Come lunchtime, it's packed around Munich's city hall at Marienplatz.
Regardless of the season, visitors from around the world come here to get a glimpse of the Glockenspiel.
I'm here today to see what Munich has to offer in the winter.
Perhaps other visitors have tips for me, too.
Where are you from?
Manchester!
What brings you to Munich?
Just a Holiday Weekend away.
It’s really great to see these buildings and the museums, so it’s kind of fun.
What’s your impression so far?
It’s so cold but we like it, it’s so beautiful.
I’m going to walk around this area and see what I can see and
then try to find some classic German beers and food.
So there're some suggestions already.
Today I'll visit Germany's most famous beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus.
Later I'll try my hand at curling, and with the the mountains so close, I just can't pass up
on the opportunity of a little fun in the snow in the Alps.
First we go to the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich's Old Town.
There's still space to sit at lunchtime during the week.
The historic main hall has space for 1,300 people.
Wolfgang Sperger is the famous beer hall's manager and shows me around.
The upstairs banquet hall is regularly used for events - for example, a weekly dance night.
But Hofbräuhaus isn't just for tourists.
Why is the Munich Hofbräuhaus so famous?
Because we have great beer - that's the main reason.
That's what everywhere claims.
Hofbräuhaus has always been here, since 1589 That's a long time, and it reopened as a
restaurant the way you see it now in 1897. Before that it was a brewery.
And why is it so famous?
Because it's always been here and has always played a big part in people's lives.
And the regulars have a special privilege here. They can store their own beer mugs.
Right. The beer mug treasure chest.
When the 1972 Olympics were here, we used glasses
to clearly show how much beer was being being poured into them. But our regulars said
they wanted to hold onto their beer mugs. So they put them into their own drawers,
which is now the beer mug treasure chest here.
Are you ever not in the mood for beer?
Me? I like drinking beer, because what's nice about beer is
you're sitting at a big table chatting with people maybe you've never seen
before or people you already know. Beer brings people closer together.
Let's see how things go for me with the regulars.
Do you have a place for your own mug, too?
I've got number 25. So that tells you a bit about how long I've been here.
How many can a regular like yourself drink?
Well, that depends. But two's enough for me.
All right - and then you're still upright, or stumbling out of here?
After two? Oh no, then I fall over!
Well, then. Cheers!
Wintertime in Munich is also the time for Bavarian curling. You'll come across the
sport in most beergardens here. I'm here with the owner of the Augustiner Keller
who's going to show me how it's done.
So it's not made completely of wood.
Heavy, right?
It's made of wood except for the iron ring here keeping it together.
It's classic - just like you'd find at your grandfather's house.
Maybe grandpa's bottom was flatter - depends on your taste and skill -
but thanks to the weight it slides really well if you give it some momentum.
It sure is heavy!
And this is the one for kids.
What's that supposed to mean?
The swing is the most important thing in curling. That's what I think.
Ok. Show me!
Want me to?
That’s good.
Too short.
What's the game's objective? What's it about?
The goal is, two teams play each other and the one that gets closest
to the house gets two points, and closest to the stone, one point.
The house is the wood block?
Yes, it’s a wooden block or it's called a button.
You play around it and whoever has the most points, wins.
That’s heavy.
Nice one!
That was freestyle, but it's all right.
Well, Bavarian curling is not so easy but it sure is fun.
Now let's get out of Munich. As promised - away from the city and into
the countryside, to Lenggries. Because I want to get to the mountains.
It's just 60 kilometers away and and easily reachable by train.
.In just an hour, I'm at the alpine foothills.
When we get there, we'll head right to the piste for some sledging.
So show me how works. Is this my sled?
Lift from above, not from below. That's important. Otherwise you'll get tangled and pulled up.
Do I lift my feet up?
Yes, lift your feet up on the sled so you don't get hurt.
When you want to get off just let go. It'll go by itself.
Then ready to go, I think. But you'll help me, right?
Of course!
Have fun.
Thanks!
Ready, set, go!
The slope is 800 meters long and quite steep so you can really pick up some speed.
And thanks to the lift, I definitely have to go up
and down again.
In and around Munich you'll find everything the heart could possibly
desire of a little winter getaway. A huge selection of museums,
fun physical activities, the obligatory beer, and this winter wonderland just around the corner -
the perfect combination.