Central Europe [Part 4]: Half Day Trip to Ingolstadt from Munich

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Since my husband accompanied me to the place I wanna go in Munich which is Neuschwanstein Castle (due to my love towards Disneyland) on our second day in Munich, therefore on our third day, we went to the place that my husband is interested with. My husband is fond of automotive industry and electric mobility and Germany is one of the best places to discover and explore all these. 

And because we have done our visit to BMW Museum & BMW Welt on our first day, therefore on the third day we proceed to Ingolstadt, a city in Bavaria which is well-known for Audi Forum and its museum classic cars.   

#1: One of our favourite shops to grab breakfast before kicking off our day 

JOURNEY FROM MUNICH TO INGOLSTADT 

The journey from Munich to Ingolstadt takes less than an hour by train. And because we have Eurail Pass, hence this particular train rice is covered under this pass. As usual, we like to depart our journey earlier. 

Once we arrived in Ingolstadt Hbf, we boarded bus 11 heading to Audi Forum. A single bus trip costs €2.90 whereas a-day ticket costs €5.80 for Zone 1. The bus ride from Ingolstadt Hbf to Audi Forum takes less than 25 minutes and you will spot Audi Forum on your right side of the bus. 

#2: Travelling all the way to Ingolstadt from Munich just for Audi Forum 

It seems like both of us were too early for the visit as Audi Forum hasn't opened yet for operation. So we took few photos outside while waiting for them to open. And because I wasn't keen to enter, I just wait for my husband at the cafe and ordered a cup of latte. Surprisingly the latte was pretty cheap - a cup for €2.80 only. 

#3

The entrance fee for Audi Forum is €5 for adult. Because I didn't enter and visit the Audi museum mobile, so I just shared couple of photos took by my husband. He spent roughly two hours or less inside this fascinating museum which showcases over 100 cars, motorcycles and multimedia exhibitions.  

#4

#5

#6

Before making our way back to Munich, we decided to make a short visit wandering this small little city of Bavaria. Probably due to Ingolstadt is less popular compare to the rest, we hardly spot any foreign tourists apart from us. Or perhaps, we're too early. 

#7: Some random but unique buildings in Ingolstadt 

#8: Yes, I found you - Primark, one of my fav shopping places in UK & Europe 

#9

#10

#11: We dropby at Vietnamese-Thai fusion restaurant for our lunch 

Our trip to Ingolstadt was indeed pretty short and brief as our main intention is to visit Audi Forum. After that, we headed back to Munich in order to continue with our final and last day of exploring the city before bidding goodbye on the following day. 

>> Next Post: My Second Visit to Hallstatt, Austria >>

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Central Europe [Part 3]: Neuschwanstein Castle, Real-Life Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle

 << Previous Post: 3 Days in Munich, Bavaria's Capital <<

On our second day in Munich, we decided to go for a day trip to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. This had always been on my travel wishlist for years where this fairytale castle was believed to inspire Walt Disney to build Sleeping Beauty Castle. 

HOW TO GET TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE FROM MUNICH 

As usual, both my husband and I always woke up early to kick off our day. We prefer to start our day earlier and end our day earlier too. At least to avoid the crowd, if possible. For your information, there is no direct connection by train departing from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle. 

1) First, take train from Munich Hauptbahnhof (München Hbf) to Füssen which takes roughly two hours. Because we have Eurail Global Pass, so this train ride is covered under this pass. 

2) After arriving in Füssen, take Bus 73 or 78 to the village Hohenschwangauof. The bus stop of this bus ride is just right opposite of the train station. It's a short ride where it takes under 10 minutes and it costs €5.20 for a round trip. You pay directly to the driver during boarding. 

#1: Take train from Munich Hauptbahnhof (München Hbf) to Füssen

#2: Hop on Bus 73 or 78 to the village Hohenschwangauof 

#3: Once arrive in Information Point of Hohenschwangauof (this is where the bus will stop), walk for at least 3 minutes towards the Ticket Centre. 

Initially we did try our luck to buy the tickets online in advance from their official website here but somehow, it was sold out. Luckily both of us didn't give up and try our luck by walk-in at the Ticket Centre. Guess what! We're so happy when they told us there were few available tickets left. That's the advantage of waking up and reach the place earlier. Definitely worth it! The admission fee of Neuschwanstein Castle for an adult is €15 and do take note it's guided tour. Make sure to reach the castle at least 10-15 minutes earlier before your time slot. 

In case you are wondering, Neuschwanstein Castle is actually sits above the village of Hohenschwangauof. There are three ways to get up to the castle:

1) Walking for at least 1.5km uphill to the castle (probably takes 45-50 minutes)

2) Riding on horse drawn carriage 

3) Taking the bus (Round trip for €3.50) - We opted for this in order to save time and our energy. 

If you are driving with car, there are 4 parking lots in Hohenschwangau but P4 is the closest to the bus stop for the shuttle up the hill to the castle. For more info regarding parking map and fees, you can check it out here.

#4: You can opt to walk 1.5km uphill to the castle or ride the horse drawn carriage 

#5: Or you can do like what we did - take the bus ride for only €3.50 round trip. Save time and energy!

The bus stop to catch the bus up to Neuschwanstein Castle is located next to the Ticket Centre. 

Unfortunately the bus doesn't stop right in front of the castle. It's about 600m walking distance downhill to the castle itself. The bus stop somewhere in between the castle and Marienbrücke. Because we still had spare of time before our time slot for entering the castle, we decided to walk to Marienbrücke. It's a pedestrian bridge built over a cliff where you can get the magnificent panoramic views of Neuschwanstein Castle. 

#6: This is where the shuttle bus drop off the passengers when reaching the hill - somewhere between the castle and Marienbrücke

#7: Breathtaking panoramic views of Neuschwanstein Castle from Marienbrücke. Crossing this pedestrian bridge is free but because of that, it'll be overcrowded with visitors. 

#8: Info about Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) 

#9: From Marienbrücke, we walked towards to the castle and look at the view we came across. 

Entering Neuschwanstein Castle is only possible with guided tour. Therefore, make sure to pick up or buy the ticket at the Ticket Centre at the downhill before going up to the castle as there's no ticket centre outside the castle. And also make sure to arrive at least 10-15 minutes earlier before your time slot, or else you are not allowed to enter to the castle. 

#10: There's no ticket centre outside the castle. Therefore, make sure to pick up or buy the ticket at the downhill before going up to the castle. 

Unfortunately, photography is not permitted inside the castle. However, each visitor will be given a handheld audio guide device and this guided tour takes at least 35-40 minutes to witness some of the spectacular and amazing castle's interior. Once the guided tour ends, visitors are allowed to hang out at the cafe or getting memento at the souvenir shops that are located inside the castle. 

#11: Overview of Neuschwanstein Castle

#12: Make me wanna play Disney's song - "When dreams come true"

2022 Central Europe Travelogues:

• Central Europe for 22 Days (Sneak Peek)
• Singapore Airlines to Munich, Germany
• 3 Days in Munich, Bavaria's Capital 

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Central Europe [Part 2]: 3 Days in Munich, Bavaria's Capital

 << Previous Post: Singapore Airlines to Munich <<

HOW TO GET TO MUNICH CITY CENTRE FROM THE AIRPORT
Once we got through the immigration and collected our luggages, we followed the green round "S" sign as we're taking the train to Munich city centre from the airport. You can purchase the ticket at the kiosk but since we have the Eurail Pass, this pass can be applies for the S Bahn lines. A single trip to Munich Hauptbanhof (city centre) from the airport (München Flughafen) costs €12.30 on either S1 or S8 S-Bahn line and the journey takes roughly around 45 minutes. 

WHERE WE STAYED IN MUNICH
Not sure why but during our travelling date to Munich, all accommodations seem to be extremely higher than other normal day, including all those budget hotels. As our choices were pretty limited, we ended up with hostel.

The 4You Hostel & Hotel Munich 

Date Stayed: 23 October - 26 October 2022 (3 nights) 

Room Rate: RM928 for two dormitory beds in 12-bed mixed dormitory room (Booked from Booking.com) 

Nearest Station: München Hauptbahnhof Exit 5-26

Things I Like About This Hostel:

• A very short walking distance from Munich main train station. 
• There is a lift within the building. 
• Free drink per night given. We managed to claim 3 drinks per person throughout our stay there.
• Each bed has its own light and personal socket. 
• You can store your luggage for free before the check-in and after the check-out. 

Things I Dislike About This Hostel:

• There is no kitchen within the property. 
• No hairdryer provided.

WHAT WE DO & WHERE WE GO IN MUNICH

1) BMW Museum & BMW Welt 

Nearest station is Olympiazentrum underground station under U3 line towards Moosach. 

BMW Welt

Opening Hours: 7.30am to 12.00am (Monday to Saturday)

                            9.00am to 12.00am (Sunday and holiday)

Admission Fee: Free 

BMW Museum 

Opening Hours: 10.00am to 6.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on every Monday)

                            Last admission at 5.30pm 

Admission Fee: €10.00

2) Olympiapark 
Nearest station is Olympiazentrum underground station under U3 line towards Moosach. 

Not far away from BMW Welt, there is an Olympic Park which offers everything in a place; nature, top-class events and concerts, plus sights like the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Tower. 

3) Munich English Garden 

Nearest station is Lehel underground station under U5 line towards Neuperlach Süd

Munich English Garden is a large public park in the city centre. Surprisingly, one of the main attractions of this English Garden is the wooden Chinese pagoda which has over two hundred years history. Unfortunately during our visit, the pagoda was under construction. You won't find any Chinese food or restaurant here but it's well-known to be one of the biggest Bavarian biergartens where it can accommodates 7,000 people at a time. Besides serving the famous Hofbräu beer, they do serve typical German food such as grilled sausages, pork, potatoes pretzels and more. Though Octoberfest was over by the time we're in Munich, but still we can feel the vibe there.  

4) Marienplatz (including Old Town Hall and New Town Hall) 

Nearest station is Marienplatz station under S1, S2, S4 and S8 S-Bahn line

Do check out Rathaus-Glockenspeil, Munich's lauded cuckoo clock that chimes and performs at 11am, 12pm and 5pm everyday (except during the winter time). Want to get a better view of the square, you can climb the tower at St. Peter's Church. 

5) Viktualienmarkt (Victuals market)

 Nearest station is Marienplatz station under S1, S2, S4 and S8 S-Bahn line

Viktualienmarkt (Victuals market)

Opening Hours: 8.00am to 8.00pm (Monday to Saturday. Closed on every Sunday)

              

6) Munich Residenz 

Nearest station is Marienplatz station under S1, S2, S4 and S8 S-Bahn line

Munich Residenz

Opening Hours: 10.00am to 6.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on every Monday)

                            Last admission at 5.30pm 

Admission Fee: €9.00 for Residence Museum

                          €9.00 for Treasury 

                          €5.00 for Cuvilliés-Theater

                          (Free admission to all 3 museums for under 18s)

7) Hofbräuhaus Brewery 

Nearest station is Marienplatz station under S1, S2, S4 and S8 S-Bahn line

Hofbräuhaus Brewery

Opening Hours: 11.00am to 12.00am everyday

TRIPS OUT OF MUNICH CITY

Of course throughout our 3 days stay in Munich, we managed to plan and do trips out of the Munich city centre to;

Neuschwanstein Castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland (will blog about this in upcoming post). 

Ingolstadt, a city in Bavaria that is well known for Audi Forum and its museum of the classic cars (will blog about this in upcoming post). 

OTHER FOOD WE HAD IN MUNICH

Normally when I'm travelling, I don't have any particular long list of food must try cause I don't want purposely travelling far for the sake of food. These are the food we had throughout our visit in Munich, Germany: 

Our first night dinner in Munich - Bento Box nearby the Munich English Garden. Asian being Asian, first day already craving for rice and Asian meal.  

Both my husband and I love to try McD in every country and city we visited. McD in Germany is relatively cheaper than Switzerland - €11 for two McRib burgers with fries and a Coke. 

BackWerk - my favourite bakery chain. Almost every morning we will grab some pastries and coffee before hop on the trains. 

So, that's pretty sum up our 3 days trip in Munich. Next post is about the fairytale castle that inspired Walt Disney to build the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. 

2022 Central Europe Travelogues:

• Central Europe for 22 Days (Sneak Peek)
• Singapore Airlines to Munich, Germany

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Central Europe [Part 1]: Singapore Airlines To Munich, Germany

Finally, it's time to blog about my trip to Central Europe which I went between October and November last year. Actually, I have booked my ticket before with Qatar Airways but due to the pandemic, this trip unable to materialise. Luckily, Qatar Airways was willing to give full refund. 

Just when I thought I won't be able to grab any cheap airfares after the pandemic, little did I know that Singapore Airlines was doing promotion while I was having my vacation in Penang. Immediately I scouted and the icing on the cake was the fare included flights from Kota Kinabalu. That's mean I don't have to buy additional ticket as everything is included. 

We flew from Kuala Lumpur instead of Kota Kinabalu because was having holiday with my husband's family earlier on. Stayed in Genting Highlands for 2 nights before both my husband and I continued with our "mega trip" to Europe with Singapore Airlines (SIA). This is my third time flying with SIA (after my trips to Istanbul in 2018 & 2019) but it's my husband's maiden experience with them. 

#1: Flying with Singapore Airlines (SIA) for the third time 

#2: Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore 

#3: Fill up our tummy at Changi International Airport before continue with our second leg of flight

My fav food - noodle and fishballs at Terminal 3

Singapore Airlines' Amenities & Services For Flight From Singapore to Munich:

• For economy class passenger, each is entitled to check-in luggage weight of up to 25kg.
• Access a full range of complementary in-flight entertainment and in-seat USB ports for passenger to charge their electronic devices.
• Two in-flight meals provided - dinner and breakfast. 

#4: In-flight entertainment with earphone given. 

#5: Grilled chicken breast with pesto sauce alongside with grilled potatoes 

#6: Noodles with braised chicken and mixed vegetables 

#7: Breakfast - Omelette with chicken sausage, grilled tomato and roasted vegetables.  

#8: That's the reason why I always prefer to pick window seat

After more than 13 hours of flight, finally we have safely landed in Munich International Airport. The process of custom clearance was pretty fast and smooth without any further questions asked. Just that the waiting time to collect our luggage from the conveyor belt were relatively slow. 

#9: Each of us brought one large luggage size. Wondering can we stick to only one bag till the end of our trip? 

#10: Not my first time in Germany but for Munich, it's my first time here. Can't wait to explore this city. 

My next post will be sharing about how to get to the city centre from the airport, where we stay and what we do and see in Munich. 

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