Sendling, Germany
We wanted to spend Christmas in the Bavarian Region of Germany Famous for it's Christmas Markets but we didn't want to live in the congested central part of Munich. So we found an apartment in Sendling. Sendling is a vibrant and historic district located in the southern part of Munich, Germany. Known for its blend of tradition and modernity, it boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with its roots as a small farming village. Sendling also played a significant role in Bavarian history, particularly during the Sendlinger Mordweihnacht (Sendling's Christmas of Murder) in 1705, when a peasant uprising against Austrian occupation ended in tragedy. We found Sendling to be a dynamic neighborhood where historic charm meets contemporary living, offering lively local markets, cozy beer gardens, and easy access to the picturesque Isar River, and easy transportation to central Munich.
We stayed in a lovely loft-style apartment at WunderLocke Sendling, perfectly situated and brimming with fantastic amenities. From a well-equipped gym and a cozy work lounge to an inviting bar, it had everything we needed. Adding to the charm, the courtyard was transformed into a mini Christmas market, complete with a festive tree and two delightful booths—one serving steaming mugs of mulled wine (Glühwein) and sizzling wurst, and the other offering warm, freshly made waffles. It all came together to create such a welcoming and magical atmosphere.
On our first night, we got our first taste of Bavarian Christmas traditions right here. We savored a hearty red wurst, shared a warm, sugary waffle, and toasted with our very first mugs of Glühwein. Fun fact: Glühwein literally means “glow wine”—a fitting name, considering the warm, cozy glow you feel after sipping a few tiny mugs on a crisp December evening.
We love starting our day with a cozy coffee ritual—sipping a warm cup while planning our adventures, dreaming up future travels, or catching up on emails and the news. Finding the perfect café to settle into was, therefore, a top priority. Just around the corner was "Aumullers" which fit the criteria perfectly. While café mochas aren’t typically on the menu in German coffee spots, we got creative—stirring in our own chocolate powder (yes, we came prepared!) into cappuccinos or lattes. As a bonus, the café’s bakery was an absolute delight, offering freshly baked breads, cookies, and pastries that we couldn’t resist snacking on from time to time.
Our adopted city rolled out the red carpet for us—or at least for Mary Kay. Right across from our favorite café, there it was: a building proudly displaying her name in bold letters, like a personal welcome banner commissioned by the city itself. We like to think of it as her unofficial European headquarters, where she reigns as the honorary queen of cappuccinos and chocolate-dusted lattes. Honestly, if they’d added a velvet rope and a spotlight, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
One of the many perks of living in a charming Munich suburb is its idyllic setting by a serene river, complete with picturesque nature paths that seem plucked from a storybook. These trails quickly became our go-to escape, perfect for turning a simple exercise outing into a mini adventure. We spent several days exploring both sides of the river, each walk offering its own slice of tranquility—whether it was spotting ducks gliding gracefully, or hearing the soft rustle of leaves. It’s the kind of place where even a casual stroll feels like a little slice of paradise.
We decided to spend a day at the Hellabrunn Zoo in Sendling, and let me tell you—it felt less like visiting a zoo and more like stepping into a sprawling nature reserve where the animals just happen to allow humans to drop by for a visit. Unlike many American zoos, where enclosures can feel a bit too… enclosed, Hellabrunn takes a more open and natural approach. The habitats are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and blend so seamlessly with the surrounding landscape that sometimes you have to squint and ask, "Wait, are we in the giraffe zone or did we accidentally wander into the African savanna?"
A couple videos of the new friends we met at the zoo.
Our good friend April hopped on a plane from sunny California to spend a week with us, and we were absolutely ready to play tour guides extraordinaire. Our mission? To give her the grand tour of Sendling’s local charm and as much Bavarian magic as we could squeeze into seven days
Naturally, our first stop had to be dinner at Augustiner, a true gem of authentic German cuisine and beer garden culture. With its warm wooden interiors, clinking steins, and the irresistible aroma of hearty Bavarian dishes in the air, it felt like stepping straight into a postcard. We feasted on classics, soaked up the lively atmosphere, and raised our glasses in a proper “Prost!”—the perfect kick-off to an unforgettable Bavarian adventure
After eating we walked off our hearty meal we set off to experience the Christkindlmarkt unterm Maibaum under the glow of twinkling fairy lights. There’s something undeniably magical about visiting a Christmas market at night—the air is thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts, sizzling bratwurst, and spiced Glühwein, while the soft hum of festive music drifts through the stalls.
We wandered from booth to booth, our hands wrapped around steaming mugs of Glühwein, sipping slowly as we admired the craftsmanship of the local vendors. The market buzzed with laughter, clinking mugs, and families ice skating. It felt like being wrapped in a cozy, glittering snow globe—one we never wanted to leave. As we walked home under a canopy of stars, cheeks flushed and hearts full, we couldn’t help but think: Bavaria knows how to do Christmas right.
The towering Maibaum (Maypole), now adorned with sparkling lights, stood proudly in the center of the market like a Bavarian lighthouse guiding merry souls to warmth and cheer. Wooden stalls, each charmingly decorated with evergreen garlands and glowing lanterns, were overflowing with handcrafted ornaments, delicate glass baubles, and enough festive trinkets to make even the grinchiest heart grow three sizes.
A Visit To Munich
After April got a delightful first taste of a local Christmas market, it was clear—she was hooked. The twinkling lights, the aroma of Glühwein, and the festive charm had cast their spell, and she was ready for more. So, without hesitation, we bundled up, grabbed our scarves and gloves, and hopped on the train bound for Marienplatz—the heart of Munich and home to the city’s largest and most iconic Christkindlmarkt.
As the bells of the Rathaus tower chimed above us, we found ourselves in the middle of the square, surrounded by the cheerful hum of visitors and the soft glow of lanterns. For a moment, we simply stood still, taking it all in—the centuries-old charm, the festive energy, and the unmistakable magic of a Bavarian Christmas.
We arrived in time to see the Glockenspiel on the tower above Marienplatz. It is a captivating spectacle, where colorful figurines dance and reenact historic Bavarian tales high above the square, accompanied by the cheerful chime of melodic bells.
The air was thick with festive scents—roasted chestnuts, sizzling bratwurst, and the unmistakable spiced warmth of Glühwein. April’s eyes sparkled as we strolled through the bustling market, pausing to admire intricate Christmas ornamanents, sip from steaming mugs, and occasionally break into spontaneous Christmas carol humming.
We had officially entered foodie heaven, and somewhere between the scent of fresh bread and sizzling sausages, we stumbled upon the olive stall. It was like a tiny treasure chest of briny delights, offering olives in every flavor and variation you could dream of. Naturally, we couldn’t resist. We walked away with a little olive jackpot: cream cheese-stuffed beauties, garlic-packed flavor treats, and bruschetta-infused gems that tasted like summer in a bite. Some were for snacking on immediately (because, let’s be honest, waiting wasn’t an option), and the rest were carefully tucked away for future nibbling. It was the kind of discovery that makes you feel both refined and slightly smug—like, “Oh, these olives? Just a little gourmet treat we stumbled upon at the market.”
We traveled down the street to a different Christmas market at Viktualeinmarkt. It felt like stumbling into a cozy holiday village tucked right in the heart of Munich’s famous foodie paradise. Known year-round for its gourmet stalls and fresh produce, the market transforms during the Christmas season into a festive wonderland draped in twinkling lights and evergreen garlands.
Climbing the tower of St. Peter's Church, affectionately known as "Alter Peter," is both a challenge and a reward. The ascent involves navigating 306 steps. The journey is made through a narrow staircase, where passing fellow climbers requires a coordinated dance. Along the way, climbers are treated to glimpses of the church's historic bells, some dating back to the 14th century. Upon reaching the top viewing platform, our effort was generously rewarded with a panoramic 360-degree view of Munich's skyline, and below us we could look at the Marienplatz plaza with the Christmas Market
In search of a spot to rest our weary feet and quench our thirst, we happily stumbled upon Lupper—a charming cheese and wine stall that practically called our names. The friendly owner welcomed us in, and before we knew it, we were sampling an array of delightful cheeses, each one more delicious than the last. After some enthusiastic tasting, we settled on a small cheese box featuring three carefully selected varieties. April and the owner struck up an instant rapport, chatting away like old friends reunited. By the end of their lively conversation, the owner generously gifted us an extra treat: a Fruit and nut blended roll that she cut up into bites in a small box for us. The magic didn’t stop there. Behind the stall was a cozy little hideaway—a snug seating area with standing tables, cushioned benches, and chairs draped in warm blankets. It felt like we’d discovered a secret alpine lodge tucked right into the market.
We ventured across town to a different Christmas market at the Residenz. The Residenz Christmas Market in Munich stands out from the city's other Christmas markets, not just in location but in atmosphere, style, and charm. Nestled within the grand courtyard of the former royal palace, the Residenzmarkt feels like stepping into a hidden holiday gem wrapped in regal splendor.
While markets like Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt are bustling and open to the lively energy of the city squares, the Residenz Christmas Market offers a more intimate and almost theatrical experience. Enclosed by the palace’s grand stone walls, it creates a sense of coziness and seclusion, as if the holiday spirit itself had taken up royal residence.
The decorations here lean into a fairy-tale aesthetic, with twinkling lights casting a warm glow against the historic architecture. The stalls are arranged with a curated elegance, offering a mix of traditional Christmas wares—hand-carved wooden figurines, intricate glass ornaments, and soft woolen scarves and of course tasting with Eirpunsch (eggnogg)!
One unique feature of the Residenzmarkt is the Märchenwald (Fairy Tale Forest)—an enchanting corner filled with life-sized scenes from beloved fairy tales, making it especially magical for children and those who are still kids at heart. It feels refined yet welcoming, festive yet peaceful—a little pocket of royal holiday magic tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
After a full day of exploring Munich’s old town and strolling through festive Christmas markets, we’d worked up an appetite the size of Bavaria. So, we headed straight to the legendary Hofbräuhaus for a proper Bavarian feast. The hall buzzed with lively chatter, clinking steins, and the cheerful sounds of an oompah band. We dug into golden Schnitzel, savory Wurst, giant pretzels, and frothy glasses of beer b. As we raised our steins high, there was only one fitting toast:
— PROST! —
A Sparkling Adventure
or
Jewelry Shopping at the Residenz Treasury
You know, just a casual afternoon of window-shopping through one of Europe’s most dazzling treasure troves.
It all began with a perfectly innocent idea: "Let’s buy a little something shiny while we are in Munich. So we went to visit the Residenz Treasury in Munich."
Residenz Treasury isn’t your standard stroll through a boutique. There are no eager sales clerks offering champagne, no velvet-lined boxes with “affordable payment plans,” and certainly no ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ signs hanging next to ruby-encrusted scepters. No, my dear —this is where serious bling lives.
Nothing too extravagant—perhaps a modest tiara, a low-key scepter, jewel encrusted necklace, simple emerald ring or a humble diamond-encrusted sword hilt. Just everyday essentials.
Armed with a scarf (to appear intellectual and cultured) and my best “I might actually buy something” face, I stepped into the glittering world of the Residenz Treasury. The first room hit me like a chandelier to the face. Diamonds. Rubies. Sapphires. Enough sparkle to make a Vegas showroom look understated.
Naturally, my eyes zeroed in on The Ruby Necklace of Theresa of Bavaria. Imagine a cascade of fiery red stones, each one the size of a plump raspberry, set in gold so rich it practically hummed with self-importance. I leaned closer, squinting, trying to calculate how many lifetimes it would take me to afford such a piece. “Do you…accept credit cards?” I whispered to the glass case. Alas, the necklace ignored me.
Next came the Bavarian Diamond and Spinel Parure. Now, parure is a fancy word for “a coordinated set of jaw-dropping jewelry,” but I like to think it means, “Sorry, you can’t even afford to look at this.” The spinels—vivid crimson stones often mistaken for rubies—sat nestled among flawless diamonds. MK said it was just a little much for travel.
Undeterred, I moved deeper into the labyrinth of opulence. There was the Palermo Chain, glittering with more gold than my retirement fund. At one point, I found myself staring at a golden drinking vessel made from a shell, adorned with enough jewels to pay off my sons student loans twice. “A little impractical for a morning coffee, but it would make a great conversation starter,” I mused aloud.
Further along, the Queen’s Necklace sat in its own spotlight, as if to say, “Yes, I am that important.” Diamonds the size of sugar cubes were artfully arranged in a design so delicate it almost seemed like magic. This masterpiece was less ‘necklace’ and more ‘portable galaxy of precious stones. I considered asking one of the guards if they’d let me try it on—just for a second. Surely, Bavarian history could spare me one photo for my travel blog?
And then—the Bavarian Crown Jewels. Crowns, scepters, and orbs gleamed from their display cases, radiating centuries of wealth and power. The scepters, in particular, caught my eye. Because really, who doesn’t need a scepter? Imagine waving one in traffic or dramatically pointing it at the waiter when you need more bread.
Sadly it had become apparent that none of these treasures were available for purchase - not even in the VIP shopper tier. So we went down the street to a souvenir shop and bought a Bavarian rubber duck for MK's collection and had some Mulled red wine at the Christmas Market.
However, I walked out a changed person. Sure I was technically broke but spiritually I was a royal, that didn't need the trappings to feel my importance