The Appeal of Bavarian Culture: Munich
Last week, I embarked on a journey to Munich, Germany, with a dreamy notion of visiting Hohewalde, our sister town in Germany. However, after doing some research, I realized that Hohewalde was too far from Munich to explore within the limited time I had. Moreover, Hohewalde is more of a scattered farming area than a destination for sightseeing and leisurely strolls.
Despite this, as a first-time visitor to Germany, I found myself thinking of our little town often. I quickly fell in love with Bavarian culture and the sights of Munich, which, in turn, made me appreciate our Tennessee Hohenwald even more.
Munich is an incredibly beautiful city—clean, organized, beautiful landscaped parks and systematic in every way. I was struck by the little things and unspoken rules that, while quirky, made perfect sense. For example, escalators are as integral to the city as trains and sidewalks. It’s quickly understood that you stand firmly to the right when entering an escalator, leaving the left side clear for those in a hurry. There’s no room for standing side by side with a friend to chat casually. Bike paths are everywhere, often as wide as the pedestrian sidewalks. Step even an inch over the line, and you’re likely to get a toe run over or hear the sharp ring of a bike bell. Cycling and hiking are serious pursuits in Munich and its rural surroundings, with people making obvious significant investments in their bikes, backpacks and footwear. Young, old, and everyone in between spend a large portion of their day and weekends on and off trains, bikes, walking and hiking trails. Personally, I clocked more steps than I had in weeks—it was both exhausting and exhilarating.
The bakeries were overflowing with fresh bread, numerous pastry selections and grocery stores were exceptionally clean and well-organized, with an abundance of fresh produce and simple yet hearty food. Everyone brings their own bags, weighs and labels their produce, and often uses self-checkout. Upon exiting, you scan your receipt to open a secure gate, a practice that reflects the efficiency that permeates the city.
Architecturally, Munich is a visual feast—brimming with details that are impossible to capture fully in just one column. The city's architecture and churches showcase detailed carvings, with elaborate Gothic and Baroque designs, standing as masterpieces of craftsmanship. At every turn, you'll encounter stunning fountains, statues, and intricate iron gates, along with beautifully carved wooden doors that add to the city's charm, all while maintaining a smooth and systematic flow.
The rural outskirts of Munich are lush and green, with breathtaking mountain views and crystal-clear lakes. The modest village homes are adorned with handcrafted fencing, flower pots, neatly (match-stick style) stacked firewood, small gardens, and clotheslines. Interestingly, the places I stayed in Munich had washing machines, but none had clothes dryers—air racks were the norm.
There is a warmth to the locals once you get past the initial stoic exterior, especially if you can share a few German phrases or, better yet, speak the language. As a patron, you never feel rushed out of a restaurant; long philosophical conversations and savoring the food and drink are encouraged, with no pressure to leave. The more you frequent a business or local restaurant, the more smiles and personality you encounter, almost as if you’ve been given a gift.
As my time in Munich came to an end, I found myself reflecting on how these experiences have deepened my appreciation for both Bavarian culture and Hohenwald, TN. Both places mirror a warmth of community and the beauty of our surroundings are universal treasures that connect us all.