Hot Spot: Munich, Germany

By Kate Shatzkin

September 21, 2008

It's Oktoberfest time, which makes Munich, Germany, the place to be. This city near the foot of the Alps is the capital of Bavaria. The area is both historic and up-to-date, with glorious castles, tranquil lakes and a thriving technology sector. Here are five things to do:

Drink up at Oktoberfest The world's largest beer festival (6.2 million people visited last year) runs through Oct. 5. It has more than 200 attractions and sideshows, brass bands galore and, of course, all the Bavarian sausage and beer you can eat and drink.

Take in a fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein, a 19th-century project of King Ludwig II, is considered one of the most famous castles in the world: Walt Disney allegedly drew inspiration from it for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland.

Visit the Deutsches Museum Often called the German counterpart to the Smithsonian, this museum reflects Munich's high-tech prowess. Its collection includes the first motorized aircraft built by the Wright brothers.

Relax at a Bavarian lake Within an hour of Munich, there are several scenic lakes with quaint villages nearby. The Starnberger See is closest to the city and has three large leisure areas. The Ammersee, to the west, has hiking paths and grand views of the Alps.

Tour the Bavaria Film Studios. Munich calls itself a "city of film," and these studios south of the city, where Das Boot was filmed, are open for 90-minute tours. There's a stunt show with special effects, and kids can ride the dragon from The Neverending Story.

More information: muenchen.de; oktoberfest.eu