Germany weekend getaway? Say no more. Despite temporarily losing my luggage in transit, my weekend was full of fun. I got to see some old friends, sample a ton of German beer, fill up on carbs via pastries and schnitzel, and see a 19th century Prussian castle.
One of my former colleagues/friend from South Korea invited me and a few others to stay for a weekend in Stuttgart. We started the day off with some shopping and walking around downtown, and ended it with dinner at Paulaner am alten Postplatz. The food and beer were delightful. I chose a stein of Hefe-Weissbier and Ganze Schweinshax'n or Crispy Pork Knuckle. We then split a yummy German dessert. By the time I got back to the hotel, I could not feel my face from being so stuffed with food. I immediately passed out.
The next day we met for lunch at a little German café, and I indulged in some schnitzel and frites. Afterwards we each picked out a cake slice or pastry item to go. Again, so full from all the rich delicious and carb filled goodies. I appreciated walking it off and then taking an afternoon nap prior to going to Volksfest. It was much needed.
Volksfest (or Oktoberfest in general) is like a glorified combination of a US State Fair and a bunch of beerhall tents combined. The beer tents are all individually designed and decorated, typically with a theme. You have to make a reservation in order to be guaranteed entrance and a decent seat. They usually have a full menu of food, snacks, and alcohol ready to serve. While enjoying food and drink, there is music (both live bands and DJs) that often leads to dancing and drunken sing-a-longs. Many people dress up in Lederhosen and Dirndl, and the people watching is glorious.
Before or after you indulge in all the tent shenanigans, you may partake in rides and carnival snacks. We decided post tent to try our hand at some bumper cars and a 'haunted house escape' ride. Much laughter and treasured memories were the reward for our decisions.
Overall, the festival was a success. Maybe another appearance next fall? The following day we slept in, had some ramen for lunch, and walked around Stuttgart. Saw some sites, did some leisurely shopping, checked out a fun wine bar, and ended the day with a delicious dinner of pasta.
On Sunday we took a road trip to visit Hohenzollern Castle. The castle is the ancestral seat of the imperial House of Hohenzollern. The third of three hilltop castles built on the site, it is located atop Mount Hohenzollern, above and south of Hechingen, on the edge of the Swabian Jura of central Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The first castle on the mountain was constructed in the early 11th century. The second castle, a larger and sturdier structure, was constructed from 1454 to 1461, and served as a refuge for the Catholic Swabian Hohenzollerns, including during the Thirty Years' War. The third, and current, castle was built between 1846 and 1867 as a family memorial[1] by Hohenzollern scion King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
With over 350,000 visitors per year, Hohenzollern castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. The castle is privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern, with two-thirds belonging to the Brandenburg-Prussian branch, and the balance to the Swabian branch. The views from the castle are breathtaking, and the inside tour is highly recommended. We also enjoyed a visit to the gift shop and the café restaurant for lunch. We finished the afternoon outside at the beer garden with some beverages and desserts.
Overall, the long weekend in Stuttgart was a success. It was nice to see good friends, eat lots of yummy food, enjoy great beer, and sightsee. Definitely can't wait for another trip back.
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