Bavaria, Germany
A Day in the Life
Introduction
Settled in the heart of Europe, Bavaria, Germany is the meeting point between North and South, East and West. Bavarians can take pride in a long and varied historical past.
This ‘Day in the Life’ blog dives into Bavaria head first, with a brief history of Bavaria, followed by places and activities to do and see while you are in the area. We will also look at ways to communicate with the kind people of Bavaria and some helpful hints that will make your visit easier.
History
Centered at the heart of Europe, Bavaria is one of the oldest states in Europe dating right back to the 6th century around 555 AD. The earliest known inhabitants in the area of present-day Bavaria were the Celts. The Romans conquered this region at about the beginning of the Common Era. Bavaria became part of the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century. During that period Bavaria was constantly ravaged and all but desolated by the Hungarians at the Battle of Pressburg (what is now Bratislava, Slovakia), on July 4, 907. That defeat jump started an era of cooperation between Bavaria and Hungary, culminating in 996 with the marriage of a Bavarian princess and a Hungarian prince who would be crowned king. In 1180 the Holy Roman emperor gave Bavaria to the count palatine Otto of Wittelsbach. This marked the start of the Wittelsbach dynasty, which would rule Bavaria until 1918.
Bavaria was a kingdom for over 100 years. Six Bavarian kings reigned as constitutional monarchs. The first Bavarian monarch, Max Joseph I. After the 1st World War, events in Bavaria were first determined by a communist Räterepublik until a constitution with parliamentary democracy came into force in 1919. Under the National Socialists Bavaria lost its independence as a state. On 1st December 1946 a constitution for the Free State of Bavaria was adopted by referendum.
In the early 1920s, Munich became the center of the National Socialist (Nazi) movement; in 1923 the National Socialists made an abortive attempt in that city to seize power. Catholic Bavaria as a whole gave little support to the movement until Adolf Hitler came to national power in 1933. Under the National Socialist regime Bavaria lost its independence.
After World War II, Bavaria became part of the American occupation zone. The Rhenish Palatinate was separated from Bavaria and was later made part of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. A new constitution for Bavaria was drawn up in 1946. Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, the conservative Christian Social Union, allied nationally with the Christian Democratic Union, has been the strongest Bavarian political party.
What to Do and See
Neuschwanstein Castle is nestled in the Bavarian Alps and is the most famous German castle, a defiant must see. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was known as the “Fairytale King”. King Ludwig was a great admirer and supporter of Richard Wagner, the world a renowned composer. Neuschwanstein literally means “New Swan Castle” referencing of “the Swan Knight” one of the Wagner’s characters from one of his compositions.
The Neuschwanstein Castle really looks like a fairytale castle. Built in the 19th century, in a time when castles no longer had strategic or defensive purposes. While Neuschwanstein’s look is that of a medieval castle, it was equipped with, for those times, state of the art technology. On each floor of the castle there were toilets with automatic flushing systems, and an air heating system for the whole castle. Water was supplied by a nearby spring situated at only 200 meters above the castle. The castle is positioned in the Alps in Bavaria, Germany, surrounded by magnificent landscape, on the top of a hill. Neuschwanstein overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley. If you come to visit this castle, you will be amazed by the breath taking landscape that surrounds the castle.
Construction of the Neuschwanstein castle began in 1869, and originally it was projected to last three year. But Ludwig II wanted the castle to be perfect, so the immense building was not finished even at Ludwig’s death in 1886. Though only 14 rooms were finished before Ludiwg II’s sudden death in 1886, these rooms were decorated to perfection. The two story throne room had wall paintings depicting angels and decorated beautifully as well to match the rest of the castle. Ironically, there is no throne in the Throne Room, as Ludwig died before it was completely finished.
This fairytale look of the Neuschwanstein castle is what inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic Kingdom. Today, Neuschwanstein is the most visited castle in Germany, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year over 1.300.000 people crosses its gate.
Information about entrance into the castle:
Address: Alpseestrasse 12, 87645 Hohenschwangau, 73 miles southwest of Munich
Phone: 08362–930 830
Hours of operation:
April-September: 09:00a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
October-March: 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m
You can only visit the inside of the castle as part of a guided tour; a tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. English tours are available.
Admission/Tickets: Buy your tickets at the Ticket Center Hohenschwangau, located just below the castle.
Cost: €9 for adults, €8 for students; kids under 18 free
After you have visited one of the most beautiful castles in all of Germany make your way over to the heart of Bavaria, Munich. Munich, located in the South of Germany, is the capital of Bavaria and the gateway to the German Alps. München, the city’s native name, is derived from the Old German word Mönche (“monks”) and traces back Munich’s origins as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century. Munich is famous for its interesting mix of traditional Bavarian culture, modern living, and high tech industries. Some fun facts about Munich it that nearly 1.2 million people call it home. It is the third largest city in Germany, following Berlin and Hamburg, and the river Isar run through the heart of the city. The best way to get around in Munich is to simply walk around. You’ll find many sights and museums in the historic heart of the city, most of them within short walking distance from one another. A great starting point to explore Munich’s architectural gems, museums, and parks, is Marienplatz, the cobble-stoned square in the heart of the Old Town. Munich has plenty of accommodation, from cheap and modern hostels, which offer dorms as well as private rooms, to charming guesthouses, and luxurious hotels. Munich’s cuisine is often regarded as quintessentially German; think sausages, potatoes salad, and sauerkraut, all washed down with a handcrafted beer. Some delicacies you should try in Munich include Weisswurst, white veal sausage with whole-grain, sweet mustard (only served until 12 p.m.), and a Leberkaes Semmel, a slice of meatloaf on a roll. Munich’s two main pedestrian shopping streets are right in the center of its Old Town, starting at Marien Square. On Kaufingerstrasse und Sendlingerstrasse, you’ll find everything from international department stores, to family-run specialty shops. Maximilianstrasse is known for its high-end luxury boutiques and designer stores. Foodies should not miss Munich’s largest open-air farmers market, Viktualienmarkt, which has been held 6 day a week since 1807.
If you are in Munich, Germany during the middle of September to the first week of October, and you like or even love beer, you must go to Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest fair and one of the best festivals in Germany. Every year, over 6 million visitors from all over the world come to Munich to drink beer, eat sausage and join together in song. The first Oktoberfest was held in October of 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Some of the highlights from Oktoberfest are the official opening ceremony of the festival; it takes place in the tent called “Schottenhamel” on the first Saturday of the festival. At noon, Munich’s mayor taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer with the traditional cry O`zapft is (It’s Tapped)! There are lots of fun parades during Oktoberfest; one of the best ones is the “Costume and Riflemen’s Parade”. This colorful display of Bavarian history and culture takes place in the morning on the first Sunday of Oktoberfest. There are more than 30 beer tents at Oktoberfest, and you can reserve a table in advance and it a good thing to do especially when traveling with a large group. But no worries you can still get a table without a reservation but just make sure to get there early. Without a reservation, visit the tents before 2:30 p.m. during the week; on Saturday and Sunday, come in the morning. Just remember, no seat means no beer, and what is Oktoberfest without beer? This is a hot topic that locals like to discuss weeks in advance of Oktoberfest. The beer price for 2010 ranged between 7.70 and 8 Euros per liter. Also remember to bring enough cash with you, some tents don’t accept credit cards. If you are traveling with children, that are ok to, Oktoberfest is more than drinking beer. There are fun rides, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, music, and parades to enjoy for young and old. So it really is fun for the whole family.
Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
Deutsch (German)is the most common spoken language in Germany; you may still find some people do speak English. Even if you don’t know the language, a lot of the words are similar to English. Here are some helpful phrases to know while in Germany:
Kann ich ein Bier?- Can I have a beer? (Helpful during Oktoberfest.)
Guten Morgen! -Good Morning!
Guten Tag! -Good day!
Guten Abend! -Good Evening!
Ich heiße… My name is…
Wie heißen Sie? -What is your name?
Wie geht’s? -How are you?
Mir geht’s gut. -I’m doing well.
Mir geht’s nicht gut. -I’m not doing well.
Ich komme aus… I am from….
Verkaufen Sie…? Do you sell…?
Wieviel kostet das? How much is that?
Ein Glas Wasser, bitte. -A glass of water, please
Frühstück-Breakfast
Mittagessen-Lunch
Abendessen-Dinner
Entschuldigung, wo ist…? -Excuse me, where is…?
Bitte- Please
Danke- Thank you!
Helpful Hints
When talking to people in Germany remember these facts:Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone, this is disrespectful. Making hands into two fists, thumbs tucked inside the other fingers and making pounding motion lightly on a surface expresses “good luck.” Also never use the “okay” sign (index finger and thumb jointed together to make a circle). This is considered a rude gesture. Then finally don’t point your index finger to your own head. This is an insult in Germany. Titles are very important. Never use titles incorrectly and never fail to use them. If unsure, err in favor of a higher title. Germans take punctuality for business meetings and social occasions seriously. Tardiness is viewed as thoughtless and rude. Call with an explanation if you are delayed. Don’t be offended if someone corrects your behavior (i.e., taking jacket off in restaurant, parking in wrong spot, etc.). Policing each other is seen as a social duty.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this ‘Day in the Life’ blog post you have learned a little about the history the Bavaria Region of Germany, some of the places to visit and things to do while there, as well as ways to communicate and helpful hint to get along with the locals. The Bavarian region of Germany is beautiful and rich in culture. So the next time you are looking to take a trip check out the Bavarian Region of Germany! Auf Wiedersehen für jetzt!(Goodbye for now!)
Disclaimer: This article was written as part of an Intercultural Communication class at University of Nebraska — Lincoln under the direction of Jennifer Kienzle. Students chose different regions of the world to explore the unique history and cultural practices in those places. Please contact Jennifer Kienzle at jen@huskers.unl.edu if you have any questions or comments.
