This week’s “Live Like a Local,” we are headed to Bavaria, Germany with Jack’s Paks blogger Jack. Jack’s blog is full of great information, and he lives the life I have always dreamt of. The number of places he has been is amazing and I am very excited to have him share with us this week. So sit back, relax, and live like a local in Bavaria, Germany with Jack.
Tell Us A Little About Yourself:
Hi! My name is Jack Terrell and I run the travel blog jackspaks.com where I share with others how to be a frugal traveler and keep your sense of adventure alive, no matter what life throws at you.
My goal is to help everyone find creative strategies that will enable them to see the world. I am here to help you overcome challenges and realize your travel dreams. There isn’t an aspect about travel that I don’t relish. I love the daydreaming, planning, airports, food, languages, cultures, and everything else in between.
I turned my back on materialism after a trip to Nepal inspired me to experience as much of the world as possible. Guess that would be my “aha moment.” There are few places in this world where we can be truly alone and without distraction and 17,000 ft. up in the Himalayas of Nepal is one of them. I would sit for hours at a time and stare at the mountains and simply think.
After multiple days of such deep thinking, I began to wonder what I was meant to do. It hit me then and there that if I could spend every day focused on experiential travel, then that would make me happier than I had ever been. However, I want more out of life than self-serving travel experiences. I want to help others achieve the same joy I have felt while traveling.
This trip also made me realize just how insignificant material things are to me. When I think back on the highlights of my year, it was not having materialistic items, rather it was having experiences.
Carrying everything you need on your back has a huge impact on your perspective of what you “need” when it comes to the items you purchase. In the years since my trip to Nepal, I have been able to travel to many amazing places around the world just by not buying things that I don’t need.
Here is my one sentence travel resume: I have been to 32 countries via 110 flights to 4 continents and have seen 49 UNESCO sites.
Where Are You From?
Landsberg am Lech, Bavaria, Germany. Even though I don’t live there anymore, it’s one of the few places that has ever felt like home.
Nestled under the shadow of the Alps, Landsberg am Lech is one of those small German villages that has retained its Bavarian character. The town is largely preserved. It is one of the few German towns that avoided being bombed during the war. The traditional restaurants, beer houses, and cobblestone streets are all still there as they have been for centuries. If you walk up the hill from the town square you arrive at the Medieval city wall which is still largely intact. Walk along the wall for several minutes and you arrive at a breathtaking view of the town.
What Is A Must See For Anyone Wanting To Live Like A Local In Bavaria?
The first, and easiest, to see is the Stadtzentrum (city center) of Landsberg am Lech which is an idyllic Bavarian village scene straight out of a fairytale. The open cobblestone square is surrounded by traditional Fachwerkhäuser – houses made from wooden beam-framed structures filled in with a clay mixture. The city center is the perfect place to have a drink and watch the movement of the town.
No visit to this area would be complete without visiting Germany’s most iconic castle, Neuschwanstein. The castle is only a 45 minute drive from Landsberg. After visiting the castle, continue on to experience a hidden trail with the most Instagrammable view of the castle and another mountain house at the end, Tegelberg.
What Is A Place A Person Could Skip?
When you go to Neuschwanstein Castle, you will see swarms of tourists descending on the numerous souvenir and coffee shops. Avoid these shops like the plague. Also avoid the restaurants. Everything is overpriced, under quality, and just not worth it. Go straight from the parking area to the ticket office and proceed straight to the trail leading you to Neuschwanstein. There are so many better places to buy souvenirs, food, and drinks; I have already or will touch on where you should go.
What Is Some Great Food And Restaurants To Live Like A Local In Bavaria?
No trip to Landsberg am Lech would be complete without trying Bavarian Schnitzel, which is pork beaten to pancake-like thickness mixed with an egg mixture and then breaded. Be sure to wash it all down with many Weiẞbiers, more commonly known as a wheat beer brewed by the gods. Say the words “Ein Maẞ Weiẞbier bitte,” and you will be handed a mug of beer the size of your head! One Maẞ of beer equals about 1 liter.
Gasthaus Süẞbräu has excellent traditional Bavarian food and beer, including Weiẞbier and Schnitzel, and is located right in the center of town. If you aren’t in the mood for German food, Trattoria Italiana has the real deal Italian food. The language inside is a mix of German and Italian and they have the best pizza I have ever had. If you can visit during Christmastime, do it. The small Christmas market in the town center has small stands selling Bratwurst and Glühwein. Glühwein, or mulled wine, is a German tradition during Christmas. Drinking a steaming mug of Glühwein while watching families celebrate the impending holiday as German Christmas music plays is something you won’t soon forget.
Any Advice For Those Visiting For The First Time?
If you have the means, drive there. Some of the best views in Bavaria are outside of the city centers and having a car opens up doors. It allows you to see what you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. Also, driving in Germany is just plain fun. Remember, this is the country that brought us the Autobahn!
This is a close-knit community, so you won’t find McDonalds or English readily available which is one the things I love about Landsberg. Don’t be surprised if many people don’t speak your language. Pointing, smiling, and nodding works just fine to order your food. Walk into the most Bavarian looking place you can find and sit down. The food will be amazing, and the memories will be unforgettable.
What Is A Spot People Might Not Know About That They Should Visit To Help Them Live Like A Local In Bavaria?
Thirty minutes outside of town is the trailhead leading to my personal favorite place in the area, Rohrkopfhütte which is a traditional Bavarian mountain house. Bavaria has this wonderful system of hiking culture whereby every 10-20 km along the trails that criss-cross over the Alps, you find a mountain house. These mountain houses usually serve as a combination of restaurant and hotel. The best experience is to start the trail to Rohrkopfhütte a few hours before sunset. The steep trail winds its way up the mountain and through a large pine forest. Halfway up the trail turns around a bend and you have a perfect view of Neuschwanstein Castle in the distance (more on that later). Once you reach Rohrkopfhütte, sit down for a hearty Bavarian dish like Schnitzel as well as a cold Weiẞbier and enjoy an unimpeded view of the Alps from the outdoor balcony. Prepare yourself for the Alpine glow. It is a unique event when the setting sun creates a red glow on the mountains.
What Is An Interesting Fact People Might Not Know About Bavaria?
Hitler wrote Mein Kampf in Landsberg am Lech when he was imprisoned there after the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. He was released after only one year. Another interesting fact is that if you were to park your car in the underground parking garage, just underneath the main square, you are in for a shock. This underground place was built during WWII by victims of the Holocaust at the behest of BMW. Yes, that BMW. While visiting the concentration camp Dachau I saw a map displayed showing all forced labor camps where planes and other war weapons were built underground. As I looked closer I zeroed in on the street I walked across to have coffee every Sunday. Some weeks later I received a shock when I parked in this underground garage only to realize that serving as a parking place was not its original purpose. My car was parked in the same place where Luftwaffe planes were once built by forced labourers!
Any Last Words For Travelers To Bavaria?
While Munich is touted as the “real” Bavaria, one must travel to the smaller Bavarian towns such as Landsberg am Lech to be pulled into Bavaria’s beauty. With limited time and vacation days it can be difficult to pass up larger cities such as Berlin and Munich for smaller ones, but I promise you won’t regret the decision to spend a few days in Landsberg am Lech. Bavarians are active and more likely to be found playing soccer or summiting a mountain than watching Netflix. The food is hearty, entirely Bavria’s own, and has not changed much over the centuries. The stereotype of German’s affinity for, and ability to make, the world’s best beer is true. The beer culture in Germany is fun and an integral part of life. Finally, if at all possible, visit during Christmas. German Christmas Markets are the best way to celebrate the holidays. I could go on for days about why this town is so special but some things you just need to see for yourself.
Thanks To Jack And Letting Us Live Like A Local In Bavaria With Him For A Minute
I don’t know about you, but I definitely want to check out Bavaria the next time I am in Germany. The pictures alone got me wanting to go, and like he said, “Some things you just need to see for yourself. Don’t forget to check out Jack’s Paks and click on the icons below to follow him on his social media platforms. Thanks, Jack!
*And don’t forget to check out last week’s “Live Like A Local” where we head to Miami with Sam. You can read all about that HERE.
Rachael F
This sounds amazing! I will definitely add this to my next Germany trip!
Jack
Hey Rachael! Let me know if you ever want more info and I’ll be happy to gush some more about this wonderful place! 🙂