We decided that our first full experience of Oktoberfest had to be opening day of Munich’s, as it is THE Oktoberfest! We stayed in Garmisch and took a train in for the day, as driving in Munich would’ve been a nightmare. Since we had the kiddos we went early and experienced the opening parade, the cutting ceremony and then the opening of the festival grounds before it got too crowded and “exciting”. Yes, there were a lot of people. No, we didn’t get into a tent. But we do not regret going one bit because the parade was a wonderful experience and the food and rides were so fun for the kids! It’s not every day an American can say they’ve experienced this, so we are thankful for the trip, even if it was utterly exhausting! And not only did Oktoberfest make this trip memorable, but our youngest took his first steps as well!! We stayed at Edelweiss Resort and that evening he decided to put one foot in front of the other in our hotel room! So exciting!
Before we get into Oktoberfest, I just have to share these photos of Garmisch as we drove in because it is just beyond beautiful. One of my favorite places in Germany, without a doubt!
Okay, now onto a visual tour of opening day of Oktoberfest!
And when I say there were a lot of people….there were A LOT of people!!
The entrance to the festival grounds!
I asked these beautiful ladies if I could take their picture and they said yes! I just loved their dirndls! I am definitely going to get myself one for the next festival! Wish I would’ve bought one beforehand.
These gingerbread heart cookies (Lebkuchenherz) are a staple souvenir at Oktoberfest. They come in a range of sizes and have ribbon attached so you can wear them around your neck. They began years ago when one of the bakers found his chocolate hearts would melt in the sun, so he went on to create these gingerbread versions and now you can find them all over with many different messages written on the front!
We had to get some of our own!
They train back was rough. We were all VERY tired, including the toddler. Traveling with a toddler and small kids is just a different kind of travel, people. We tried to appease him the best we could on the nearly hour train ride back, but we were ready for a drink when we got home.
We ordered food, ate in the room, and finally got the kids to bed. Hubs and I parked ourselves outside the hotel room with some wine and a book to get some down time of our own. We got some strange looks by passers-by, but oh well. You do what you gotta do.
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