Our journey through Germany continued as we ventured to the story-book town of Heidelberg, where a magnificent castle awaited our exploration.
Exploring Heidelberg Castle
To reach the castle, we hopped on the incline railway and embarked on a fascinating ascent to the top of Königstuhl mountain. The castle, dating back to 1214, impressed us with its medieval grandeur and architectural splendor.
While on the castle grounds, we tried the local Glühwein (hot spiced mulled wine) after smelling its warm aroma in the chilly fall air.
Inside, we marveled at the Big Wine Barrel, a colossal wooden barrel built in 1214 that once held a staggering 58,000 gallons of wine.
After soaking in the castle’s rich history, we continued our adventure by hiking through the picturesque German Black Forest on Mount Königstuhl.
Here are some videos from our stay in Heidelberg:
Munich and the Heart of Bavaria
Our next destination was Munich and the vibrant region of Bavaria. We immersed ourselves in the charm of Marienplatz, indulged in delectable spätzle, the famous soft egg noodles found in this region, and explored the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace.
Crunchy snow on the streets of Munich greeted us, and we headed to the Münchner Hofbräuhaus, the historic three-story beer hall with a lively atmosphere and authentic Bavarian entertainment.
I had first visited the famed beer hall with work colleagues, a second time with my wife, and was now here with my brother, making our visit to this 16th-century institution yet another unforgettable experience.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Heading south from Munich, we arrived in Füssen to discover the fairy tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle.
The Palaces of King Ludwig I of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee were inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025.
Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Ostallgäu district, we strolled along the shores of Alpsee Lake and embarked on a hike to Queen Mary’s Bridge, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the castle and its surroundings.
From snowy streets to majestic castles, our time in Bavaria was filled with awe-inspiring moments.
A Taste of Bavaria
Of course, no visit to Bavaria would be complete without savoring the local cuisine.
We relished the delights of Haxe, a crispy pork knuckle, indulged in spinach and potato balls, and savored the tantalizing flavors of cheese spätzle topped with crunchy brown onions, kind of like awesome macaroni and cheese for adults.
Each dish was a culinary delight, capturing the essence of Bavarian gastronomy.
As we continued our German adventure, we treasured every moment spent in these remarkable destinations, immersing ourselves in history, culture, and the delightful flavors of the region.
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Our German Adventure
As we continued our German adventure, we treasured every moment spent in these remarkable destinations, immersing ourselves in history, culture, and the delightful flavors of the region.
Where I Stayed:
Heidelberg Marriott Hotel
The Heidelberg Marriott Hotel sits along the Neckar River, providing a particularly scenic setting for exploring one of Germany’s most picturesque cities. From the hotel, we could enjoy views toward the river and the surrounding hills while still being close enough to reach Heidelberg’s historic center. The property offered a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, and riverfront setting that made it a relaxing place to stay. Heidelberg’s famous castle and Old Town provided plenty to explore beyond the hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center
In Munich, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center, conveniently located in the heart of the city and only about a third of a kilometer from Munich Central Station. That made it particularly convenient for our rail-focused journey.
The hotel offered comfortable modern rooms, a fitness center, restaurant, bar, and a substantial breakfast buffet featuring Bavarian specialties such as veal sausage and pretzels, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
Munich Airport Marriott Hotel
The last night with my brother was spent at the Munich Airport Marriott Hotel. Actually located in Freising, a historic Bavarian town about 12 kilometers from Munich Airport, which makes it a convenient stop before or after a flight. The hotel offered spacious rooms, an indoor pool, spa, sauna, and several dining options, including a restaurant serving traditional Bavarian specialties. I especially liked the opportunity to experience a little local atmosphere rather than staying at an airport property surrounded by runways and terminals. The hotel also has a direct S-Bahn connection to Munich, making it possible to reach the city center without a car.