Springtime In Bavaria: A March Travel Guide

Bavaria in March is influenced by a Marine-Mild Winter climate. You can expect average temperatures to range from 4°C to 16°C, with the hottest week usually being the third week of the month. There is occasional snow and rain, with a chance of fog. You can expect around 4 hours of sunshine and a pleasant breeze. There are also plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the many castles in the region.

Weather in Bavaria in March

The weather in Bavaria in March is influenced by a Marine-Mild Winter climate. You can expect a mixture of snow, rain, and fog, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 4°C to 16°C. The third week of March is usually the hottest. The sun sets between 5:56 pm and 6:42 pm, and the length of the day gradually increases by approximately 108 minutes throughout the month.

Bavaria in March experiences cool to refreshing days with a heavily overcast sky. The temperature typically fluctuates around 11°C, and the wind is a light breeze. The relative humidity ranges from 0 (little or no discomfort) to 6 (little or no discomfort), and the UV index is very low. However, it is recommended to wear UV-protective sunglasses and use sunscreen if spending extended periods outdoors.

There are around 10 days of rain in Bavaria in March, with an average rainfall of 52mm. The first week of March tends to be the coldest, so it is important to dress warmly, and one can expect snow, rain, and fog. The average temperature in the first week of March is around -2°C to 7°C.

Bavaria's lakes and rivers offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, climbing, and water sports. The cities of Munich, Nuremberg, and Regensburg also provide cultural and historical attractions for visitors. Overall, March in Bavaria can be a pleasant time to visit, offering a mix of cool and mild temperatures with occasional precipitation.

Bavaria's top attractions

Bavarias's Top Attractions

Schloss Neuschwanstein

The fairy-tale-like Schloss Neuschwanstein castle is nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Füssen. The castle was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle and was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, being completed in 1886. The castle is renowned for its romantic and picturesque design, resembling a medieval fortress with turrets and towers. The castle also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the interior is richly decorated, including the opulent Throne Room and the Hall of Singers.

Marienplatz

Marienplatz is the soul of Munich and the site of its beginnings in 1158. The square features the impressive Neo-Gothic New Town Hall and is a hub of activity in the city.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Officially called the KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, this was the Nazis’ first concentration camp, built by Heinrich Himmler in March 1933 to house political prisoners. The site is a somber but necessary visit to remember the horrors inflicted on the inmates.

Nymphenburg Palace

This vast royal palace and its lavish gardens sprawl around 5km northwest of the Altstadt in Munich. The palace was begun in 1664 as a villa for Electress Adelaide of Savoy and is now a museum.

BMW Museum

The BMW Museum in Munich is the company's history museum, featuring a collection of cars and bikes in pristine condition.

Zugspitze

Zugspitze is Germany's tallest mountain at almost 3,000m. The mountain is accessible by cogwheel train and offers impressive views.

English Garden

The English Garden in Munich is one of Europe's biggest city parks, rivalling London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park for size.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a charming town set on seven hills and is known for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture. The town features winding cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, historic squares and structures from the 11th to 19th centuries, including the frescoed Altes Rathaus.

Regensburg

Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Danube River in Bavaria. The city features a stunning collection of Gothic and Romanesque structures, including the iconic 12th-century Stone Bridge and the 13th-century Regensburg Cathedral.

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace is one of King Ludwig II's opulent royal residences. The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and showcases exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, with features such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Moorish Kiosk.

Lake Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee

Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and is often referred to as the Bavarian Sea. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by rolling hills, charming villages and the majestic Alps. The lake is dotted with several islands, including Herrenchiemsee, where King Ludwig II built a palace inspired by Versailles.

Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park is located in the Bavarian Alps and is characterised by spectacular mountain peaks, lush forests and crystal-clear lakes, including the iconic Königssee. The park offers numerous hiking trails and the opportunity to witness breathtaking panoramas and encounter a variety of wildlife.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is located in the Franconia region of Bavaria and is steeped in history. The city features a well-preserved Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls, and landmarks such as the Imperial Castle and the iconic Nuremberg Castle. The city also played a crucial role during the Nazi era, with the Documentation Centre and Nazi Party Rally Grounds providing insights into this dark period.

Outdoor activities in Bavaria

Bavaria in March is influenced by a mild winter climate, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 16°C. While it's not peak season, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are some ideas for outdoor pursuits in Bavaria during March:

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity in Bavaria, and there are trails to suit all levels of experience. You can hike around the Neuschwanstein Castle, climb Wankberg for views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or explore the trails around the Bavarian lakes. For a bigger challenge, take a two-day trip to climb Zugspitze, Germany's highest point.

Skiing and snowboarding

If you're visiting between November and April, you can try out the slopes in Garmisch or head to neighbouring Austria or Switzerland for a wider choice of resorts.

Cross-country skiing

This activity is accessible across Bavaria, with schools, rental places and prepared tracks in many towns and villages. Ruhpolding is one of the best places to go for this, with beautiful scenery and challenging hills for all levels.

Cycling

Bavaria has great roads, rolling hills and considerate drivers, making it a paradise for cyclists. There are also lots of places to rent mountain bikes if you want to try out the uphill and downhill trails.

Stand-up paddleboarding

With its crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking scenery, Bavaria is a great place for stand-up paddleboarding.

Canyoning

There are many mountain gorges and waterfalls in Bavaria, so it's a great opportunity to try out canyoning – moving through a network of waterfalls and gorges using various techniques, including hiking, abseiling and cliff jumping.

Bavaria's culinary delights

Bavaria, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also boasts a culinary tradition that is as diverse as it is delicious. Here are some of the delights that showcase the region's culinary prowess:

Weißwurst and Radler

Weißwurst, or veal sausage, is the culinary icon of Upper Bavaria. It is traditionally eaten before noon with pretzels, sweet mustard, and a Bavarian wheat beer. The sausage is made with soft spices and is served for breakfast with a white beer, pretzel, and sweet mustard. The "real" Bavarian method is to eat it with your hands. First, you break the top part of the skin, peel it, and dip it in the sweet mustard before biting into it.

Radler, a mixture of beer and lemonade, is another drink that pairs well with Weißwurst. It was popularized by Franz Xaver Kugler, the landlord of a tourist inn on the edge of Munich, which was a frequent stopping place for cyclists.

Schrobenhausen Asparagus

This asparagus has a strong, slightly nutty flavour. The sandy, sunny south-facing slopes of the region are well-suited to growing this vegetable. The Schrobenhausen Asparagus Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and cultivation of this delicacy.

Münchner Wiesnbier

A strong "March beer" with a higher alcohol content and a full-bodied flavour, Münchner Wiesnbier is specially brewed by Munich's main breweries for the Oktoberfest. It has an original gravity of 13.5 percent.

Chiemsee Fish

A speciality of Lake Chiemsee, the European whitefish is a relation of the trout. It is larger and fatter than its cousin in Lake Ammersee. It can be smoked, grilled on a stick, baked, salted, or served as a small fishy treat. 16 families around Lake Chiemsee are still actively involved in fishing.

Marzipan from Fraueninsel

The marzipan from the Benedictine Abbey is freshly made daily with almonds, sugar, and other ingredients such as the herb liqueur Chiemseer Klosterlikör. The almond content is 52 percent, much higher than in other marzipans.

Klosterbrauereien

Over 1,300 years ago, the first monastery breweries began producing beer, and this tradition is still continued today by famous abbeys in Upper Bavaria, such as Andechs, Ettal, Scheyern, and Reutberg.

Obatzda and Brezel

Obatzda is a creamy cheese spread served with pretzels for Brotzeit (snack time). It is often served with fresh onions and is a great snack to enjoy with a litre of beer on a sunny afternoon!

Leberkässemmel

Leberkässemmel is a small kind of Bologna sandwich with mustard. It is a mix of corned beef, pork, onion, and bacon, making it a perfect snack or lunch on the go. It is often found at butcher shops, markets, or bakeries, where it is cut into thin slices for sandwiches.

Schweinshaxe and Knödel

A traditional dish from Bavaria, Schweinshaxe is a giant pork knuckle marinated for several days and then slowly roasted at a low temperature. It is served with Knödel, a giant potato dumpling. This dish is a must-try for those who enjoy succulent, tender meat.

Schweinebraten

A traditional roasted pork shoulder cooked in a dark beer, Schweinebraten is served with Knödel to soak up the unctuous brown sauce. It is a favourite among expat Germans and is a true representative dish of Southern Germany.

Bavaria offers a wealth of culinary delights, from savoury sausages and hearty meat dishes to sweet treats and refreshing beverages. These specialties showcase the region's rich history and cultural influences, making it a delightful destination for food enthusiasts.

Bavaria's cities and towns

Bavaria is a region of Germany that is home to many beautiful cities and towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. Here is an overview of some of the most notable places to visit in Bavaria in March:

Munich

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and a great starting point for exploring the region. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and lively atmosphere. In March, you can expect mild temperatures, with daytime averages around 9°C, and some rain and snow.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is the largest city in Bavaria after Munich, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The city was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and you can explore its impressive medieval Altstadt (Old Town) and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle). It's also known for its Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt, which takes place in December.

Augsburg

Augsburg is Germany's second-oldest city and is located halfway down the Romantic Road touring route. The city is known for its magnificent architecture, including the Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Goldener Saal (Golden Hall). Augsburg also has a lively student population, with the University of Augsburg being one of the largest in the state.

Würzburg

Würzburg is a charming university town located on Bavaria's northern periphery. Despite suffering significant damage during World War II, the city has been lovingly restored, and it is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, such as the Residenz, a baroque palace built for prince-bishops.

Regensburg

Regensburg is a medieval city located at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. Its well-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with crisscrossing alleyways, the twin-spired Dom St Peter (St Peter's Cathedral), and the impressive Stone Bridge (Steinere Brücke) crossing the Danube.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a small city with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. It is known for its charming cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and stunning architecture, including a four-spired cathedral and the Baroque Residenz. Bamberg also has a vibrant café culture and is renowned for its local beer, Rauchbier (smoked beer).

Lindau

Lindau is a unique town set on an island in Lake Constance, close to the borders with Austria and Switzerland. With a rich history dating back to the Holy Roman Empire, Lindau offers a mix of cultural influences and a charming old town with centuries-old houses.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a town surrounded by dramatic Alpine peaks, offering some of the best hiking and skiing in the region. It is also a great base for exploring the grand palaces and castles of King Ludwig II, including Schloss Linderhof and Neuschwanstein Castle.

Füssen

Füssen is a historic town located at the southern end of the Romantic Road. It is known for its picturesque setting, with freshwater lakes and mountain peaks, and its musical heritage, including lute and violin-making. The old town is filled with charming half-timbered homes and is a popular stop for travellers exploring the Romantic Road.

Passau

Passau, known as the "Venice of Germany," is a picturesque town situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz. With a wealth of history and architecture, including tunnels, grand archways, and a stunning cathedral, Passau is a popular destination for river cruises and cycling trips.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well-preserved medieval town located along the Romantic Road. It is known for its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the impressive Town Hall. The town is a popular day trip destination, especially during the summer and Christmas seasons.

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