century, and today the farmers’ market that operates six days a week sits on its grounds. Since 1854, the market has been a staple of local life, offering fresh produce, regional specialties, and an authentic taste of Munich.

Munich is synonymous with beer, and no visit would be complete without exploring the city’s brewing history. Munich is home to six major breweries, all of which must adhere to the traditional Reinheitsgebot, or German Beer Purity Law. This means that only beer brewed within the city, using local well water, can be served at Oktoberfest, the world-famous beer festival.

The origins of Oktoberfest date back to 1810 when King Ludwig I (then Crown Prince) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. To celebrate, a massive public event was held, which eventually evolved into the Oktoberfest we know today. Originally a royal wedding celebration, the event has grown into the world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions from around the globe every year.

After the tour wrapped up, we visited the Weisses Brauhaus, a cosy beer hall known for its wheat beer and traditional Bavarian fare. It’s a place where the love of beer and good company comes together—truly a spot where locals and visitors alike can enjoy Munich’s finest offerings. I literally had the Love Beer and it was… well, love-ly!

We ended with a hearty meal of pretzels and a beer at the Hofbräuhaus—where, ironically, political movements like Hitler’s began to take root in the city’s beer halls.

No visit to Munich would be complete without experiencing its culinary delights. After a day of sightseeing, head to Hofbräuhaus for a hearty meal. The classic Bavarian dinner of pretzels, sausages, and roasted meats, washed down with a stein of beer, is a perfect way to end your Munich adventure.

Munich is a city where the old and the new exist side by side. Its history is rich, its beer is legendary, and its culture is a blend of Bavarian pride and international flair. From medieval walls to baroque churches, royal palaces to bustling beer halls, Munich offers a journey through time and is a city that honours its past and future.

My photo of the day is, this giant pretzel from Hopbrauhaus… of course:

Hubby’s favourite picture for today is from within the walls of New Town Hall:

Challenges by Sarah, Scribblings by Sarah, Summer Series

Summer Series – Eurotrip, Day 7

January 7, 2025 Sarah W

AKA Exploring Frankfurt and a Winter’s Journey through Germany to Munich

Our adventure through Germany began with an early start as we left Brussels at 8am, ready for the next leg of the journey.

The train whisked us away to Frankfurt, a city with a fascinating blend of modernity and history. Known as the financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt is home to Europe’s Central Bank and boasts a stunning skyline of glass-and-steel towers.

However, it wasn’t always this way. Originally founded as a Roman settlement, Frankfurt grew as a trading hub in the Middle Ages and gained prominence as the site of the Holy Roman Empire’s imperial elections. Today, the city reflects its historical roots with charming old towns like Alt-Sachsenhausen, while its impressive skyscrapers reveal its role in global finance.

Upon arriving in Frankfurt, we took a leisurely stroll through the city centre, where modern architecture seamlessly intertwined with the older buildings. But, the air was cold and biting, and as snowflakes began to fall, the cobblestone streets became somewhat treacherous!

Soon it was time for lunch, so we made our way to “Dicke Butz”, a classic German restaurant, known for its hearty portions and rustic charm. Dicke Butz is beloved by locals and visitors alike. The name itself is playful, referring to a “chubby” butcher from the past, and the restaurant serves some of the best traditional German dishes around. I opted for a “wurst burger” – the perfect comfort food.

Unfortunately, the weather continued to be uncooperative, and we found ourselves battling miserable conditions, so we called it and boarded the next train bound for Munich.

As the train threaded its way across Bavaria, I was treated to a stunning journey; picturesque villages covered in a thick blanket of snow. The journey was nothing short of sublime, with rolling hills and charming houses dotting the landscape. The countryside, was still and serene, like a winter wonderland, and a complete contrast to the bustling city we had left behind.

Arriving in Munich, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of the Bavarian countryside. Germany, in all its winter glory, has truly cast a spell on me.

Side note: We are travelling using a Eurail pass and the train network/service is exceptional! So exciting to see the trains reaching speeds of 250km (plus) and the seamless provision of connections across Europe has made for an extremely pleasing experience so far (well, except that one day we accidentally went to France).

My favourite photo from today is the Euro sculpture in Frankfurt. Ottmar Hörl created Euro-Skulptur in the late 1990s, producing two versions. One was placed at Frankfurt Airport, while the other is displayed at Willy-Brandt-Platz, near the European Central Bank’s former headquarters. The sculpture replaced the Euro clock and was first illuminated in 2002, marking the Euro’s introduction. It is now one of the most photographed landmarks in Frankfurt: