Murnau

We chose to live in Murnau, Germany because it has one of the largest trauma hospitals in Germany and the docs do many endoscopic spine surgeries and it is in a gorgeous part of Germany. We wrestled with the decision because we are 7 hours away from our family.

What we didn't know when we chose Murnau was what gem of a town this is. Murnau is filled with character, culture, rich history and most people live here because they have so chosen this incredible town. People are overall friendly and the minute it is not raining many gather in the pedestrian zone. The photos are mostly from the central part of town, the pedestrian zone. Murnau is at the base of the Alps, as you can see these dramatic mountains from everywhere in town. There are beautiful stores, which I know my shopping friends would indulge, sports stores, I think people know me there, and tons of little cafes. All the cafes seem to have their own little atmosphere and attract regulars. We are close to the Italian border so many of the Italian transplants have cafes, gelato shops and delicious restaurants. Murnau has quite a large Thai population so we can indulge in a truly authentic, wonderful Thai restaurant and traditional Thai massage.

Murnau has a rich history. At the turn of the century, Murnau called the "Blue land" because the artists thought the land had a blue hue. Kandinsky, Franz Marc and Gabrielle Münter were some of the artists who moved here and started the "blue rider" movement. Interestingly for us, we have had a Franz Marc painting for a long time hanging in our home in Denver. So that painting has certainly come to life for me. For Tobi's class project he painted a painting in the style of the Blue Riders. The artist community is still vibrant and adds to Murnau's rich character.

Murnau is also in the Catholic southern bundesland of Bavaria. Everyone greets eachother by saying "Grüß Gott", or greeting G-d. Kids take either Catholic, Protestant or Ethic class as a part of their regular curriculum.

What is special about Murnau?
Tobi: Murnau is special because when you look outside you see nice fresh air and no pollution and no factories. When you are at our house, you live next to a farm. You drive 2 minutes and you are in the Tangelman center, right in town.
Hansi: The cool thing about Murnau is that on one side(of my house) there is a farm and on other side there are houses.
Gia: Murnau is special because it allows you to have more freedom and everyone trusts you to make decisions.
Annika: Murnau is special because it is a tiny town so when you go in the market you know everyone. Another good thing is that all the stores are in the same vicinity.
Peter: I like the pedestrian zone with all the little shops. I like to see the Alps in the background andI like when the sun comes out here.

The special bonus is that our family, Witts and Rüggebergs, visit us often, so we feel like we won the jackpot here!