hELLO; When we booked this trip, we did not realize that today is a major holiday and EVERYTHING is closed. We then figured we would travel to Salzburg and we heard that they observe the same holiday. Does anyone have information about this? We feel that we will waste one day. Thank you.

Well, it's a public holiday - yes. So why is the day a waste?

There are lots of activities that come to mind that you could do - which the locals will do, too, observing their holiday.

Why don't you get out of the city and take a hike for example. Tegernsee area is quite scenic. There is a nice hike from Tegernsee to Neureuthalm, where you could indulge into some hearty fare and a beer. Another beer is waiting for you upon your return to Tegernsee in the Brauhaus right by the lake.

You could also stroll through Munich, take in the Englischer Garten.

You could rent a boat on Starnberger See.

There are lots of possible activities - a holiday is not the end of the world (rather the contrary), whether you waste the day or have some fun is completely up to you.

I would rent bicycles (plenty of small shops around the park) and ride around the Englisher Garten...it's bigger than you might guess...and you can also take advantage of the lack of traffic to drive on the city streets, as the Ascension day holiday takes most commuters/businesses off the road.

Rouss

Or you could go to church ;-), but you don't seem to be catholic. In Hamburg, shops are open...

logos,

no - Hamburg shops are closed, too. This is one of the (few) holidays which are shared by Lutherans.

But thinking of it, why not combine pleasure and occasion and take the train to Herrsching and then the small climb (about 5 km) to the Andechs monastry overlooking the Ammersee. They serve some hearty food up there and one of the best brews in the region.