Rhine Or Bavaria: Which German Gem To Choose?

If you're struggling to decide between a trip to the Rhine or Bavaria, you're not alone. Both are beautiful parts of the world, offering a wealth of culture, history and natural wonders. The Rhine, with its romantic valleys and world-class vineyards, is a nature lover's dream. Meanwhile, Bavaria in southern Germany is known for its pristine countryside, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and vibrant cities. With so much to offer, it's no wonder these two destinations are often top contenders for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure.

Outdoor activities and relaxation

The Rhine and Bavaria offer a variety of outdoor activities and relaxation options. Here are some ideas to help you decide:

Rhine Valley:

The Rhine Valley is known for its stunning scenery and is one of Europe's most beautiful and important waterways. The Middle Rhine Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers hiking and cycling trails, boat excursions, and charming towns like Bacharach. Explore the Rhine Gorge, take a slow boat ride, visit museums in Mainz, or walk through the pedestrian-friendly Mannheim. Hike or bike through the Palatinate Forest, and visit the authentic German spa town of Wiesbaden.

Bavaria:

Bavaria, officially known as the Free State of Bavaria, offers diverse landscapes and natural areas for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Hiking: Bavaria provides opportunities for long-distance hiking, mountain hiking, and pleasure hiking in various regions, including Upper Bavaria, Eastern Bavaria, Franconia, and Allgäu/Bavarian Swabia. The Bavarian Alps, with their Celtic history, and the Franconian Switzerland region are ideal for active families.
• Water Activities: Take a boat trip on Bavaria's lakes and rivers. Try rafting on the Iller River or canyoning in the Allgäu region.
• Cycling: Bavaria is perfect for cycling enthusiasts, offering routes through its beautiful landscapes.
• Paragliding: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding is an option in Bavaria.
• Swimming: With its many lakes and rivers, Bavaria offers swimming opportunities, including in the famous Königssee.
• Skiing and Snowshoe Tours: During winter, enjoy skiing and snowshoe tours, or opt for a winter hike.
• Castles and Historical Sites: Bavaria boasts impressive castles such as Schloss Neuschwanstein, as well as historical sites like the Eagle's Nest and the underground bunkers of Berchtesgaden.
• Nature and Wildlife: Explore Bavaria's waterfalls, including the highest waterfall in Germany, and its diverse wildlife, such as the six-legged creatures studied by the Grasshopper Whisperer.

Castles and palaces

The Rhine and Bavaria are both home to a plethora of castles and palaces, each with their own unique history and architectural style.

Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley is known for its romantic landscapes and fairy-tale castles. The Middle Rhine Valley, in particular, is lined with magnificent castles, defiant fortresses, and mysterious ruins. Between Bingen and Koblenz, you will find the greatest density of castles in the world, with 40 historic buildings. Here are some of the notable castles and palaces in the Rhine Valley:

• Pfalzgrafenstein Castle: A toll castle built on a rocky island in the Rhine near Kaub. It is a world-famous photo motif.
• Sooneck Castle: Located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Sooneck Castle has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: The second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, located in Koblenz. It now houses a cultural centre and the Koblenz State Museum.
• Stolzenfels Castle: Located on the left bank of the Rhine in Koblenz, it is considered a perfect example of Rhine Romanticism.
• Stahleck Castle: A 12th-century castle in Bacharach, which is now one of the most beautiful youth hostels in Germany.
• Marksburg Castle: Perched above the town of Braubach, Marksburg Castle is the only medieval hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. It offers visitors a glimpse into medieval life with its castle kitchen, knights' hall, tower rooms, and battlements.
• Rheinstein Castle: Located in Trechtingshausen, Rheinstein Castle dates back to the 14th century and was once a customs castle. It is the starting point of castle romanticism in the region.
• Reichenstein Castle: Situated on a hilltop on the eastern slope of the Bingen Forest, just 5 km from Bingen.
• Klopp Castle: Overlooking the city of Bingen, Klopp Castle is one of the most beautiful landmarks of the city.

Bavaria

Bavaria, the largest state in Germany, is known for its hundreds of stunning castles, each with a unique history. Here are some of the notable castles and palaces in Bavaria:

• Neuschwanstein Castle: Undoubtedly the most famous castle in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is also known as the Disney Castle as it inspired Walt Disney's fairytale castle in Sleeping Beauty. Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, it boasts soaring turrets, dark dungeons, and lavish interiors.
• Hohenschwangau Castle: Located near Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle was built in the 18th century by King Maximilian II. It served as the summer and hunting palace of the Bavarian Royal family and was the childhood home of Ludwig II.
• Nymphenburg Palace: A Baroque palace that was originally built as a summer residence for the Bavarian Electors. It combines various architectural styles, including Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical. The palace is surrounded by a sprawling 200-hectare garden.
• Linderhof Palace: The smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II, Linderhof is inspired by Versailles and features a staircase similar to the Ambassador's Staircase in Versailles. The gardens showcase Renaissance, Baroque, and English garden styles.
• Herrenchiemsee Palace: Another palace built by King Ludwig II, modelled after Versailles. It features a Hall of Mirrors and lavish interiors, including a golden decor, a porcelain collection, and priceless artwork.
• Burghausen Castle: Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest castle in the world, spanning over 1,000 meters in length. It was the second family residence of the Wittelbach family and later became an important military fortification.
• Nuremberg Castle: A massive 12th-century castle that looms over the old town of Nuremberg. It is one of the finest medieval fortresses in Europe and holds significant historical value, reminding visitors of the city's importance in the Middle Ages.
• Veste Coburg: One of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Germany, dating back to the early Medieval period. It was enlarged over time and became one of the largest castle complexes in Germany.
• Schloss Seehof: An early Baroque-style palace in Bamberg, built as a summer residence and hunting lodge for the Prince Bishop of Bamberg. It features a combination of Baroque and Rococo interior styles.

Cities and towns

The Rhine and Bavaria are both steeped in history and culture, with many cities and towns to visit.

Rhine

The Rhine is one of the major European rivers, rising in the Swiss Alps and flowing through several countries before emptying into the North Sea in the Netherlands. Here are some cities and towns along the Rhine:

• Basel, Switzerland: A major city on the Rhine, Basel is known for its beautiful architecture and cultural attractions, including the Basel Munster cathedral and the Kunstmuseum Basel.
• Strasbourg, France: Strasbourg is located on the French-German border and is home to the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the historic La Petite France district.
• Cologne, Germany: Cologne is a vibrant city with a rich history. It is known for its stunning Cologne Cathedral and its lively nightlife and cultural scene.
• Düsseldorf, Germany: Düsseldorf offers a unique blend of old and new, with historic sites such as the Altstadt (Old Town) and modern attractions like the MedienHafen (Media Harbour).
• Rotterdam, Netherlands: Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, innovative architecture, and lively nightlife.

Bavaria

Bavaria, officially the Free State of Bavaria, is the largest German state by land area and the second most populous. It has a rich history and culture and is known for its beautiful cities and towns. Here are some highlights:

• Munich: The capital and largest city of Bavaria, Munich is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its annual Oktoberfest, stunning architecture, and attractions such as the Marienplatz and the Englischer Garten.
• Nuremberg: Nuremberg is a historic city with a well-preserved medieval old town. It is famous for its Christmas market, the Nuremberg Castle, and its association with Nazi-era rallies and trials.
• Regensburg: This medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved architecture, including the Regensburg Cathedral and the Stone Bridge.
• Würzburg: Located in the heart of Germany's wine-producing region, Würzburg is renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture, including the Würzburg Residence.
• Bamberg: Bamberg is a charming town with a UNESCO-listed old town that spreads across seven hills. It is known for its medieval architecture, breweries, and picturesque setting along the Regnitz River.
• Lindau: Located on an island in Lake Constance, Lindau offers stunning views of the lake and the Austrian shoreline. It is known for its historic old town and its multicultural influences.

Cultural attractions

Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley is a cultural hotspot, with many castles and historic small towns and cities. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Loreley Rock, a 200-metre-high rocky outcrop, is one of the most dramatic cliffs in the valley.

The town of Bacharach is a great base for exploring the Rhine Valley. It has crooked old streets and medieval half-timbered buildings. Boppard, Lahnstein, and Braubach are other notable towns in the area.

The Rhine Gorge is also home to Marksburg Castle, the only hilltop fortress in the Rhine Valley to have survived intact. The castle dates back to 1117 and is widely considered one of the most important castles in Germany.

Further south, the city of Mainz boasts a rich and diverse heritage dating back to Roman times. The Gutenberg Museum in Mainz features displays on the life and times of the inventor of the moveable metal type printing technique, who was born in the city in 1398.

Bavaria

Bavaria is steeped in history and is filled with romantic castles, grand imperial palaces, and old-world customs.

• Nürnberg Castle in Nürnberg is one of the most important surviving medieval fortresses in Europe. The castle contains several historic structures, including the 15th-century imperial stables, the Pentagonal Tower dating from 1040, and the Sinwell Tower, which offers panoramic views of the Old Town.
• Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of the eccentric King Ludwig II's fantastical architectural creations. The castle's interior is sumptuously decorated, with themes drawn from heroic legends, opera, and romantic literature.
• Linderhof Palace was King Ludwig II's favourite. Although it is lavishly ornamented, its size and setting amid cool green forests give it an intimate quality.
• Herrenchiemsee was King Ludwig II's third and largest palace. It is located on an island in Chiemsee, Bavaria's largest lake. The palace was inspired by Versailles, featuring a Hall of Mirrors and a State Bedroom.
• Munich Residenz is one of Europe's most spectacular palaces. It served as the seat of the dukes, electors, and kings of Bavaria for centuries.
• Nymphenburg Palace is a later Baroque palace that seems to float above its canal, gardens, and fountain-splashed pools. The highlights include the lavishly decorated three-story Stone Hall and the Palace Chapel.
• BMW Museum showcases the technical development of cars and motorcycles, as well as the history of the BMW company.
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The site features reconstructed barracks and cells, as well as photographs, personal accounts, artifacts, and documents that tell the stories of the prisoners.
• Marienplatz is the largest public square in Munich and has been the centre of social activity in the city for centuries.
• Englischer Garten is one of the most popular places to visit in Munich, attracting walkers, joggers, cyclists, and sunbathers. The park features a Greek temple, a Chinese pagoda, and a Japanese teahouse.

Food and drink

If you're a foodie, you'll be spoilt for choice in both the Rhine region and Bavaria.

Rhine Region

The Rhine region is a melting pot of culinary influences from neighbouring regions and all across Europe. The protagonist of the region's cuisine is the Rhine River itself, which brings seafood and spices from the North Sea, and cloth and grain from the south. The river also supplied fish, which formed the basis of many traditional dishes.

Some traditional foods of the Middle Rhine include:

• Schaales (German Potato Casserole)
• Dibbelabbes (German Hash Browns)
• Rhenish Mussels
• Rhenish Sauerbraten and Pepse
• Martinsgans (St. Martin's Goose)
• Döppekooche (Pot-Cake)
• Rhenish Potato Salad
• Rhenish Sauerkraut

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate is known for its wine—two-thirds of the wine produced in Germany comes from this region.

Specialties of North Rhine Westphalia include:

• Halve Hahn (a buttered rye roll topped with Gouda cheese and mustard, served with pickles and onions)
• Himmel und Erde ("Heaven and Earth", a dish with potatoes)
• Reibekuchen ("grated cakes", also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Rievekooche)
• Rheinischer Döbbekooche (a form of potato cake)
• Rheinisches Apfelkraut (a sweet and tasty apple product)
• Rheinischer Sauerbraten (a sour roast)
• Westphalian Pumpernickel (a type of bread)
• Westphalian Smoked Ham
• Kölsch (a top-fermented clear beer brewed locally in Cologne)

Specialties of Rhineland Palatine include:

• Pfälzer Saumagen ("sow's stomach", a mixture of minced veal, diced potatoes, diced vegetables, herbs and spices, served with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut and a dry white wine)
• Pfälzer Spundekäs (a spread made from cream cheese, quark and sour cream)
• Reibekuchen or Rievkooche (potato pancakes)

Bavaria

Bavarian food is generally hearty and filling, with many meat and potato-based dishes. Bavarian specialties are often served at beer gardens and Oktoberfest.

Some traditional Bavarian dishes include:

• Weisswurst ("white sausage", a unique Bavarian speciality made from veal, pork and bacon)
• Bratwurst (a grilled sausage)
• Bavarian-style pretzels (known locally as bretzels, served with a soft creamy cheese dip)
• Flädlesuppe (a soup made with strips of savory crepe-like pancakes and a clear beef broth)
• Wurstsalat (a meat salad made with strips of ham sausages, onions, salt, pepper, oil, and vinegar, served with bread or pretzels)
• Leberknödelsuppe (liver dumpling soup)
• Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle)
• Leberkäse ("liver cheese", a type of meatloaf)
• Hendl (roast chicken)
• Fleischpflanzerl (meatballs)
• Steckerlfisch (mackerel grilled on large skewers)
• Kässpätzle (a type of pasta baked with cheese and onion)
• Knödel (dumplings made from bread or potato)
• Apfelstrudel (apple strudel)
• Kaiserschmarrn (caramelized pancakes with berries)
• Dampfnudeln (sweet dumplings in custard)
• Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread cakes)
• Plätzchen (traditional butter biscuits)
• Früchtebrot (dried fruit cake)

Bavaria is also known for its beer—beer-brewing has a long tradition in the region. The main types of beer include:

• Weißbier (a beer made with wheat instead of barley malt)
• Dunkles (a dark lager)
• Helles (a pale lager with a slightly sweet taste)

There is also a wine-growing region in Franconia, in and around Würzburg, which produces excellent white wines.

Frequently asked questions