More Detailed Train Pass Analysis

I did some further investigating this morning to determine the usefulness of a German Rail Pass vs. individual tickets. As with everything, the answer is "it depends". With the following caveats, the Rail Pass still looks good, but border with a 7-day pass.

- I used Saver Fares which require an advance purchase of at least 3 days

- All fares are one-way except for two roundtrips from Bamberg to Kulmbach.

-Does not include an additional trip of München to Berlin for those of us considering flying to München a day early and then training to Berlin. 

Attendance Probability Meter

With nothing else to do this morning, I have created an Attendance Probability Meter that is displayed on the right-hand side of the blog. You can click on the image for a larger view. Please check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Do you agree with the current probability? I will keep it updated as we see events unfolding, particularly in Germany. Also, keep me informed of your probability thoughts.

Prost.

 So Microsoft asked me about this 1970's retro looking place on my sign on screen.    Can anybody tell me the location? 

Here s the answer.  I did guess Munich but did not go as far as naming Mariwzenplatz 

Pedestrian tunnel in Marienplatz Station, Munich, Germany

It's been estimated that more than 175,000 passengers use Marienplatz Station on a typical weekday, making it likely the busiest stop in Munich's U-bahn rail system. Good thing then that the station, originally opened in 1971, was expanded with additional pedestrian tunnels like this one beginning in 2003. We're looking down one of the two long 'extension tubes' that resemble something out of a Kubrick film.

This retro design was intentional—the construction expands on the original architecture of the station's platforms, with bright orange tile, black trim, and snaking lines of ceiling lights. The tunnels were finished in time for one of the main reasons for the expansion—the 2006 World Cup (and all those teeming football fans) held right here in Munich.

Leipzig Bier Garden

Bayerischer Banhof Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei is a brewery set in a historic and revitalized train station in downtown Leipzig. 

More History

Bayerischer Banhof Gasthaus Website

2001 Bamberg Part II

 

2001 Bamberg trip

 AFAIK, We've only been once.  And I guess it wasn't Dopplebach...  someone else in our crew.  I happened to like the refreshing taste of smoke.  It's like a cigar and beer all in one!

Last trip was 20 years ago.  Time flies.

World's oldest brewery

 No longer in business. Probably Covid related..

Egypt Unearths 'World's Oldest' Mass-production Brewery (ibtimes.com)

Oktoberfest trip site upgrade complete

 You can tell it's cold and not so great here in San Diego.  I completed upgrade to version 3.0.  Thanks for all your comments.

Added a Gallery of Photos, and enhance places to go,  including spots on this years trip!

We are looking for more photos..  send them my way!

Oktoberfest Trip History Site

Another Bier Immersion Participant Confirmed

That's right, after all your write-in ballots and lobbying efforts, Designated Walker will be joining our merry band of Oktoberfestians. While she will certainly not be immersing herself in bier, we do hope she lives up to her moniker to ensure we make it back to our hotels.

Please welcome Designated Walker as our latest Participant.

Must visit in Cologne

 

We were there 12 years ago, drinking "Kölsche Stange" and eating "Hachse met Sauerkraut".

 https://www.frueh.de

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kölsch_(beer)

Koln/Cologne

I am very excited about planning our stay in Koln.  Or Cologne.  

My first visit there was in 1976 with my parents,  on a river cruise.    Shot of the famous church.  Will we climb up the spire??

Be Careful What You Ask For

Over the past weekend I was talking with my sister. She has always wanted to go to Germany, and we were discussing this year's trip. I told her Designated Walker wanted to go, but would not go unless she went. I then got the usual, "too expense", "don't have the time", "can't leave husband that long", etc.

During the call she then began to ask the usual questions; how much? what cities? etc. I knew she was circling the bait. Yesterday I got a text from her asking more questions; where do we fly into/out of? how do we get from city to city? where will we stay? I jerked and set the hook. Now it will be interesting to see if I can reel her in.

This Year's Oktoberfest Logo Revealed

 https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/magazine/oktoberfest-news/2021/oktoberfest-poster-2021

Uh Oh, News from The Fatherland

Well gang, I emailed Anton about rooms and here is his response. I hope he is wrong, but maybe we need to discuss contingency plans.

=====================

Dear Keith,

nice to hear from you.

This year we´ll have to wait at least until April.

Nobody knows, what´s in September.

At the moment, we cannot imagine, that Octoberfest will take part.

In January I would have said at a rate of 95%.

Now the chances are better, but it could be the calmness before the storm; in any way!

I am not sure, how about the next spring. Would it continue again, we´re forced to think about the business at all.

Bavaria anyway has stricter rules, as the rest of Germany. Permittance to entrance the festival only with a special passport or only for nationals? That seems impossible to control and not human. If everything is going relatively normal soon, for sure, I will consider you request.

Lot´s of greetings

Anton

History Site re-vamped and ready for incriminating photos.

Updated Rosters and other fun webby stuff.   Looking forward to travelling again.

Oktoberfest History Page

Here's a shot from 2018...

Three visitors confirmed!

Happy to announce that we have three new visitors for our Immersion 2021 Tour!

We remember one visitor; "Beergärtner" (we know him from last year) and his wife "Beercap". They will join in Köln. And the third? I like to keep it a secret. Today I arranged hotel rooms in Munich.

The Other Boys at Weihenstephan

 

Proof that we are a spiritual bunch

  Here's a shot of Chugger reading from The Book at Weihenstephan.  

Oldest Breweries in the world

 We have been to a few of these!!!

Worlds Oldest Breweries