Moving To Bavaria: What You Need To Know

So, you're thinking of moving to Bavaria? Well, you're not alone. With its lush, rolling hills and vibrant nature, Bavaria is a popular choice for expats. But is it the right place for you?

Firstly, you should know that Bavaria is not just part of Germany; it's a state with a strong cultural identity of its own. Bavarians are proud of their heritage, and you'll find that traditions run deep here. From the famous Oktoberfest to the less well-known local beer festivals, there's always an opportunity to celebrate. And don't be surprised to see people wearing Trachten, the traditional clothing of the region, on a daily basis.

Bavaria is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of Europe. With high-speed rail links to other major cities and a central location, you can easily branch out to visit nearby countries such as Italy, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic.

However, there are a few things to be aware of before making the move. Munich, the state capital, is an expensive place to live. You may find it more affordable to live in one of Bavaria's other beautiful cities and commute. It's also worth noting that Bavarians can be reserved and may take a while to warm to newcomers. Learning German will help you navigate the local culture and show that you're making an effort.

So, is Bavaria the place for you? It could be the start of a wonderful adventure!

Cost of living

The cost of living in Bavaria is $1840, which is 1.13 times more expensive than the average in Germany. It is the third most expensive and fifth best state to live in Germany. The average salary after taxes in Bavaria is $3469, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.9 months.

The monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Munich area with a rail connection to the city costs at least 1,200€ (with all utilities). The closer you want to live to the city centre, the more expensive it gets. In the city centre, you would have to pay a monthly rent of at least 1,500€ for a two-bedroom apartment.

Monthly food expenses depend on where and what you are buying. A single person's estimated monthly costs without rent are 996.3€. A meal for one person at an average restaurant in the Munich area costs around 10-15€, whereas in the city centre, it costs around 13-18€.

For a monthly pass to use public transport, you pay between 70 and 150€, depending on your place of residence and the number of routes you want to drive. Gas prices are also something to keep in mind, as they are double the price in the United States.

Language barrier

If you're moving to Bavaria, it's important to be aware of the potential language barrier. While Bavarians are proud of their cultural identity and heritage, they are still part of Germany, and German is the primary language spoken in the region. However, the German you may have learned in school will likely be quite different from the Bavarian dialect, which has its own unique words, phrases, and even punctuation. This can make communication challenging, especially in smaller cities and towns where English speakers are less common.

To overcome this barrier, it is highly recommended to learn German before or as soon as you arrive. This will not only make your daily life easier but also show your commitment to integrating into the local culture. Fortunately, Bavarians are generally patient and appreciative of those who try to speak their language, even if they respond in English. Additionally, learning the language will help you navigate government services, as any interaction with local or national government offices will typically be conducted in German.

It's worth noting that Bavaria has a variety of dialects, and getting a grasp on the language will open doors to a fascinating world of linguistic diversity. The prevalence of traditional clothing, known as "Trachten," and the importance of festivals and celebrations in Bavarian culture may also provide some unique language learning opportunities. However, keep in mind that Bavaria is a large state with many smaller towns and villages, and the availability of language learning resources may vary depending on your location.

Overall, while the language barrier in Bavaria can be challenging, it is not insurmountable. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you can overcome this obstacle and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the region.

Culture and customs

Bavaria is known for its customs and traditions, which are highly valued and celebrated by its proud and patriotic inhabitants. While Bavarians are often thought to be stubborn and grumpy, they are also cheerful, sociable, and cosmopolitan. The state's romantic scenery, including its lakes, mountains, and castles, contributes to the strong sense of regional identity and community.

Traditions

Bavaria is home to many unique traditions that are celebrated throughout the year. One well-known tradition is the Maypole, which involves setting up a pole in the spring, accompanied by music, food, and drinks. Another is the Schafabtrieb or sheep herding, where shepherds gather their herds and drive them down into the valley after summer. The Hornschlittenrennen, a traditional sledge race at Fasching (Carnival), and the Fischerstechen, a contest between young boys from the village to find the king of fishers, are also popular traditions.

Bavaria also has a rich cultural landscape, including churches, museums, palaces, and castles. The state is known for its idyllic mountain scenery, with alpenhorn blowers and beer consumed in one-litre mugs. The traditional attire of Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women is also commonly worn during festivities and other occasions.

Food and Drink

Bavarian cuisine is known for its hearty and delicious dishes, often featuring meat and potatoes. Some popular dishes include:

• Käsespätzle: a combination of spaetzle noodles, grated mountain cheese, and fried onions.
• Schweinebraten: roast pork with a dark sauce, served with dumplings and a kraut salad.
• Weißwurst: a white sausage made from veal and parsley, boiled and served with a pretzel and sweet mustard.
• Zwetschgendatschi: a traditional plum cake served with whipped cream and coffee.

Bavaria is also famous for its beer, with over 40 types and 4,000 brands of Bavarian beer available. The state has the highest density of breweries in Germany, and beer is considered a staple food, often consumed in beer gardens or during festivals.

Festivals

In addition to its traditions and cuisine, Bavaria is known for its vibrant festivals that attract locals and tourists alike. The most famous festival is Oktoberfest, which takes place annually in Munich and attracts over six million visitors. Other popular festivals include the Hornschlittenrennen at Fasching, parish fairs, wine festivals, and the glittering Christmas markets.

Transport

Bavaria has a range of transport options available, from trains to cars.

Trains

Bavaria's train system is safe and effective for travel, with English-speaking staff available to help with ordering tickets and finding your stop. The regional day ticket for Bavaria allows for unlimited travel within Bavaria in one day. The ticket costs €29 for second-class travel and €41.50 for first-class travel. The ticket is also available for overnight travel as the regional night ticket for Bavaria. The ticket is valid for all local and regional trains, transport association services, and almost all buses in Bavaria.

Cars

Bavaria has autobahns, which are very fast. However, it can be exhausting to drive on them as you must pay attention 110% of the time. There are areas with speed limits, but where there aren't any, it is suggested that you drive around 130 KPH. If you see a flashing light, it means your car and license plate have been photographed and you will receive a fine in the mail. Gas prices are also very high, so many Germans opt to carpool.

Planes

If you will be flying a lot, it is recommended to live close to Frankfurt am Main FFM and Hahn Airport. Munich is also an intercontinental hub, but it does not have Hahn.

Employment

When it comes to employment, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering a move to Bavaria. Firstly, it is important to note that Munich, the state capital and largest city in Bavaria, tends to be the first choice for job seekers due to its cultural significance and abundance of job opportunities. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Germany to live in. Therefore, it might be worth considering other cities and towns in Bavaria that offer more affordable living options.

Bavaria is home to several major companies as well as numerous smaller companies based in towns and villages across the state. Additionally, high-speed rail links connect the major cities, making it possible to commute from more affordable areas.

If you are not fluent in German, finding a job may be challenging. While some positions may not require German fluency, learning the language will greatly increase your employment prospects and make it easier to navigate the job-seeking process.

For those in specialised fields or with unique skill sets, finding employment may be easier, even if you don't speak German. However, for spouses of military personnel or those on dependent visas, job opportunities can be limited, and competition is often high.

It is also worth noting that Bavaria is known for its strong sense of tradition and conservative values, which may be reflected in the workplace culture. Networking and making connections can be beneficial, as Bavarians are known for their loyalty and long-lasting friendships.

Overall, employment opportunities in Bavaria vary depending on your skills, qualifications, and language proficiency. While Munich may offer the most job prospects, the high cost of living could be a significant factor to consider. Exploring opportunities in other parts of Bavaria and taking advantage of the state's excellent transport links could be a viable alternative.

Frequently asked questions