Every year I make it my goal to be in bed relaxing by 3pm the day before the marathon and today is no different. But, our morning was spent exploring the city with is gorgeous and so filed with history. I only wish we had more time to enjoy it! 
Greetings from Munich! 
After an afternoon of castle touring we arrived in Munich, our destination for 24 hours, around 6pm. We quickly checked into our gorgeous hotel, the Sofitel Mayer Bayerpost. We were greeted by the fresh aroma of fresh flowers as soon as we entered the hotel. I am not sure whether it is due to the upcoming Easter holidays or always like this but there were huge arrangements, like the one below, in the foyer and check-in area featuring pastel colors. 
The service we have received thus far has been by far and away the best service we had ever enjoyed. The check-in process for both couples was smooth and they were even kind enough to offer us complimentary upgrades since the hotel isn’t full this weekend! After showing us our room the kind staff even offered to provide their suggestions for the best beer halls and places to enjoy since we only had one evening in Munich. 
Once we finished exploring the hotel and freshening up in our rooms we headed out to explore Munich, the city which has been called a beer fanatics heaven. Our goal was to check out three highly recommended beer halls during the evening, while also enjoying some delicious Bavarian food such as the soft pretzels, schnitzel and sausages. Our walk through the city squares during dusk was the perfect way to take in the cities churches, sites and people watch as many men and women decked out in traditional Bavarian garb such as lederhosen made from buck skin!
Though some might say that this is the most touristy of all the beer halls (likely a true statement) we felt that no stay in Munich was complete without a stop at the famed institution. With seating for over 8,000 this place feels enormous. The beer is obviously fantastic with wonderful Bavarian food to match. Of all the halls we visited, we enjoyed Hofbrauhaus’s pretzels more than anywhere else. There was also a band playing traditional Bavarian music which made for a lively and convivial atmosphere.
A small, very quiet hall serving Paulaner, we stopped in for a quick half-liter at the bar. The beer was good and the place felt relaxed but we felt like we had experienced everything this hall had to offer after 30 minutes.
Another lively hall with a large outdoor area that spills into the street, we sat here for about 30 minutes. The service was a little less cheery here though that of course could have been our individual server.
This place was a PARTY. Admittedly, we did arrive here after 11PM and so many of the patrons were on the tail end of many hours of drinking but there was a live band and everyone was having fun we enjoyed the music and another beer before heading back to the hotel to get some well deserved rest.
On the topic of beer, what is your favorite beer?
A short hour’s drive from Munich sits the world renowned 19th century Bavarian castle that inspired the image of Walt Disney’s Cinderella’s castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria in 1869 and was meant to serve as his escape. Similar to many of the castles built in the 19th century, this one is more reminiscent of the Middle Ages than the late 1860s. The king had many passions which come to life in the castle including his love of swans and Richard Wagner’s works.
It is recommended to buy tickets for the 30 minute castle tours in advance as they tend to sell out especially during peak seasons. This afternoon, after picking up our pre-ordered tickets we walked 20 minutes up the steep mile long path winding through the woods. If walking isn’t your speed they also have horse drawn carriages which can bring people up to the castle gate for a small price. Today that wasn’t an option for us as the carriage wait was over an hour! 
The panoramic views helped distract us from the steep incline and sweat dripping down our backs.
Once arriving at the top we had a few minutes to spare before our 3:25pm tour began.
The 30 minute tour took us through a dozen different rooms designed by King Ludwig II ranging from his extravagant bedroom which included wood carvings so intricate that they took over 4 years to complete! Unfortunately no pictures were allowed on the tour, even without flash.
The views from the castle were incredible, especially over the lake.
If you’re visiting Munich or the nearby area, this should definitely be on your list of sites to see. The entire visit only takes an hour so it doesn’t have to be an all day affair but allows for beautiful views and a glimpse into Ludwig II’s crazy mind.
Now we’re off to enjoy an evening tour of Munich’s famous beer halls!
Your turn: We were joking that there seem to be many ads these days for abandoned castles and chalets. If you could have a castle in any country which one would you choose?