Germany

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 * Olching, Germany **  **// The Book Thief by Markus Zusak //**

**Twelve miles northwest of Munich is the city of Olching, located in the district of Fürstenfeldbruck, in Bavaria, Germany. The city appears to have been founded in 740, during the early Middle Ages. Olching was nearly completely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War in 1632. Olching remained mostly rural until 1839 when a construction of a railroad line connected Munich and Augsburg. This led to the construction of factories and an increase in workers. The city was damaged by an air raid on February 22, 1944 during World War II. This raid killed 22 individuals and injured many more. Since the World War II, Olching has had continuous population growth and has seen the rise of many businesses and block after block of apartments. Currently, the population of** ** Olching is 24,582. **

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__**Itenerary:**__  **While in Olching, one can find many fun things to do with their time. The morotcycle speedway club and track known as the Speedwaybahn hosts many races throughout the warm weather months. Golf is a popular activity, so make sure to take in a round or two of both championship and miniature golf while you are in town. Go kart racing is also a popular activity in Olching.**

**The Amper River offers gorgeous views and near to the river is a local bird-watching park, Vogelpark Olching. The Olchinger See is a clear water lake that offers visitors the opportunity to see water fowl and fish, relaxing in the often warm weather. Flea markets are popular shopping venues in Ochling, so be sure to stop by and browse the local wares.**

**Olching holds a number of entertaining events each year. The Faschingsumzug is a carnival parade that takes place on Shrove Tuesday each year. The event goes back to 1923 and the only years without this parade were during the wars. The Easter Fire is a tradition that is widespread in the northern and central parts of Germany, but is traditionally celebrated in Olching at the Volksfestplatz. This tradition involves a large fire being lit on Easter Saturday while numerous merchants set up shop around the fairgrounds. The Volksfest, or the fair, takes place during the second week of Whitsun and has food, song, dance, rides, and shopping opportunities.**

**While Munich is only a few miles down the Autobon, Olching offers a small, German town sort of charm with tradition of their own. One will forget that this was a site of a bombing during World War II, rather, they will enjoy a day of beautiful weather in a wonderful German village.**

**Information courtesy of multiple sites including Wikipedia.**