Thirst is Only Beautiful when Accompanied by Beer

Why is German beer better? As one of the oldest alcohol-based beverages, beer went through various stages of development in history. In 1516, the Purity Law (i.e. Reinheitsgebot) enacted and only 4 ingredients were permitted for brewing beer: water, barley, hops and yeast. Over 500 years later, that medieval edict still stands.

Running 15 days before the first Sunday in October, hordes go to Munich for Oktoberfest. Its origins are in the marriage celebrations of Crown Prince Ludwig in 1810. Currently, there is nothing regal about this beery bacchanalia. Where to drink the beer? Everyone will probably make a pilgrimage to the mothership of all beer halls, Hofbräuhaus, if only once in Munich.

With the fruit-and-clove palate, beers are a great match for sausages.The word originated from Old French “saussiche”, which came from “salsicus” in Latin, i.e. seasoned with salt. Pan-fried “Bratwurst” with pork, beef or veal. Boiled “Frankfurter Würstchen” with pork or beef with less fat. Or grilled “Nürnberger Rostbratwurst” made with pork and flavored with marjoram?

Never miss the Chinesischer Turm when one strolls around the English Garden. Opened in 1791, it was the oldest beer garden in Munich. As an old saying goes, “thirst is only beautiful when accompanied by beer”. Practice this philosophy in life in the European biggest city parks, which rivals London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park. Prost (“Cheers” in English)!

Germany is the car capital of the world. Their owners and enthusiasts reflect an aura of upmarket opulence. Next to the Olympiapark, the BMW Museum should be placed on your basket list. This silver, bowl-shaped museum comprises seven themed “houses”, which examines the development of BMW's product line, including the development of motor racing.

Speaking of Olympiapark München, it was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Based on the ancient Greek tradition, all conflicts should be ceased during the period of the Olympic Truce. Yet, the Palestinian militant Black September orchestrated the terrorist attack on Israeli team members, in order to liberate the Palestinians prisoners in Israeli.

If time allows, a day tour in Königssee is ideal. Its name translates into “king's lake”, yet there had been no Bavarian kings until Elector Maximilian I Joseph assumed the royal title in 1806. Legend has it that the region of Berchtesgaden was ruled by the tyrant King Watzmann. God turned him and his 7 children into stones surrounding the lake as a punishment.

Close to the Austrian border, this 8km lake is in the state of Bavaria. Nestled at the foot of Mount Watzmann in the Berchtesgaden National Park, its emerald green makes the lake a natural masterpiece. The Baroque St. Bartholomew, named after the patron of alpine farmers and dairymen, modeled on Salzburg Cathedral with two onion domes and a red domed roof.