Germany has long been on my travel bucket list, and I finally made it happen! Here’s a breakdown of my four-day adventure in Bad Tolz and Munich to experience Oktoberfest.
Day 1: Arrival
After an 8-hour flight, we landed in Munich, Germany. We stayed at Das Schlossl, a cozy hotel in the charming town of Bad Tolz, located just an hour outside of Munich. The town was captivating, with its cobblestone streets and live music. We ate at the hotel to get a feel for the local food and atmosphere after a long day of travel. I would suggest this as a good start to the trip. The service was very inviting and comfortable. Felt like we were treated as family and not just hotel guests.
Victory in Bad Tolz
I participated in a hockey game against the Bad Tolz Police Enforcement team and even scored my very first goal in Germany! The adrenaline of that moment was electric, and it helped lead our team to a well-deserved victory. To make the day even more special, I brought my kid along to experience the excitement of hockey. After the game, I grabbed my son and brought him onto the ice. What better way to kick off my German adventure than by sharing this moment on the ice?
Day 2: A Taste of Tradition
We explored the town of Bad Tolz, marking off experiences on our bucket list. This day was all about the heavenly pretzel. It was warm, soft, and perfectly salty—just the way I imagined it would be. Not to be dramatic but it was… perfection.
Bad Tolz is a smaller, artsy town that felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the busy tourist spots in Munich. The streets were clean, the vibe was relaxed, and the local arts scene was thriving. Being the architect that I am, I was stunned by the architecture dating back to the 1400s. I loved the hand-painted facades on the buildings and the way they were able to blend historical charm with contemporary vibes. The structures integrated with the old, bringing new life to the area.
Day 3: Oktoberfest in Munich
The next morning, we hopped on a train back to Munich, to finally experience Oktoberfest. We were all so excited. It felt like entering a different world. So much laughter, music, and, of course, bier!
I grabbed a massive beer stein and tried the famous Spaetzle. I even splurged on a traditional hat—though I skipped the lederhosen. The festival setup was fascinating; it’s like a massive puzzle, assembled in just three months each year before being taken down and stored away until next season.
With a three-hour time slot to explore, we sampled all sorts of different foods. The Hofbräu München tent was buzzing with energy—people singing American songs in German accents, which added to the surreal experience.
Despite the pouring rain, we managed to keep our spirits high. After the festival, we hopped into a light-up bike cart for our ride back to the train station. Our driver was a whirlwind, navigating the slick streets with so much speed. The $150 fare was worth every penny as we zoomed through the rain, laughing and sharing the excitement of the day. This is definitely stored in my brain as a new core memory.
Day 4: Hockey Tournament
Our reason for traveling to Germany was the opportunity to play a hockey tournament against five different countries: Czech Republic, Russia, Italy + Austria. We faced some incredibly skilled opponents, but the thrill of representing my country made it so much fun. We secured third place. The travel experience brought us to connect with players from all around the globe. My son and dad took on the important roles of scorekeepers, tracking the game while cheering me on from the sidelines. Their support added an extra layer of motivation, making every goal and victory feel even more special!
A Journey to Remember
If you’re considering a trip to Germany, I highly recommend venturing beyond the usual tourist spots. Places like Bad Tolz offer a unique glimpse into the culture, charm, and history of this beautiful country. Until next time, auf Wiedersehen!
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