Festive fall trip to Nürnberg

Germany is famous for festivals and this was, to me, one of the more fun ones. The reason for that was because it was smaller and more localized and there was plenty of room for the entire family and a few friends. So we all got to sit together and enjoy food and beers and it was a great time. Altstadtfest is a celebration of the Old Town in downtown Nürnberg. They have a special beer brewed for the occasion as well. It is an ale type, full-bodied and very good. I actually prefered it to the Marzen-type fest beers that are served in München during Oktoberfest. They are also served in smaller crock-like fest mugs as opposed to the clear glass Maß krug. Also present at the fest is delicious food, typical of a German fest, and schnapps booths as well. We had such a good time that we ended up going back again for seconds.

I highly recommend this festival in Nürnberg, especially if you've got kids and want to stay away from the crowded Oktoberfest in München. This is far more family friendly. The venue is right beside the River Pegnitz as well, so there are some excellent views to take in while enjoying your day. This fest usually only lasts for a few weeks in September, so if you're there then, give it a shot and you're also not far from the Hauptmarkt, which was bustling with a fresh market at the same time.

Brombachsee is a large lake that is below the town of Spalt in Bavaria, Germany. Broken into three parts, the lake offers a lot for anyone to enjoy. From walking trails around woods adjacent to the lake, to the sailing and paddle boats that you can rent for a trip out onto the lake, there is plenty to do. We took a long walk around the woods and also down by the boat docks.

When we were there, they also had a "party boat" that had a live band called "Dirndl Jäger" that played German favorites and gave the entire boat a festive, beer-tent-type atmosphere. There was also food and, of course, beer served on the boat, which just added to the fun. I cannot remember the price of the boat ride, but it was very reasonable and worth the price. The boat trip was a lot of fun and it lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes.

If you do go, you might want to stop on the way and check out the town of Spalt. It is very nice as well.

This was one of the side trips that we took while in Germany during 2004. We went to visit my uncle-in-law in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and he took us up into the hills and mountains to tour an area world-famous for its cheese products, and we got to try some as well, so you can't beat that.

The area was beautiful. Living here in the desert, it is always nice to see green, and we were surrounded by it in the fresh country air. We spent the morning touring St. Gallen and then we headed up the mountain and stopped at a cheese factory, where we enjoyed a tour video and a glimpse of the inside world of cheesemaking.

Apenzeller cheese is world-famous, a part of the Swiss cheese market that the entire world is fond of, so it was very interesting seeing how the cheese was produced, as well as the farms and dairies that dot the landscape and contribute to the production. There were plenty of the Apenzeller cows, the real stars, to be seen in the meadows also.

For a fun day-trip to the country with the family, I would definitely recommend it if you're in the area. And make sure that you take some with you to enjoy later, as it is delicious!

After traveling to Germany many times in the past eight years, I have to say that my favorite time is the fall. Not simply because of the Oktoberfest, but mainly because of the repercussions of that festival. In Bavaria especially, the fall is a very festive time of year with each local town having their own celebration. The weather is usually fantastic with nice days and cool nights and occasional rainfall, this is truly the autumn at its finest. You will definitely experience a true fall with the plethora of colors that will abound from the turning trees.

The mood of the people in the fall though is what I think draws me to Bavaria in the fall. Everyone is joyous and they seem to pass that sentiment along to people. With each fest comes great food and special fest bier, especially for the occasion and the celebrations take full advantage of the beautiful outdoors as well.

For a vacation that will leave you completely refreshed and rejuvenated, I suggest trying out Bavaria in the fall. I believe that you will truly enjoy the decision.

Oh, and of course there is that big celebration in München also!