Munchin in … Munchen
EVER thought about giving it all up to live like a monk?
If Munich is anything to go by, it could be a lot of fun.
The Bavarian city gets its name from the monks who first populated the area and many of their fine traditions continue today — mainly brewing and drinking beer.
Although famous for the Oktoberfest, there is plenty more beyond the booze.
In an afternoon, you can go from visiting the royal palaces or Marienplatz square to the ultra-modern Allianz Arena — home of Bayern Munich — or the stunning BMW HQ.
Many of the best hotels are just a short walk from the main railway station, including the Maritim — one of a family-run chain.
It has a rooftop pool and sauna/steamroom complex overlooking the city, so you can relax as the sun sets over its stunning skyline.
The German people are very friendly and relaxed and Munich has a warmer feel than some of the more industrial northern cities.
Bavaria may be famous for its beer and sausages but high-end dining is an option too, such as at BNM Restaurant at the Bayerisches National Museum.
The head chef trained at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London but his menu still has subtle nods to typical German fare.
If you want traditional, there is nowhere better on a sunny afternoon than the outdoor Viktualienmarkt.
People cram on to communal tables and sausages are sold from kiosks, while a never-ending conveyor belt of frothy steins are poured.
There are beautiful green spaces in the city, including the vast English Garden straddling the Isar river. Locals take to the banks of the river for sunbathing or to go swimming.
If you are keen on the outdoors, the Alps are not far away.
An hour’s drive will take you to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, home of the 1936 Winter Olympics.
Today there is the quick and modern Alpspitzbahn cable car to the slopes at AlpspiX.
And those who simply want to enjoy the view can buy a ticket and take in the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding mountains.
Also famous in the mountains is the Weisswurst breakfast, a traditional white sausage which must be eaten before noon and washed down with — you guessed it — beer.
So if you have thought about living like a monk but giving up the booze is a step too far, try Munich — where you can live like one by drinking beer.