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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 2017 40 Travel Summer holidays in a Bavarian city Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. The closing date is 19 May. answer the question below and send in your name, Question: How often does Air Malta fly to Munich this summer? a) Twice a week b) 10 times a week c) 14 times a week Mobile Number Name Email ANYONE travelling in August is usually looking for a beach des- tination, with plenty of sun, sea and sand. However, we live in such a place so why not escape the scorching sun and seek out the cooler climes of Germany, where Munich has much to offer, even as a summer destination. Oktoberfest Munich is probably best known for its Oktoberfest, a 16-day fes- tival for beer lovers that actually starts in September. The 16th of September marks the beginning of the two-week beer-swigging that attracts around 7 million peo- ple every year, serving only beer made by Munich breweries. Get- ting there early is recommended, not just to increase the time you spend at the Oktoberfest, but also because you are only served beer if you are seated at one of the 14 dif- ferent tents. These tents take be- tween 1,000 and 8,000 drinkers, so grab a seat before they fill up and pace yourself to make sure you en- joy the whole day's festivities. Munich's beer gardens If you can't make it to the Okto- berfest, fear not, Munich is home to almost 200 beer gardens, serv- ing local brews throughout the summer. There is no better way to end a day of sight-seeing than to sit at a wooden table, in the shade of a century-old chestnut tree, sipping beer, fresh from the brewery, out of large steins. Whether you are looking for a bustling beer garden in the heart of Munich or a more secluded open air restaurant in the city's greener areas, you are sure to find plenty of spots to enjoy a cold one. Munich on two wheels One of the best ways to get around the city, particularly in summer is by bike. The abundance of cycle paths, 1,200km of marked bike paths, makes Munich rela- tively safe on two wheels. Some of Munich's most popular sites are accessible by bike and the 22,000 bike stands make it possible to do away with public transport and to just enjoy the fresh air. If you don't really know where to go and just want to explore, try out some of the bike tours like the M-Water Trail, the Isar Bike Trail or the Mangfall Bike Trail. The River Isar The Isar river, coming from the Alps, flows smack through the centre of Munich and draws people from all walks of life in summer; locals love to sunbathe, picnic, barbecue (in designated areas), and fish here – you need a licence to fish. It's a perfect spot to relax after a day of sightsee- ing – just be prepared that you might spot some people sunning their buns on the riverbank; nude sunbathing has been allowed here since the 1960's. Englischer Garten Englischer Garten, the English Garden, is Munich's answer to Central Park – it's just bigger. Munich's green lung is the perfect place to get away from the city without actually leaving the city. Great for picnics in the summer, renting paddle boats and even catching some surf on the currents of the waterway Eisbach, this is the perfect place to get a lungful of fresh air and even some quality local food. Lake Starnberg 25km south of the city is Starn- berg Lake, Germany's fifth largest fresh water lake. This is the place you want to go if you are looking for water sports and long walks along the promenade. If water sports on a crystal clear lake aren't quite enough, you can do all of this to the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps and Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, with some of King Ludwig's most stunning palaces in the vicinity. Why not get into a hot air balloon and get an aerial view of Lake Starnberg and the other four stunning lakes in the district. Neuschwanstein Whilst you are on the road, out- side Munich, make a stop at the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, which was the inspiration behind the Cinderella castle in the Disney world, was the refuge of the shy King Ludwig II. Made king at just 20 years old, King Ludwig II suf- fered a crushing military defeat just two years into his reign. Instead of facing his disappointments head on, the king immersed himself in a world of fantasy, building a num- ber of castles and culminating in Neuschwanstein on the rugged hilltop with a stunning backdrop of the Alps where he withdrew from public life. Seven weeks after his death, this castle in the sky – at 800m above sea level – was opened to the public and now sees some 1.4 million visitors a year. Getting there Air Malta is currently operating twice-daily flights to Munich. One- way prices including taxes and charges start from only €81. Fares include a 10kg hand luggage and 20kg checked in baggage. ✂