Hello all! I will be in Munich on May 1st 2010 and need some advice. This will be my third full day in Munich and I leave the next morning for Dachau and Andechs. I will probably have done all the touring "must see" and want to experience May Day like a local. Let me add that it will also be the last weekend of the Spring Fest as well and I am staying at Hotel Uhland just down the street from the fair grounds. Oh, and I am a beer drinker. Does anyone have specific advice, experiences, or warnings for the perfect May Day in Munich. Do you think a better time can be had at the Englischer Garten, Spring Fest, or one of the many beer gardens? Is there a specific part "not to be missed"? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
Posted by
Alpharetta, Ga, USA
46 posts
If you're a serious beer drinker, if you don't already have a copy, get the The Beer Drinker's Guide to Munich. It makes hitting the best beer gartens easy and gives you the history of each one along with directions. Gute Reise!
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
Already own it! Thanks though
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
WOW, I thought I would get at least a couple of replies! I guess people had so much fun they don't even remember!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8945 posts
May day is just Labor day. People have off work, they go grill, go for a walk, nothing special. No parades or anything like that.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
Jo, I'm really surprised to hear that. When I was in Germany in 2008 every town I passed by had some type of celebration going on. Granted I was only in Schwabisch Hall and Nuremberg, but they both had festivies going on. I assumed that Munich would too.
Posted by
tampa, Florida, USA
1 posts
Rob,
We went to Mittenwald on May 1,2009 just to get out of the city for a day and were pleasantly surprized
when we arrived and they were manually raising their may pole(we arrived about 9 am),we watched them until about 11. We went up the cable car when we returned we enjoyed their band at one of the local restaurants,where we ate dinner and spent a few more hours drinking beer, before catching a train back to Munich
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8945 posts
Smaller towns will probably have something, like raising the May pole or a fest.
In the bigger cities, what is more common is Dance into May, which means going out dancing the night before. Means you can sleep late the next day! Mostly bars and clubs will be holding parties. Not something I have ever heard anyone raving about or being a "Can't miss activity."
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
I guess a lazy day at the Englischer Garten and an evening at the Spring Fest is in my future! Thanks for the help.