Oktoberfest
My 16-day journey through Germany was a whirlwind of spontaneity, laughter, and unexpected adventures that perfectly captured the country’s charm. From the lively streets of Hamburg and its serendipitous encounters to the windswept shores of northern Germany, every stop brought new stories. Munich delivered Bavarian magic, from Oktoberfest’s to sunlit views atop Zugspitze, while the Black Forest offered misty trails and waterfalls. Köln and Düsseldorf blended history with hilarity—charging stops, rainstorms, and all—while Frankfurt provided quirky city moments and cozy nights in. The final stretch in Hannover was a blend of calm mornings, laughter-filled evenings, and deepening friendships, ending with bittersweet goodbyes and quiet reflection. What began as a loosely planned trip evolved into a collection of unforgettable memories, proving that the best parts of travel are often the ones you never expect.
Hannover - Day 15
After a late night at the hostel that left me caffeine-deprived the next morning, Jonas and I kicked off our Hannover adventures with a visit to the stunning Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen and Georgengarten, exploring Baroque masterpieces, grottos, and sprawling landscapes while walking over 12 miles and getting to know each other beyond our online chats. Along the way, we stopped for drinks by the water, discovered quirky statues, and stumbled upon a lively holiday celebration with music, food, and beer. Later, we stocked up on drinks and a deck of cards at a busy train-station grocery before dressing up for dinner at a familiar spot, where dancing, a tipsy lady, and great food made for a memorable evening. We wrapped up the night at Oscar’s with a packed bar and a hilarious round of “Would You Rather,” imagining Jonas with an ’80s mullet—definitely a unforgettable day in Hannover.
Hannover - Day 14
On my first full day in Hannover, I kicked things off with a coffee mission at a tiny bakery inside a grocery store, then wandered the city discovering quirky highlights—from an adorable postal bike to a small, eerie cemetery tucked in the middle of town. Strolling through Maschpark, I snapped photos of the “not-so-new” New Town Hall and found a ruined church hidden among modern buildings, both perfect for photos. Lunch at Brauhaus Ernst August hit the spot with a lime beer cocktail and Cordon Bleu, and later I met my friend Jonas for his first-ever Thai meal, enjoying the cool night with food, drinks, and a few laughs before wrapping up at Oscar’s.
Hannover - Day 13
This post marks the transition from shared adventures to solo travel as Caitlin headed home and I continued on to Hannover. After a few last photos in our cozy Frankfurt hotel lounge, I set off—now juggling four bags and armed with a homemade cheese-and-meat sandwich for the road. The morning rush at the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof was wild, but I navigated it like a pro and found my platform without a hitch. Once in Hannover, I had to kill some time before check-in, so I wandered the city, grabbed a burger for lunch, and later treated myself to a long nap. I wrapped up the night with a couple of cocktails at a local bar—a laid-back, easygoing day that felt like a nice reset before the next leg of the journey.