I arrived back at Ljubljana Bus Station around evening time and went for a stroll around the lovely old town once again before my overnight train to Munich. I hope to be back in Slovenia to explore more of this underrated country as per my wonderful experience in Ljubljana and Lake Bled.

So long Slovenia! And hello to Germany!

Problem is…I don’t see my train…turned out to be a long night with me staring blankly at the empty track.

Overnight train from Ljubljana to Munich

The 23:50 train from Ljubljana to Munich only showed up an hour and a half later, which I nearly jump up in joy. For I need to link up with wifey at Munich Airport later in the day, who was on her first epic solo flight from Singapore to join me for the second half of the trip.

The overnight train compared to the one which I took from Budapest to Belgrade is quite a world of difference. Its single bed compartment is twice as pricey (EUR 150 vs EUR 80) but in return, I get something more modern and comfortable sleeping cabin. There’s a basin to freshen up and the charging points actually work!! Yeah!! And since there are no border checks, I managed to catch some sleep on board before the train finally arrived at Munich Hauptbahnhof.

It then takes around 45 minutes from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Munich Airport via S-Bahn.

Augustiner Keller

We had a late, late lunch at local’s favourite Augustiner Keller, which is some 10-15 minute walk from Arthotel Munich. From what I gathered, this is one popular meetup place after work which is no surprise for their superb German food and beers.

Augustiner Keller is also one of the top places to be during Oktoberfest which can sit some 5,000! We settled most of our meals in Munich over here.

Munich City Center

From Karlsplatz (Stachus) and Karlstor (Karls Gate) is a long stretch of shopping streets of Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse leading towards the heart of the Old Munich. There are plenty of departmental stores and international brands lining the streets.

There are also shops selling Bavarian stuff like traditional clothing and huge beer mugs.

We also went to check out Black forest cuckoo clock at Max Krug.

But the best things for me has gotta be Hirmer, located right next to Frauenkirche. Unlike typical departmental stores where the basement is a supermarket, ground floor for cosmetics, second and third for ladies’ fashion, whereas the fourth floor being a combination of men’s fashion, kids’ stuff and home’s essentials. Hirmer has the whole entire six floors cater to men’s fashion and stuff. That’s lots to see in one place and so nice to shop!!

Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche (Cathedral Church of Our Lady) is one iconic landmark of Munich and it has two very tall towers topped with an onion dome each. The cathedral underwent stages of reconstruction after being severely damaged during World War II. And the towers were supposed to get topped with spires but funding issues have the builders opted instead for the dome design, inspired by the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

So unlike other Gothic cathedrals with splendid spires and ornaments, the red-bricked Frauenkirche may seem a little pale in comparison. But I think its simplicity matched up well with the unique onion-domed towers.

It’s possible to climb up the south tower but it was closed during my visit. Tsk…

Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle

Among the many churches in Munich, the warm coloured baroque styled church Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church) seems a little out of place with its Mediterranean feel. The church definitely looks way too Italian than German. Hence, it’s not surprising that the architects were Italians who have drawn inspiration from Sant’Andrea della Valle church in Rome.

But what attracted me to Theatinerkirche was the interior which made up of mostly white stucco (cement-based plaster), giving it a very bright and stunning appearance. Almost everything inside the church is white in colour which is quite different from the usual colourful stained glass windows.

Moreover, the white stucco looks so detailed that you know lots of hard work has been put into it, I am so impressed.

Just in front of Theatinerkirche is Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshal’s Hall) built as a tribute to the Bavarian army who fought in Franco-Prussian War.

The Monument Of Maximilian I at the nearby Wittelsbacher Platz.

STAY: Arthotel Munich review

Arthotel Munich is located close to Munich Hauptbahnhof and Karlsplatz, making it a good base for exploration. As its name suggests, there are plenty of artsy decors inside the hotel together with bright funky colours. The staffs are very helpful and friendly which is great. The decent sized room is clean and there’s a comfortable sofa. The bathroom is also nice and spacious.

[alert]

What are your thoughts about Munich? Leave a comment and share it with me.

[/alert]