European Odyssey: German Hungarians Tour Europe

Members of the German Hungarians have attended 21 North American Gaufests; From our first in 1985, up to and including the one we most recently co-hosted in 2025 in Delaware. We have entered every competition from 1989 to 2025. We’ve earned nine medals in that time: 5 bronze (1993, 1995, 1997, 2022, & 2023) 2 silver (2003 & 2025), and 2 gold (1999 & 2007). For our club and our dancers, this biennial competition on North American soil represents the ultimate competitive achievement and remains one of the most significant traditions in our organization.

Because of our successes we have been invited to compete at the Bayerischer Löwe in 2003, in 2008, and now again in 2026. Our club has traveled numerous times to Germany and Europe for various reasons. Each trip, however, extends beyond the inciting reason, taking us to more places, and including more people. The following members, family, and friends traveled sometimes all together and sometimes in smaller groups:

In addition for certain parts of the trip additional members and friends joined in our activities:

It has become a tradition for us to work together, with each person contributing a section to a larger article about the trip. As editor, one of my greatest pleasures is reading the thoughts and reflections of my fellow members. This is especially true of some of our less frequent contributors, who can often be persuaded to put pen to paper after sharing experiences like these.

I hope that, after reading this article, you come away with the feeling that we truly live up to the first part of our name: UNITED.

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The United German Hungarians we are.
On a beautiful trip, we did travel far.
We landed in Munich, to start the first day.
Then lunched in Mayrhofen and went on our way.

On to Verona and through Venice we strolled and drank wine.
Our stop in Vipetano for lunch was oh so fine.
Back in Germany a sojourn to Füssen to rest our feet.
In Munich our group in the Bayrische Löwe did compete.

Now fifth in the world, on to Pullach we made our way.
A stop in Haar to celebrate our Donauschwaben roots made our day.
On to Obernzell to stay at Beate's Gasthaus.
A day trip to Passau to sail the Danube and buy a Dirndl and a blouse.

In Salzburg this incredible trip came to an end.
So many memories created with the dearest of friends.
The joy we experienced made our grateful hearts swell.
We hope you enjoy the stories we have to tell.

by Joseph S. Reiter

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Pre-Trip

Miesbach

We arrived in Munich shortly after 10:00am on Friday, July 10, 2026. After a brief delay at the baggage counter, we made our way to our rental vehicles, Three Volkswagen hybrid Vans. 17 of us piled in and made our way to our lunch stop in Miesbach, Germany. It is a charming town and the capital of the Miesbach District in Bavaria, Germany, located about 48 kilometers (about 29.83 mi) southeast of Munich. Famous for its alpine views and traditional folk costumes, our Schuhplattler Tracht is in a Miesbacher style.

As we found our parking spots in town, I thought “Boy! This place looks familiar!”  Yes, we were just here in 2022 on a Tracht shopping spree.

We then made our way to Weisbraustuberl where our lunch awaited us. We enjoyed some of our favorites: Leberkase mit Spiegel Ei, Leber Knodel Suppe, Spinat Knodel, and Speck Knodel. Of course, Schnitzel and Wurst along with that first beer or wine to wash it down. It was delicious! With full stomachs, we made our way back to our vehicles. We had a fest in Austria to get to.  

John Reiter

Mayrhofen

I’ve always wanted to go to Mayrhofen in Austria. So many of the musical bands we know and love at home come from this region. After the Heimatklänge met Juhe aus Tirol in Milwaukee last year, we learned of a festival, The Ursprung Baum Fest and we were sold! This was the fest and the place we had to be at! 

We arrived in the town of Mayrhofen, Austria around 5:00pm Friday July 10. It was my birthday and what a beautiful way to spend it. The hotel, Hotel am Brucke, was beautiful and ready for us. We checked in and got our rooms. We got ourselves changed and ready to head to the first night’s fest. The fest was held about a 20-minute walk from our hotel up into the mountains. We could hear the music from a distance and were getting excited. At this festival up to 8 different musical acts perform each day, Friday through Sunday, including dancers from Hungary.  

We arrived in a sea of people both young and old all gathered for some of the best music in the region. People danced, drank, and sang everywhere. This was great! Finally, we were able to witness live what we only saw in videos on YouTube back home. For us we had tickets for both Friday and Saturday night.  

It was Saturday, July 11, and now it was Janet Malofiy’s Birthday! We spent time exploring the town and shopping and thanks to Sasha’s suggestion we took the Gondola ride to the top of the mountain where we found a great surprise, The Kaser Mandl Zillertaller Musikanten Alm. A lodge type restaurant and bar which features a musical museum of all the area bands (you had to see it). We headed back down on the gondola for some of the most beautiful scenic views. 

At the evening festival, the highlight came when we were able to meet The Ursprung Baum and our good friends from Juhe aus Tirol gave us a live shout out as guests from America. The entire festival’s attention was then on us. What a great, humble honor it was to be announced. 

The night went on as we enjoyed excellent music and soon, we found ourselves heading back to the hotel. Just one more stop, maybe! Next to our hotel was Brucke am Stadl, a German nightclub where a lot of the local bands perform. We have seen this featured in a lot of YouTube videos. Performing that night were Die Jungen Mayrhofner, the next generation of an excellent Zillertal region Band. We piled in, boy was it hot in there! We found a spot in the corner bar and ordered a beer. Connie nudged me to look in the corner. Could it be? Oh My! Yes that’s him, The Geigen Opa Aus Tirol. We jumped around the bar and I kindly explained who we were. We asked for a photo. Of course he nodded yes. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. The band (who were his sons) then announced “our papa will now join us on stage for some of their classic hits. Of course our women made it very well known they were on the floor in front of him. He announced and acknowledged us as visitors from the USA and dedicated the next song to us; Schei-wi-dei-wi-du-wi-dei Ven Die Musik Spielt. I was in heaven! What a Moment! What a birthday present I spent with great friends and family and some of the best music around.  

I thank my friends from my club for taking me there and making it happen! Thank you Mayrhofen for the wonderful time! What a beautiful place! 

John Reiter

Brixen

The distance to Brixen (Bressanonne) was an easy two-hour drive, so we had time in the morning for one last walk around Mayrhofen before departing. We left Mayrhofen on a bright, sunny morning and headed to Süd-Tirol. Our accommodation was at the Hotel Lowenhof, just a 20-minute bus trip outside of Old Towne Brixen. The hotel had an outdoor patio restaurant seating and a comfortable small plate and gelato, ice cream bar inside. After settling into our rooms, some of us relaxed with some snacks and drinks while planning our trip into town for our reserved dinner. After some inquiries at the hotel desk and quick research by Chris Deely we learned we could grab a local bus across the street from the hotel; a quick ride for a modest fare. Half of the group opted to travel to town early to explore Brixen before our dinner. So, we hopped onto the bus and agreed to meet the rest of the group at our dinner spot. 

Brixen is the oldest town in South Tyrol, Northern Italy, a German-speaking province. It has a compact Old Town and a main square known as the Dom Platz. From our bus stop, we made our way through the town streets to the square and found the Cathedral. It did not disappoint; we continued around the exterior and found the painted cloisters where the walls and ceiling arches are painted with religious stories, Gothic and Renaissance frescoes. Known since the 980s, the Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. 

We made our way back across the square to an outdoor trattoria for a pre-dinner drink, then back through town to our dinner spot Der-Traubenwirt. It is a rustic hotel restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating. We were seated inside with the rest of our group in a spacious room. The menu featured specialties of both Italian and German cuisine. Everything from Schulzkrapfen to Pizza. Everyone was able to choose from a variety of favorites or try something new. Regional wines were on the menu as well, which a few of us tried. After a fulfilling meal we ambled through town to the Bus terminal for the bus ride back to our hotel. As we walked from the bus stop up the road to our hotel, we saw a crowd of locals at the outside patio of our hotel and a large TV screen. It was the final of The Men’s Wimbledon and the Champion, Jannik Sinner grew up in nearby town in Süd-Tirol, Sexten. We joined the locals on the patio to celebrate and of course, have one last drink before bed. 

Chris Tokarski

Sterzing/Vipiteno & Füssen

On Wednesday, July 15, we started our trip back north from Verona to Füssen with a midway stop in Sterzing/Vipiteno. This quaint town is located in the stunningly beautiful Süd Tirol region of northern Italy. The Alto Adige region of Italy has a very strong Austrian vibe, and this town was full of medieval charm and amazing mountain views. We spent our time walking, shopping, and eating our way through Vipiteno’s historic old town. The main street uses the Alps as its background, is lined with pastel-colored medieval buildings, and in the center has a 150-foot clock tower known as the Zwölferturm dating back to the 15^th century. A perfect spot to stretch our legs and take in some scenery!  

After several hours in Sterzing, we loaded up the vans once again and headed to our next destination in Füssen, the Hotel Hirsch. Up until this point the weather was perfect, albeit a bit hot, so the rain showers we had that evening were to be expected. Some of us braved the rain and ran into the Altstadt for a quick look around. We then had dinner at the hotel where Allgäuer Kässpatzen, Wiener Schnitzel, bacon wrapped pork skewers, and Hirschgulasch were among the popular dishes. After much wine and great conversation, some of our group headed for a local pub to watch the World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and England. Others stayed behind for more drinks, Schnapps and another good chat!  

In the morning after breakfast it was time to explore Füssen! Füssen is located in the Allgäu region of Bavaria close to the Austrian border, is on the Romantic Road, and is a great spot if you are looking to explore Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau! Although time did not allow us to explore any castles, we did stroll the Reichenstraße, Füssen’s pedestrian zone. Another charming cobblestone street, with those lovely painted houses and a castle always in view!  

Having done some shopping, exploring and dining on the Reichenstraße the group met back at the hotel, mid-afternoon, to get back in the vans for our drive to Munich. This would be the final trip for the three VW Multivans as we were meeting up with the next group of travelers that would add a bus to our fleet! We thanked our three drivers, John, Sasha and Joe for a job well done up to this point and took a group photo to commemorate those who participated in the 2026 “Pre-Trip” itinerary!  

Susi Hartmann 

Munich

Augustiner Keller

In this first part of the trip centered around the Bayerischer Löwe, our group was based around a Holiday Inn in Munich. A convenient train stop nearby could take us into town for eating, drinking, and shopping or out of town towards Pullach for eating, drinking, and dancing. On Thursday evening the club organized a dinner in the famous Augustiner Keller for our members and friends. Seated out of doors it was a great opening night to the main part of the trip. Some of those extended family members of the David, Reiter, and Schuetz families were welcome faces to see. A contingent from Milwaukee joined, as did one from New York City. The Augustiner is historic, beautiful and well organized and the food and service was outstanding.

-MF

Angermaier

On Friday, July 16th, Trachten Angermaier opened their doors early for a shopping extravaganza. They were pleasantly surprised when a large group of enthusiastic German-Americans arrived, eager to refresh their wardrobes and find the perfect additions to their traditional Bavarian attire. The friendly staff greeted us warmly and was ready to assist us in finding new pieces that suited everyone’s taste and style. 

As we browsed through the store, we were amazed by the incredible selection. There were countless Dirndls in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics, ranging from classic and elegant designs to more modern styles. The lederhosen selection was equally impressive, offering options for every preference, from traditional handcrafted pieces to contemporary looks. Accessories such as hats, jewelry, aprons, socks, and shoes completed the shopping experience and provided the perfect finishing touches to every outfit. 

The atmosphere was lively and exciting as friends shared opinions, modeled their new finds, and enjoyed discovering unique items together. It was impossible not to find something that caught your eye. Many of us left with bags full of purchases, and some even found more than one outfit they simply could not resist taking home. 

By the end of the morning, everyone was thrilled with their purchases and grateful for the exceptional hospitality shown by the Trachten Angermaier team. The shopping excursion was a memorable experience, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and anticipation for the upcoming opportunities to wear our new attire. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our shared heritage while enjoying one of Munich’s premier destinations for authentic Bavarian clothing. 

Allysa Ferrell 

Shopping & Activities

Following our first night at the Holiday Inn West, a few travelers took the opportunity to sleep in and enjoy the hotel breakfast as the first rush of shoppers made their way to Angermeier. With no real plans except to wander and enjoy this great city, we took the S-Bahn east a few stops into the heart of Munich and up the escalator into the historic Marienplatz. Our first stop was the busy Viktualienmarkt, a 200-year-old outdoor market, for some coffee and a pretzel. After doing some shopping of our own at the Downtown Angermeier and Spieth & Wensky, we met with Uncle Joey and Aunt Susi for a few refreshments and Obatzda at the Hacker Pschorr. Next was a quick stop at The Bayern Adidas Shop. Friendly German Hungarian faces could soon be seen on every corner, biergarten, and coffee stand, shopping bags in hand of course, enjoying the sights and markets of Munich. Some of the group scoured the department stores for deals and early Christmas gifts. A few ventured up to the edge of the English Garten and the Eisbachwelle to catch a glimpse of the famous year-round surfers. Before we knew it, the time had come to head back to the hotel to get ready for our first night at the Fest in Pullach! 

Werner Fricker III

Pullach

Friday Night Fest

After a successful morning of Tracht shopping, followed by a free afternoon touring Munich, our group gathered in the hotel lobby and headed to Pullach by train for an evening of celebration.  

The “Pullach Feiert” festival, hosted by the municipality of Pullach im Isartal in Bavaria, Germany ran from July 16 to July 19 and the United German Hungarians attended 2 of these days. The four–day celebration on the Seitnerfelder festival grounds was the town’s largest community festival in 20 years.  

Friday evening entertainment included music and dance performances and of course traditional food and drink, including Sardi Spritzes from the ‘Pussy Bar’. 

Our group was eager to arrive and see the fest grounds, get a lay of the land and begin our celebration weekend.  We quickly made ourselves at home and found many of our Gauverband Nordamerika friends.  

The highlight of the evening was when the popular Munich Oktoberfest band NACHTSTARK took the stage for a high-energy live performance.   

The United German Hungarians love a good party scene and what a party this was. We all took to the benches singing and dancing together in celebration. 

It was a great evening of camaraderie, setting the stage for competition the next day. 

Nichole Blank Deely

Bayerischer Löwe

Competition

Our day kicked off in typical fashion, incredibly EARLY. Because the schedule shifted for Evie’s Einzel performance, the whole team rallied to wake up and get ready ahead of time, ensuring we were all in attendance to cheer her on during her dance. 

Stepping inside the tent felt like entering a dream. The morning got off to a highly efficient start with the Einzel competitions, featuring three active circles running simultaneously. The organizers kept everyone well informed by placing large screens throughout the tent that displayed who was performing, which circle they were in, and the estimated timing. The host club of Pullach truly deserves immense credit for putting together such a beautifully run event; the turnaround between competitors was remarkably fast, taking less than two minutes, and the judging was completed the same day with results announced immediately afterward. Rather than a quiet room dedicated to a single dance at a time, the atmosphere felt much more relaxed, allowing for lively conversations while people watched the dancers prepare and compete. 

Evie Noel performed beautifully in the Einzel competition alongside her partner Evan Wolz. Her lovely dance was a true triumph, filling our entire team, group, and the German Hungarians with immense pride! As our youngest team member and our only active dancer who was dancing both in Einzel and Gruppen in Pullach, I am still in awe at how fabulous a dancer she is and how well she has done for herself. 

As the day progressed, the tent gradually filled with those who hadn’t arrived early, all gathering for the afternoon group competition. While waiting for the Einzel competition to wrap up, everyone enjoyed lunch and drinks, eagerly anticipating the main event that had brought our large group all this way! The group competition was held on a raised stage right in front of the tent. Fortunately, our most recent North American Gaufest featured a very similar outdoor raised stage, so we felt right at home heading onto it (wink wink). Among the 15 adult teams scheduled, our group was set to perform 11th, and once the event kicked off, the time between the first performance and ours absolutely flew by. 

Competing at the Bayerischer Löwe offered an entirely new experience for me. Despite being a team member since 2011, this marked my very first time attending and participating in a competition on German soil. Standing on the side of the stage alongside our coaches and team members, I noticed the usual pre-competition nerves seen at our Gaufests were missing. Instead, I felt excited and ready to showcase our best dance. We had practiced intensely as a team; I completely trusted every single person sharing that floor with me to give an outstanding performance. Just before we stepped out, Marlene approached us with a reminder to truly embrace and enjoy the experience, noting that we might never have an opportunity like this again. It really felt like a once in a lifetime moment. 

As we finally lined up to step onto the stage, a few jitters set in, but we were completely ready to embrace a moment that many of us had never experienced before. Walking out and forming our circle, we could hear the visible awe from the judges as our fifth and sixth couples emerged. Since we were the only group competing with six couples, we knew we had to deliver our absolute best performance. When we paused during our walk in, I looked out and every eye in the tent was fixed on us. It did not matter that another Einzel circle was still underway; the entire crowd was completely focused on the lone team representing North America. 

Our dance went effortlessly. While a million thoughts usually rush through my head during a competition, none of them mattered. The tent, audience, and supporters were truly ELECTRIC when Dino played his final notes. Finishing at the front, I looked down at my partner, Jason, and then out at the crowd. It was one of the most incredible, unforgettable views I have ever seen. Aside from the host club itself, our group earned the loudest applause of the event. 

As we exited the stage and passed by other groups preparing to perform, numerous competitors and spectators paused to ask where our group had come from. During that walk back, we felt a deep sense of reassurance that we had accomplished our main goal: ensuring that everyone in attendance recognized the incredible talent and presence of the United German Hungarians. 

In my opinion, the best part of the competition is who you get to do it with. The countless late nights, practices and commitment to getting physically and mentally prepared, you grow a wonderful bond with those people that I will always cherish. 

Dino, the best accordion guy in the business! The man who shows up and does not know how much we appreciate his dedication, commitment and patience. We are extremely lucky to have someone as great as he is. 

Our fearless coaches, Marlene Fricker and Sasha Malofiy are two people we would not be able to do this without. They are committed to this group and do everything in our best interest at all times to help each one of us get better individually and together as a team. They are not thanked enough for their hard work and dedication.

2026 Preisplattler Team: 

• Alex Blank – Mikaela Malofiy 
• Sasha Malofiy Jr. – Emma Walter 
• Jakob Hubert – Kristen Reiter 
• Stevie Paul – Allysa Reiter 
• Werner Fricker III – Evangeline Noel 
• Jason Noel – Michelle McFadden 
• Evan Wolz – Morgan Schulz, Alternates 

To our alternates: Evan Wolz and Morgan Schulz. Our group is so lucky to have you. You both are able to step in at a moment’s notice. With jobs, growing families, and life events, our whole team would not have been prepared and successful without the commitment of everyone. 

“We have enough for 7 couples, we could draw from a hat and put any of them on the floor. That, is a great place to be.”

-Marlene Fricker on May, 19, 2026

I could write how thankful I am for each person individually, but we’ll save it for another time. The truth is that our group’s achievements depend entirely on the collective support and dedication of each and every member. Whether you traveled to stand by us in Pullach or provided encouragement from home, we are deeply grateful. For our team, there is no greater honor than stepping onto the stage to represent the United German Hungarian name. I am incredibly thankful for our entire group and this unforgettable opportunity, and I look forward with great excitement to the future endeavors that await us. 

Michelle McFadden

Awards

After all the competitors took their moment on the three stages they performed on, and after all of the groups had gone on the floor, all those hours amounted to a very suspenseful awards ceremony. When we compete in the US or Canada, they announce the top three of every age group, and the top five groups: they get their moment of glory as they walk up to the stage to receive their prize for having done an amazing job worthy of bringing home the hardware they desire. 

But in Germany, the atmosphere was much different. Each age group was announced, and every competitor came back up onto the stage. It didn’t matter if they were 10 competitors, or 30, they would start from the bottom of the score sheet and work their way up, which built up a lot of tension in the room. No longer did you think “Oh, I didn’t place in the top 3, where could I have placed?” Suddenly it became “okay, we are in the top 20… the top 15… the TOP TEN?! It’s slowly built up the excitement as the longer you waited to hear your name, the more fidgety you got in your chairs. You start to stand; you start to look around and see if everybody else is witnessing the same thing as you are. 

The time had come to listen for the names we knew. As 25 girls stood on the stage, they slowly called them out by name. Evangeline Noel had never competed in Germany until now, so we can only imagine where her head was at as they announced the first five names, and then the second set of five, and so on, until there were five girls left on the stage (Three of which who were from the Gauverband Nordamerika) 

They announced 5th place, and as we heard her name, the crowd was electric. The smile on her face? Priceless! The excitement from the German Hungarians? Unmatched! The hugs from the whole club to congratulate her? Unforgettable! 

And then we waited for the rest of the age groups to finish, until they got to the groups. Thirteen pairs of couples stood on the stage (the Vorplattler and Vortaenzerin of each club), and the process continued, that same electric energy came about again as we were announced 5th place! 

5th Place at the Bayerischer Löwe, 2026

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To have the ability to perform in Germany is one honor, and to place top five in Germany is a whole new remarkable milestone! There was not a dry eye after receiving the award. In that moment, the hardest part of the trip was done, and more understandably, the weight was lifted from our shoulders! As we still had a week in Germany left to enjoy, with the memory of what we have done here constantly sitting in our heads for the remainder of the trip. 

Evan Wolz

 

On the Way to Obernzell

Kulturzentrum Haus der Donauschwaben

After the whirlwind of the Bayerischer Löwe the day before, we said goodbye to our hotel in Munich and boarded the bus for a quick drive to Haar, the home of the Kulturzentrum Haus der Donauschwaben. Despite the fact that the museum isn’t typically open on Sundays, they opened their doors for us and gave us a wonderful tour of the facility. We were in awe of the sheer volume of items they had on display in the museum: every room had more and more beautiful pieces of Donauschwäbische Tracht, including from my Opa’s hometown of Bukin, and various artifacts from homelife in the alte Heimatland. Our tour guide, Norbert, told us a little about the history of the Kulturzentrum and its importance, not just as a museum, but as a gathering place for the community to dance, sing, have Kaffee und Kuchen, and generally get together. 

I first came into contact with the Kulturzentrum and the work of the Landsmannschaft der Donauschwaben in Bavaria through their Instagram (@donauschwaben.bayern), which features beautiful graphics and videos about Donauschwaben history and culture. They have a newsletter, Der Radasch, that is chock full of features and news about the Donauschwaben in Bavaria and beyond. I find their work even more impressive when I think about how difficult it must have been for them to get to this point. When the Donauschwaben returned to Germany during and after the war, they oftentimes tamped down their cultural differences from the Germans who remained in Germany to allow themselves to assimilate more easily into their new/old home. The existence of the Kulturzentrum is proof of the strength of those who carried the culture with them anyway. The beauty of the exhibits and the activeness of the museum and the organization brought tears to some of our eyes as we toured the displays and photographs. We took a group picture with the American flag and a flag with the club logo on it in front of the building to commemorate our experience, which the Kulturzentrum also posted on their website with a touching tribute regarding how grateful they were for us to visit them. 

The United German Hungarians is a unique club with respect to how well it blends together different kinds of German culture. For a club to go from winning fifth place in the world in a Schuhplattler competition one day to being moved to tears at a Donauschwaben museum the next is testament to the strength of our club’s appreciation for the culture of the regions of all of our members, not just one group. Because of this, we get the rare opportunity to expand our friendships with people all around the world who have the same love and passion for culture that we do. We all have the same heart for our heritage, evidenced by how much of our time we give to preserving and celebrating it, and that unites us across borders and language barriers. It is one of my favorite parts of these trips to be reminded of that, and it is something I will never take for granted. 

Kathleen Martini

Gasthof Zur Post  

Sunday morning was a rough start for some of us after a late night of lobby celebration, featuring Dino on Accordion.  We headed by bus to the town of Haar for a private tour of the Donauschwaben Museum and then had a wonderful break for lunch before reboarding our bus for the next destination.  

We were welcomed by the staff at Gasthof zur Post in Haar and quickly filled the restaurant. We were a large boisterous group, standing out in our matching red U.G.H. shirts and so while finding our seats many of the local customers were inquisitive about who we are and why we are here. Introduction with the locals were made and good conversation ensued. 

The food was some of our favorites for the entirety of the trip. Two of the favorite specialties from our group included Kasespatzle mit Champignons and the Salmon Trout. We highly recommend a stop here for a delicious meal and lovely hospitality if you are ever in Haar. 

Nichole Blank Deely

Obernzell

Beate & Landhotel Donaublick

After a long weekend in and around Munich, it was time to move on to our next stop, Landhotel Donaublick. This beautiful destination sits in the hills overlooking the town of Obernzell and the Danube River. It has all the makings of a perfect Gasthof; Great atmosphere, hospitality, comfort food and drinks, coziness, you name it.  

Owned and operated by our good friend, Beate Schartner, this would be our hub for the next three days. We got to know Beate many years ago when we began dancing at Brauhaus Schmitz in South Philly. About seven or eight years ago she moved back to Germany and opened her own place. Our club had been planning to visit for a number of years and finally made it happen. I knew it was going to be a great time, and it turned out to exceed my expectations. 

We arrived late Sunday afternoon, and as I warned many on the bus ride over, Beate had a tray of schnapps waiting for us at the front door. We got settled, grabbed a beer, (and a few more schnapps) on the terrace and sat back, relaxed and took in the view. The staff prepared a wonderful meal for us. They brought out the grills and might have cooked us everything the local butcher had in stock. There was so much food, and it was all phenomenal. Then we had dessert and more schnapps. I’m not really a schnapps guy anymore, but Beate kept bringing it so I had to indulge. We hung outside for quite a while and then gathered inside to watch the much-anticipated World Cup Final. The game was pretty lousy, but we carried on all night and had a great time.  

Each morning we woke up to beautiful views and a traditional German breakfast, along with a Frühschoppen on the final morning. We had dinner each night we were here at Landhotel Donaublick, and all three meals were excellent. We were busy elsewhere Monday and Tuesday throughout the day but spent each evening back at Beate’s and it truly felt like home the entire time we were there.  

One night after dinner there were several speeches regarding our time at the Bayerische Löwe and our club, and then Beate thanked us for coming to visit. She said something along the lines of, I know it’s a little off the beaten path, but I’m so glad you came here. Karen David then quickly responded “It’s not off the beaten path if it’s where you are planning to go!”  

It may be off the beaten path for some, but it is a path worth taking, and I am so glad we planned to go. It was nice to be able to chill, relax, and party here each night. Doing things the U.G.H. way, all while having that traditional Gasthof feel that makes these trips so great.  

If you are traveling in the Obernzell or Passau area, I highly recommend you stay at Landhotel Donaublick.  

Beate thank you so much for your hospitality and we hope to be back to visit some day in the near future!  

Alex Blank 

Trachten Shopping

Tuesday, July 21 was a fun filled day that began with saying farewell to some of our family and friends began their trek back Stateside as their portion of the trip came to an end. After breakfast and the last few hugs, the remaining group of us made our way down Matzenburger Straße in Obernzell to enjoy one of our favorite activities – Tracht shopping! We first arrived at Spieth & Wensky, welcomed by their employees with open arms at 10:00am. We split into two groups and half of us went into the store to begin shopping, while the other half went on a tour of their warehouse.  

When we walked into the warehouse, the fresh scent of leather filled the room and a huge pile of animal pelts waiting to become brand new pairs of Lederhosen sat on a workstation. We were shown the different types of animal skins that are used for the different types of lederhosen. Some of the skins still had the marks of animal bites, fighting marks, and even the hole from where they were shot. Some of those skins would be dyed and trimmed to then become someone’s new lederhosen. One standard pair of lederhosen could use approximately 1.5 pieces of hide. We moved to another station where there was a woman using a sewing machine to apply the Stickerei onto the legs of new Lederhosen. Most are standard patterns, but you could order a custom design too.  

As we walked deeper into the warehouse, there were Dirndls galore! As far as you could see, there were Dirndls hanging, ready to be purchased. Stock was higher as they are starting to prepare for the Munich Oktoberfest. After we finished our tour, the Spieth & Wensky employees walked us back to the storefront where the groups were able to swap and either take time to shop or go on the warehouse tour.  

We had the store to ourselves and the employees set us up with champagne, juice, water and a variety of sweets to indulge in while we shopped. Personally, I was in my happy place shopping for yet another Dirndl in Germany. The women’s section was organized by color, making it easy on the eyes to look around. The ladies did their shopping while the men took to their section looking at lederhosen, socks, shirts, vests and shoes. Parents and grandparents checked out the children’s section looking for matching pieces. 

Once we completed our purchases, we took a group photo out front of the store with their iconic red shopping bags. A special thank you goes out to Beate for making the special arrangements for the group appointment at Spieth & Wensky! 

After we finished up at Spieth & Wensky, a handful of us walked four minutes down the street to Fesch Bei’nand – a partner store to the popular trachten brand, Marjo. We couldn’t miss yet another trachten store…especially since it was basically next door!! Fesch Bei’nand had a wonderful variety of Dirndls, blouses, lederhosen and vests. They also had some hats and a large rack of children’s tracht! The store was organized and sectioned by size, which is another way to make shopping easy for everyone. They also had a large sale section in the back of the store. Again, I was in heaven taking in all the beautiful blouses and Dirndls. Of course, I found another Dirndl that I just had to take home with me! It was even from the sale section!! I am pretty sure that at this point in the trip (the halfway mark), I had actually purchased a Dirndl at every trachten store I stepped foot in. 

By the time the last of us were done shopping, it was about 1pm, and we were done shopping for the day. Some of us made their way back up to the Landhotel Donaublick, back into Passau for some more exploration, while others made their way over to the Schwimmbad for some relaxation. 

Morgan Schulz 

Schwimmbad

After a long weekend of dancing, singing, drinking, and good ole’ U.G.H. fun a day at the Schwimmbad was much needed! On Tuesday, July 21 a bunch of the group walked from trachten shopping to the swimming area for an afternoon of relaxation. The water was freezing, but it was the perfect shock to the system after our long trek across town. There was also a kids splash pad that was a hit for all; Leo and Delanie loved splashing and playing in the little pool. The Schwimmbad even featured a sand volleyball pit where Omar Ali, John McFadden, Johnny Ferrell, and Jason Noel jumped into a match. It didn’t take long for the game to get super competitive as they went diving around in the sand!

While the guys were diving and jumping around, most of us were standing around the splash pad cooling off while sipping on a refreshing German beer. After a few hours of relaxing with a few drinks and snacks, we dried off and hiked back up to the hotel. The hike back up was about twenty minutes and was definitely a workout; it was no joke! But, luckily for us we had a night ahead of us filled with good food, drinks, dancing, whips, and singing. 

Mikaela Malofiy 

Heimatabend

After a delicious dinner featuring a trio of meat, dumplings, traditional sides, and Kaiserschmarrn for dessert, we were fortunate to spend the evening at a memorable Heimatabend hosted at Landhotel Donaublick. Thanks to a warm introduction by Bob Hugel to the Dreiflüsse-Trachtengau of Passau, and through Beate’s connection with her local Verein, Heimat-und Volkstrachtenverein Immergrün Lämmersdorf, all the pieces fell into place for what would become an unforgettable evening. 

As our guests arrived, casual introductions quickly led to conversation and a feeling of nice camaraderie. One of the evening’s highlights was the ceremonial tapping of the keg (with beer overflowing) by Sasha Malofiy, Alex Blank, and one of our guests, a brewmaster, who gladly lent his expertise. We also had the opportunity to present both Vereine with commemorative anniversary books highlighting our club’s history, along with a 30. Gaufest books, U.G.H. pins, and other keepsakes. 

I felt it was important for us to share a brief history of our club, including the fact that we are over 100 years old and this year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our Schuhplattler group. In return, we learned that members of the Dreiflüsse-Trachtengau were familiar with several Gauverband Nordamerika Trachtlers and had even attended the 1997 Gaufest in Delaware—an exciting discovery that instantly strengthened our connection. 

Each Verein was beautifully dressed in its traditional Vereins Dirndl, creating a colorful and impressive display of Bavarian heritage. The men shared a common style, wearing black lederhosen with distinctive white embroidery, highlighting the cultural ties among the three groups represented that evening. 

The musical entertainment was outstanding. Talented musicians filled the room with the sounds of horns, button accordions, and, most notably, a harpist whose performance added a special touch to the evening. Following some social mixer dancing, each group performed one of its favorite dances. Our club proudly presented the Ländler Potpourri, a lively combination of several melodies featuring a variety of Schuhplattler sequences and dance figures. 

The setting itself added to the evening while some moved comfortably between the main vaulted cellar and the outdoor gathering area, where we were treated to traditional whip-cracking demonstrations against one of the most breathtaking scenic backdrops imaginable. 

Inspired by the beautiful music and singing, we joined together to sing the Edelweiss Lied, a song our group had recently performed at the 30. Gaufest. It was a meaningful moment that reflected the shared traditions and friendships that brought us together. 

When people share a common passion and appreciation for culture, meaningful connections often follow. One of the greatest gifts of this Heimatabend was the opportunity to meet wonderful people and to make some new friends. It was a truly perfect evening filled with good people, delicious food and drink, music, dancing, song, a touch of schnapps, and, above all, genuine camaraderie. 

Janet Fricker Malofiy

Passau

Crystal Ship Tour & Lunch at Oberhaus

Our day in Passau was one of my favorite memories from our trip to Germany because it combined beautiful scenery, delicious food, and, most importantly, time spent together with family and friends. There was something special about experiencing such a picturesque town as a group, sharing conversations, laughter, and making memories that I know we will all look back on for years to come. 

We started the day aboard the Swarovski Crystal Ship for a relaxing cruise along the Danube River. As soon as we stepped onto the boat, the atmosphere felt peaceful and inviting. With a chilled glass of prosecco in hand, I settled in and took in the breathtaking views as we slowly cruised through Passau. The gentle movement of the boat, the warm sunshine, and the sparkling water created the perfect setting to simply relax and enjoy the moment. The Swarovski crystal details throughout the ship added an elegant touch, but it was the scenery outside that truly captured my attention. 

Seeing Passau from the water was unforgettable. The colorful buildings, historic churches, and charming rooftops looked even more beautiful from the river, with the rolling green hills providing the perfect backdrop. Every direction offered another postcard-worthy view, making it difficult to put the camera down. Yet, some of the best moments weren’t spent taking pictures; they were spent talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company while admiring the incredible scenery together. 

What made the cruise so memorable wasn’t just the beautiful landscape; it was the opportunity to slow down and appreciate being surrounded by the people I love. There are so few moments in everyday life where everyone can relax together without feeling rushed. Sitting on the deck with family and friends, enjoying the fresh air, sipping prosecco, and watching the world drift by making for one of those rare experiences where everything felt just right. It truly couldn’t have been a better day. 

After our cruise, we made our way to lunch at Oberhaus, a restaurant perched high above Passau with spectacular panoramic views overlooking the town. As we sat together at our table, we could see the winding rivers, colorful buildings, and church steeples stretching out below us. The view alone was worth the visit, but the delicious food made the experience even better. It was the perfect place to slow down, enjoy another wonderful meal together, and continue taking in the beauty of Passau from above. 

Once lunch was finished, we headed back into town to explore Passau on foot. Wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, browsing the charming shops, and admiring the historic architecture allowed us to experience the city at our own pace. Every corner seemed to reveal another beautiful building, colorful square, or inviting café, making it easy to understand why Passau is considered one of Germany’s most charming towns. We took our time soaking in the atmosphere, enjoying one another’s company, and appreciating every moment of the afternoon. 

Looking back, this day wasn’t memorable because of one specific attraction; it was memorable because of the experience we shared together. From relaxing on the Danube with stunning views and a glass of prosecco, to enjoying an incredible lunch overlooking the city, and finally strolling through the beautiful streets of Passau, every part of the day felt special. It was the perfect reminder that the best travel memories are often created not only by the places we visit, but by the people we experience them with.  

Kyra Malofiy

Shopping & Church

After enjoying a lovely lunch at the Oberhaus, we boarded our bus and returned to the dock area in Passau. 

Passau is a wonderfully walkable city, with charming cobblestone streets lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings. One of the must-see sights is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque church located at the highest point of the city’s Old Town. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Passau and is home to the second-largest church pipe organ in Europe. 

In addition to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, we visited the Church of St. Paul, the oldest parish church in Passau. European cathedrals and churches are renowned for their incredible architecture, artwork, and history, and these two churches were nothing short of breathtaking. Their beauty and attention to detail were truly stunning. 

As we wandered through the Altstadt—the Old Town—we saw Bavaria’s largest glockenspiel clock and the Fürstbischöfliche Residenz, a former bishop’s residence featuring the beautiful Wittelsbacherbrunnen fountain in its courtyard. 

As we made our way through town, some of our group stopped at the Rathaus, Passau’s historic town hall, while others visited a glass museum or indulged in sweet treats from one of the many inviting cafés. 

Of course, no visit to Passau would be complete without exploring the various Trachten shops! Some of our group made their way into Spieth & Wensky, Moser, and Tracht & Handwerk in search of traditional Bavarian clothing and souvenirs. There was certainly some serious shopping going on! 

All that sightseeing and shopping worked up a thirst as we headed back to the bus. Fortunately, our group discovered a lovely outdoor Biergarten directly across the street. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail.  

It was a perfect day, and I’m pretty sure the German Hungarians made a positive contribution to the German economy! 

Kathi Noel 

Fathers in the Fatherland

Along on this trip were the youngest of members, Delanie McFadden, Leo Malofiy, and Colton Ferrell. What an amazing feather in our cap to have these children with us. Anyone knows taking a family with children under five on a trip anywhere is difficult. Taking a family to Europe requires even more effort. 

Still, parents John & Michelle McFadden, Sasha & Chrissy Malofiy, and John and Allysa Ferrell carried on, doing an amazing job. From the outside looking in I commend them for their patience, care, and commitment both to family and to club.  

To Michelle, Chrissy, and Allysa taking your children along is a testament to a can-do attitude not often seen in the modern age.  

“This is the line that for him I pen:
Only a dad, but the best of men.”

From “Only a Dad” by Edgar A. Guest

To John, Sasha, and John, I watched you set an example as fathers on this trip we all should be following. 

To Delanie, Leo, and Colton, one day you will look back and know that in 2026 you were with us and your mothers and your fathers in the fatherland. 

-MF

Salzburg

Salt Mines

If you ever find yourself in Salzburg, Austria, don’t skip the chance to explore one of the region’s most unique attractions, the Salt Mines. 

The excitement started before we even entered the mines; we were suited up in our salt mine jumpsuits to protect our clothing and the mines. To get deep underground, they loaded us up on a cute little mine train. Since we were such a large group, we had the entire train to ourselves. No strangers. No awkward photo bombing someone else’s vacation photos. As we climbed aboard and rolled deeper into the mountain, we got a quick photo taken of our train groupings, and then the daylight quickly disappeared behind us. The cool air, dimly lit tunnels, and anticipation of what was waiting ahead made the ride feel like the beginning of an expedition. 

The train took us roughly 1,300 feet (~1 km) deep underground and while the temperature was near 80 degrees outside, it dropped to around 50 degrees as we went deeper into the mines. 

Salzburg’s salt mines have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Salt was once so valuable it earned the nickname “white gold” bringing immense wealth to the region and helping shape Salzburg into the city it is today. Long before modern mining equipment existed, miners worked tirelessly to extract the precious mineral that was traded throughout Europe. It’s wild to think these tunnels have been used for thousands of years. Long before Salzburg became famous for Mozart and The Sound of Music. 

Of course, history wasn’t the only highlight. One of the most unforgettable parts of the tour was the big wooden miner’s slides. Instead of simply walking between sections of the mine, we got to sit down and zoom down smooth wooden slides that miners once used as a shortcut through the tunnels. They’re surprisingly fast, and hearing everyone’s laughter echo through the caverns made the experience even better! 

As we continued through the mine, we learned how salt has been extracted over the centuries and how technology has transformed the process. Walking through the tunnels where generations of miners once worked gave us a new appreciation to just how important this industry was. We even got to take a boat ride across an underground lake and taste how salty the water was before making our journey back to the natural light and outside world. 

The combination of history, adventure, and interactive experiences made the tour far more exciting than we expected. After all, how often do you get to ride a train into the heart of a mountain and slide through centuries of history? 

Emma Walter 

Distillery

On Wednesday, July 22, after our great salt mine adventure, we topped off the day with a visit to the picturesque Enzian Grassl Brennerei distillery outside Berchtesgaden. An informative museum inside the Grassl building discusses the history, chemistry and processes they use to make their distinct schnapps. Grassl traces its beginnings back to 1692 and uses mountain spring water and the root of the Enzian flower as their main ingredients. The Enzian is a beautiful, bright blue flower that grows in the alpine hills above about 3000 feet. The roots resemble large parsnips, grow to about 3 feet long, and weigh in at about 5 pounds. Importantly, the roots are rich in starch and sugar, making them ideal for fermenting into alcohol. 

Centuries ago, the Grassl ancestors recognized the difficulties with transporting the large, heavy Enzian roots down the mountains to a central still. So, they built five cabins near mountain streams scattered in the hills around Berchtesgaden and transported small stills up the mountains to each cabin. 

Like shepherds, the root diggers move into the alpine valleys in the early summer. They use long-handled, heavy, forked tools to dig up the Enzian roots. The roots are hauled back to the cabins, cleaned in the streams, dried, and then chopped into small pieces using long-bladed axes. The pieces are added to the still, along with yeast and stream water, heated, and the fermenting begins. When ready, the resulting alcohol is emptied into large, ceramic jugs; the still is cleaned out, and the process repeated. Historically, mules were used to haul the filled jugs back down the mountain, where various additives such as dried fruits were mixed in and the final versions of the schnapps completed. 

Today, the mountain still continues to operate in much the same way as before. Now though, increased demand requires that additional roots be brought down the mountains for processing. All-wheel drive vehicles have replaced the mules. There remains one limiting factor though, as it takes about 5 years for the Enzian roots to rejuvenate between each harvest. 

After we exited the museum into the store, the real fun began. Grassl makes a large number of brandies in various flavors, cream schnapps, gin, candies, clothing, glasses and just about anything imaginable related to schnapps, and all are displayed throughout the store. Being astute shopkeepers, Grassl conveniently staffs a tasting bar where many of their products can be sampled. When we visited, they also had several stands located around the store where shots of their various cream liquors were available to taste. The Milk Cream liquor and Pistachio are excellent. It is not hard to imagine that the German Hungarians helped Grassl have one of its best July’s in a long while. Now fortified, we boarded the bus for the short ride to Salzberg.

Ed Tokarski

Hotel Imlauer & the Goldene Kugel

We arrived at Hotel Imlauer in Salzburg, Austria where we will be staying for three nights at the end of our trip! 

We got all our bags off the bus and hurried into our rooms to unpack and unwind. 

The hotel was very nice, modern, and our room offered a great space for our son, Leo to crawl and play! Once we were ready to explore the city, we started our walk to Goldene Kugel where we had a reservation for dinner at 7:00pm. We had a large room with many tables to accommodate all of us. I sat at a table with my parents Hans and JoAnn, in-laws Janet and Sasha, my husband Sasha and my son Leo. We were very hungry from our busy day. We ordered a soup (Frittaten Suppe) to share for an appetizer, which was very good! 

Sasha and I ordered the Ox Gulasch for our entrees. It was the best meal I had on the whole trip, and even Leo enjoyed it! And for dessert, we got the apple strudel. It was all very good. 

There were other excellent choices to choose from on the menu, but I highly recommend the Ox Gulasch if you’re ever in town! 

After dinner, we split up into groups. Some younger members went bar hopping around the city of Salzburg; others took a nice stroll through the city seeing all the shops, restaurants and sites Salzburg has to offer. The hotel we were staying at also had a nice outdoor Biergarten to enjoy a cold drink after a long day. 

The next morning, Hotel Imlauer had a great spread of delicious breakfast items including the deli meats and pastries; they even had bacon and eggs which were a pleasant surprise. We had a great breakfast to get us ready for a big day ahead at the Eagles Nest! 

Chrissy Malofiy 

Eagle’s Nest

On the morning of July 23 we departed our hotel in Salzburg via a coach bus to go to Eagles Nest. Eagles Nest is also known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, it is a mountaintop building in the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden, Germany. Built in 1938 and perched at 6,017 feet (about 1.83 km), it was a Nazi Party gift for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.

In typical German fashion we arrived right as they opened. Ed Tokarski and Karen David went to get our pre-ordered tickets. Once we had our tickets, we took a 10-minute bus ride about halfway up the mountain. Given the size of our group, we were able to fill one bus and go all together. The driver zipped up the winding road and if you’re afraid of heights you should not have looked out the window and over the edge. From there we walked down a long barrel tunnel and waited in line for an elevator, and this was no regular elevator. It was a gold elevator that easily fits over ten people. The elevator took us over one hundred meters higher to the top of the mountain. 

After getting off the elevator you walk immediately outside and the views were absolutely breathtaking. It almost looked fake. It was also chilly at the top; light jackets were a must. Then it became photo op time. There was no bad place to take a photo up there. Perhaps one of the best spots though was in front of a massive wooden cross with an edelweiss on it. Interesting fact, the cross says “1951” at the bottom of it. This marks the period when the surrounding mountain infrastructure was reorganized and transitioned from allied military control back to civilian and Bavarian administration.

Jake Hubert, Stevie Paul, Mike Snoha, and I did some more exploring at the top. We found a very narrow rocky trail that you can hike, and it starts winding around and down the mountain. There were rickety metal railings you could hold onto for balance. There is also a full-service sit-down restaurant at the top. Most people went in and enjoyed a cold beer, soups such as Gulaschsuppe and Kaspressknödelsuppe and a famous dessert called Riesen-germknödel. 

We then took the elevator and bus back down the mountain. We went into the documentation center which was opened in 2023. This features details about the local Nazi dictatorship history and provides access to the underground bunker system. The bunkers were very neat to see. Whether you’re a history buff or not, this was a great site to go see, and I highly recommend it.  

Sasha Malofiy Jr. 

Sound of Music Tour

Salzburg, Austria has always been one of my favorite cities, so finding out we would be revisiting it during our trip made me excited. Our Sound of Music tour was scheduled for our last day in Salzburg before heading back to Munich for our flight home. 

We boarded our bus early in the morning and set off into the countryside to visit several iconic filming locations from the beloved movie. Our first stop was Schloss Leopoldskron. We stood across the lake taking photos of the palace, which was used as the backdrop for the Von Trapp family’s home during the terrace and boating scenes. Today, the palace operates as a hotel, but it still looks just as beautiful as it did in the movie. 

On our way to the next stop, we drove past Schloss Frohnburg, which was used as the front entrance of the Von Trapp family home in the movie. Soon after, we arrived at Hellbrunn Palace Gardens. We spent some time walking and singing through the gardens, which were filled with colorful flowers and bright blue ponds. The highlight was seeing the famous glass gazebo from the “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” scene. Although it was relocated here after filming, it was still exciting to see one of the movie’s most recognizable landmarks in person. 

From there, we traveled through the Salzkammergut Lake District, famous for its crystal-clear alpine lakes and mountain scenery featured in the movie’s opening aerial sequences. Along the drive, we also viewed the exterior of Nonnberg Abbey, the oldest women’s convent in the German-speaking world and the place where the real Maria was once a novice. 

Our last stop was the town of Mondsee, and for me, it was the most meaningful part of the day. Home to the historic Basilika St. Michael, where Maria and Captain von Trapp were married in the film, Mondsee was also where my Oma, Johanna Brenner (Reiter), found refuge after escaping from Frantzal, Yugoslavia. She lived there for six years before immigrating to the United States. 

As we entered town, I immediately thought of the stories my Oma used to tell me about the lake and how she and her brothers would walk across it when it froze during the winter. We walked through the streets to the cathedral, where we took a group photo outside, courtesy of The Edelweiss Times, before going in. The church was absolutely beautiful. Sitting in the same church where the famous wedding scene was filmed—and where my Oma once attended Mass—was incredibly emotional. I lit a candle, sat quietly in a pew, and said a prayer for her. 

Just outside the cathedral stands a memorial honoring the displaced residents of Frantzal. The inscription tells the story of the village community forced to flee their homeland in October 1944 and recognizes Mondsee as the place where they found hope and the courage to begin again. Standing before the memorial, we took a family photo with Connie Reiter, Allysa Ferrell (Reiter), Colton Ferrell, Joseph Reiter, and myself, making the moment even more meaningful. 

After a quick snack, we returned to Salzburg, where we continued exploring other famous filming locations on our own, including Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi,” and Residenzplatz, featured during “I Have Confidence.” That evening, the square was alive with festival celebrations, making it the perfect ending to our time in Salzburg. 

As the tour came to an end, I realized it had been so much more than a Sound of Music tour. It was a day filled with incredible scenery, cherished movie memories, and a meaningful connection to my family’s history. As we sang along to the songs throughout the day, it brought back so many memories of all of us watching The Sound of Music together as kids and singing every song by heart. Being able to experience those places in real life with friends and family made the day and trip even more special. 

Kristen Reiter

Augustiner Kloister

The final day in Salzburg was a fitting culmination to our trip which delivered great weather, amazing sights, culture and camaraderie. Following the fun of The Sound of Music tour, we had the afternoon free to explore on our own ahead of our group dinner.  

With a beautifully sunny, clear day, several groups ascended via the funicular to Fortress Hohensalzburg to take in the breathtaking views. The scenery was even more lively than usual as preparations were underway for the Salzburg Festival, one of the world’s most renowned celebrations of music and drama. Multiple stages and pop-up venues were under construction throughout the day. Visitors from near and far were pouring into the city to attend the free opening ceremonies. The cafes, restaurants, shops and streets were all alive and buzzing with people, adding to the lively atmosphere. 

Lucky for us, long ago our intrepid trip planners had made dinner reservations! This time we visited the Augustiner Bräu Mülln, home of Austria’s largest beer tavern and dating back to 1621. A short walk or bus ride got the entire group together for our final meal of the trip. The Augustiner’s food offerings come from the “Schmankerlgang” (Delicatessen arcade) which is set up to resemble a traditional marketplace. Moving up a flight of stairs from our tables in the outdoor beer garden we were met with a long hallway of food vendors serving a wide array of traditional fare. Some favorites were roast chicken, pork ribs, sausages and, of course, schnitzel. 

Following dinner, we returned to the old city to take part in the music festival’s opening performances. The focal point for the evening was the series of performances in the central Residenzplatz. Cafes and restaurants around the square opened their doors (and sidewalks) to serve the gathering masses as pop-up performances began. We heard from alternating brass ensembles, performing in front of (and sometimes on top of) the various storefronts and towers. 

As the sun began to set, a massive projection screen affixed to the wall of the cathedral provided times for the upcoming performances and later displayed live video of the same. Those of us who chose to stay for the full program were treated to great spectacles: pitch-perfect alpine horns, Goaßlschnalzen (whipcracking) and the traditional Fackeltanz (torch dance). 

The torch dance alone was worth the wait – a hundred dancers, each in their club’s own tracht, encircled the Residenzbrunnen fountain, lit only by the flames carried in their hands. The coordinated dance was made even more impressive when long-exposure overhead photos were displayed on-screen, revealing the intricate patterns being produced. 

The evening was a fantastic end to an unforgettable trip! 

Chris Deely

Not the First & Not the Last

This was not the first trip to Germany for our Dance Group, and we certainly hope it will not be the last. It did, however, turn out to be our biggest trip to date, with the largest number of attendees ever. 

Our trip-planning team worked with as many as 58 travelers. This group included an infant, a toddler, a two-year-old, and Christopher Deely in his electric-powered wheelchair. The trip spanned from July 9th through July 25th. Multiple groups traveled to Germany, and multiple groups departed at different times, making the planning a significant challenge. 

All meals had to be arranged in advance to accommodate such a large group. Tours were pre-booked, and bus and van transportation had to be coordinated. Each hotel stay required an updated list of guests as people arrived and departed throughout the trip. Recognition goes out to everyone who assisted with the arrangements, and there were quite a few! 

As for the dancers, they simply continued doing what they had been doing since the spring: working hard to bring their very best performance to the Preisplattln in the Pullach Fest Tent. Kudos to the entire team for earning 5th Place in the Gruppen competition and 5th Place in individual competition! 

Oh, and then there was the rest of the trip. It went like clockwork, like teamwork. We couldn’t have traveled with a better group of family and friends, especially when they are one and the same! 

Marlene Fricker 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by the following authors in order of their sections:

Michael Fricker
Joseph S. Reiter
John Reiter
Chris Tokarski
Susi Hartmann
Allysa Ferrell
Werner Fricker III
Nichole Blank Deely
Michelle McFadden
Evan Wolz
Kathleen Martini
Alex Blank
Morgan Schulz
Mikaela Malofiy
Janet Fricker Malofiy
Kyra Malofiy
Kathi Noel
Emma Walter
Ed Tokarski
Chrissy Malofiy
Sasha Malofiy Jr.
Kristen Reiter
Chris Deely
Marlene Fricker

Thank you to these contributors.

-MF