Bavaria is a mountainous land in the southeast of Germany rich in both history and culture, where Oktoberfest—an annual festival featuring beer, sausage, and lederhosen—draws in revelers in their droves. The festival is held in Munich, the Bavarian capital, which boasts some of the finest architecture in Europe. But Bavaria is a vast area with much to offer beyond Munich—from the walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to King Ludwig II's unfinished island castle of Herrenchiemsee, you won't be short on things to do. With that in mind, tours that link several sights are often the best way to experience the region. Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, can easily be combined with the villages of Oberammergau and Hohenschwangau on a day trip from Munich. Private tours take visitors into the Bavarian wilderness, from the high mountains to the deep lake of Berchtesgaden National Park, as well as the area's dense forests where a local guide is your best bet for exploring. For sports enthusiasts, the Bavarian Alps offer ski resorts that are cozier and less expensive than those in neighboring countries. Finally, many people choose to visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site on guided tours which provide insight into a dark chapter in German history.
To see Bavaria’s countryside beauty at its best, hike the Alps, and avoid the crowds, visit during spring or fall. YOu can also time your visit to one of the major local festivals: The Bayreuth Festival (Bayreuther Festspiele), which runs from July to September is a tribute to German composer Richard Wagner that draws visitors from from all over to celebrate Bavarian food and culture. Gäubodenvolksfest, in Straubing, is the second-largest beer festival in Germany—and a less-crowded alternative to Oktoberfest.
It’s hard to beat the magic of driving along Bavaria’s Romantic Road (Romantische Straße), a 220-mile (354-kilometer) route from Würzburg to Füssen that passes picturesque villages, UNESCO-listed sites, and idyllic scenery. If you don’t have a car, you can get around via Bavaria’s excellent train and bus networks. If you want to see a lot in a short time, opt for a Bayernticket from Deutsche Bahn, which allows unlimited travel in Bavaria for a day.
Travelers flock to Bavaria’s main cities like Munich and Nuremberg, but there are plenty of fairytale towns and villages fartjer off the beaten track. Try Mittenwald, a small town and ski resort with painted houses and cobblestone streets; or UNESCO-listed Bamberg, which is known for its stunning old town, historic buildings, and unusual smoked beer. Another great option is Würzburg, which sits at the heart of the Franconian wine country and boasts excellent wineries and cellar bars.
Germany’s largest state is known for its southern mountain landscapes, fairy-tale lakes and castles, and alpine culture and cuisine. Bavaria’s most famous attractions include Neuschwanstein Castle and the Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps, the storybook medieval towns along the Romantic Road, and the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich.
...MoreBavaria is the largest of the 16 federal states of Germany, encompassing a large portion of southeast Germany and bordering Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Bavaria is known as a free state because it maintained its independence through the Prussian Kingdom and only became a German state in 1948.
...MoreBavarian food is known for its rich, hearty meat dishes, typically paired with knödel (dumplings), sauerkraut, and Bavarian beer. Traditional Bavarian specialties include schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), spaetzle (egg noodles), and weisswurst (white sausages), served with pretzels, sweet mustard, and apple strudel.
...MoreBavaria is huge—about a fifth the size of Germany—so allow a minimum of a week to take in the highlights. Spend a couple of days discovering Munich, visit Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps, and then follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Nuremberg.
...MoreUnmissable attractions in Bavaria include the state capital of Munich, the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, and Zugspitze—Germany’s highest peak. Don’t miss the medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the storybook scenery along the Romantic Road, as well as the WWII sites of Nuremberg.
...MoreThe walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is often called Bavaria’s most picturesque town, with its medieval ramparts, cobbled lanes, and colorful half-timbered buildings. The medieval villages of Bamberg and Dinkelsbühl, along the Romantic Road, and the alpine village of Oberammergau, known for its elaborate murals, are also pretty.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 69 |
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Number of Tours | 783 |
Number of Reviews | 34,303 |
Currency | EUR |
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