Servus, Bavaria’s sports clubs have topped five million members, with the Olympic hosting bid possibly helping drive the record. Elsewhere, a historic Munich brewery is due back in 2027, Erlangen has opened a quantum-communications lab, Neumarkt marked a record-height wind turbine, and Deutsche Bahn reports 5,000 people caught drinking at stations in the first week of its ban.

1. More than five million people in Bavaria belong to sports clubs

Membership in Bavarian sports clubs has reached a record high, with more than five million people taking part. The state’s bid to host the Olympics may be one factor behind the increase.

Why this matters: If you are looking to meet people or play a sport, clubs across Bavaria are a popular way to get involved in local life.

Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung (Bayern)

2. A historic Munich beer brand is set to return in 2027

The Sailer brewing family is rebuilding the historic Münchner-Kindl-Bräu brand near Perlacher Forst, more than a century after its earlier run. Plans include a glass-walled brewery, wooden-barrel storage and a well, with brewing expected to begin in 2027.

Why this matters: If you live in Munich, the new brewery could become a local destination and bring back a piece of the city’s brewing history.

Source: Abendzeitung München

3. Erlangen opens a lab to test secure quantum communications

Bavarian Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger has opened a new quantum technology laboratory in Erlangen. Researchers will test quantum signals and how they might help protect communications from eavesdropping.

Why this matters: If you live or work in Bavaria, developments in secure communications could affect the technology and research industries around you.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

4. Neumarkt celebrates a record-breaking wind turbine

Visitors gathered at Winnberg to see a 285-metre wind turbine described as the world’s tallest. The event also showcased wind power technology from its maker, Bögl.

Why this matters: The project is a local example of how renewable energy development is changing Bavaria’s landscape and energy sector.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

5. About 5,000 people caught drinking at German train stations

Deutsche Bahn says around 5,000 people were found drinking alcohol at stations during the first week of its nationwide alcohol ban, which began on 15 October. Most complied when challenged, and police issued station bans in only a few cases; alcohol remains permitted in station restaurants and on trains.

Why this matters: The ban applies at Deutsche Bahn stations in Bavaria too, so avoid drinking in station areas even if alcohol is allowed on your train.

Source: BR24

Before you go: Deutsche Bahn’s station alcohol ban does not apply in station restaurants or on trains.