The beautiful state of Bavaria is probably the most well-known throughout the world, and with good reason. As well as being the largest state in Germany, its arguably also the most beautiful, incorporating winding rivers, stunning lakes, epic forests and of course the inspiring Bavarian Alps.
Your time overseas in Germany would not be complete without visiting at least some of the highlights of this beautiful and welcoming state. Here are just a few of the highlights you should try to experience during your tour:
1. The Romantic Road
Formerly a trade route that connected the center of Germany with the south, this 350 kilometres of highway between Würzburg and Füssen invite you to discover a large number of picturesque towns and castles.
2. Munich – Capital City of Bavaria
Munich, the amazing capital city of Bavaria, is home to the Oktoberfest, BMW, the Hofbrauhaus, the Olympia Park, English Garden and is a metropolis of art and culture.
3. Bayreuth
Explore the fascinating landscape, visit the old Imperial towns with its individual flair or just relax in a cosy hotel. Discover the world renowned “Bayreuth Festival” – a celebration of the 19th century German composer, Richard Wagner.
4. Fuessen, Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau
Fuessen, with its historic and quaint city center, is the perfect staging ground for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenswangau Castle. Fuessen is also the final stop along the famous “Romantic Road”.
5. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is nestled spectacularly in the Bavarian Alps and is home to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an outdoor natural paradise with rich, traditional Bavarian culture.
6. Rothenburg
Rothenburg, an impossibly charming town located along the famous Romantic Road, is one of the top sightseeing cities in Bavaria. This medieval town is particularly magical during the Christmas season.
7. Starnberg Five Lake Region
The Starnberg Five Lake Region, just 30 minutes south of Munich, is the perfect spot for relaxation or for visiting interesting sites like the Buchheim Museum. The Andechs Monastery is a must see site in the area as the beer brewed here is excellent.
8. Regensburg
The UNESCO city of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, sits beautifully on the banks of the Danube River. Some of the top sites here include: the gothic cathedral, stone bridge and the historic sausage kitchen.
9. Alteotting & Oberammergau
As far as their landscape, tourist attractions and religious appeal are concerned they could hardly be more diverse. And yet the Marian pilgrimage town of Altoetting and the Passion Play village of Oberammergau are the best known religious centres in Bavaria world-wide.
10. Bamberg
Narrow alleys, cozy corners, medieval and baroque building fronts, plus a distinct romantic flair: Bamberg is a unique work of art. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact old town centres, Bamberg has the magic of the past hanging in the air, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11. Nuremberg
Nuremberg, situated on the Castle road, has an international airport and a state-of-the-art trade fair centre and on the other the historic centre of the city is a little gem with everything one could ever wish for: fabulous museums, plenty of attractive shopping, cosy restaurants and bars and welcoming beer gardens.
Find out more about each of these suggestions, and lots more ways to discover Bavaria here.
Image: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, © Rothenburg Tourismus Service
