Exploring Bayern: A Guide To The Region's Best Attractions

Bavaria, Germany's largest state, is a region rich in history and culture. The area is filled with attractions and things to do, from visiting famous castles and churches to hiking in the mountains and enjoying a nice beer in a beer garden.

Bavaria is one of Europe's most popular and scenic travel destinations, with spectacular mountains and magnificent castles. It is a famous travel spot where the past and present come together to form a timeless location.

- Visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Magic Kingdom

- Explore the historic city of Munich, the capital of Bavaria and gateway to the Alps

- Take in the stunning natural surroundings of Lake Königssee, often promoted as Germany's cleanest lake

- Experience Oktoberfest, the world's largest Volksfest, with over 6 million visitors each year

- Tour the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, one of the most important historical sites in Bavaria

- Hike through the dramatic Partnach Gorge, a narrow crevasse cut into the solid rock by the Partnach River

- Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a somber reminder of the Holocaust and the victims of the Nazi regime

- Admire the medieval architecture in Rothenburg, a fortified town on the Romantic Road

- Enjoy the Bavarian Alps, offering year-round outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing

Explore the castles of 'Mad' King Ludwig II

Bavaria is home to three of King Ludwig II's castles: Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein, and Linderhof.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle was the childhood home of King Ludwig II. It is nestled on a Bavarian hillside in the mountainous borderlands of southern Bavaria. The castle was originally built in the 12th century but was ruined by Napoleon. It was later rebuilt by Ludwig's father. The beautifully painted rooms are adorned with epic myths and exotic decorations in the style of 19th-century Romanticism. From his bedroom in Hohenschwangau, Ludwig kept a telescope trained on the ridge where Neuschwanstein Castle was being constructed.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is likely the most famous of King Ludwig II's constructions. It was built in the Romanesque Revival style and commissioned by Ludwig II in 1868 as his personal home and retreat. The interior is based on German chivalric legends and the operas of Richard Wagner. The Singers' Hall is decorated with scenes from the legends of Parzival and the Holy Grail, and the blue and gold Throne Room is inspired by Byzantine basilicas. The castle is decorated with reminders of Ludwig's hero, Lohengrin, in the form of swans painted on walls, carved into ceilings and arches, cast in porcelain, and woven into exquisite tapestries. Beyond his bedroom, Ludwig constructed an artificial grotto with a clockwork moon, a fountain, and a hanging winter garden. The castle is a textbook example of 19th-century Romanticism, with towering turrets in a striking setting.

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace was King Ludwig II's favourite. It is the smallest of the three palaces and the only one he saw completed. It was built in the 18th-century Rococo style and is reminiscent of the Petit Trianon in Versailles. The palace is surrounded by fountains and sculpted Italian-style gardens. Ludwig lived much of his last eight years at Linderhof, retreating from the limitations of being a constitutional monarch. He lived as a royal hermit, dining alone at a table that was pre-set with dishes and food and brought up from the kitchen below. Beyond the palace is Ludwig's grotto, a private theatre where the reclusive king could enjoy his beloved Wagnerian operas.

Visit Marienplatz in Munich

Marienplatz, Munich's most famous square, is a must-see when visiting Bayern. Located in the heart of the Altstadt (old town), it is the perfect place to start your tour of Munich. With its impressive architecture, rich history, and lively atmosphere, Marienplatz has something for everyone. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit:

History and Architecture:

Marienplatz has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 12th century. Founded by Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria, it was once the site of medieval markets, celebrations, and tournaments. The square is named after the Mariensaule, a column of St. Mary that stands at its centre. The square is dominated by the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), a 300-foot-long, elaborately decorated facade in the Flanders Gothic style. The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), located on the east side, is the original city hall building from the 14th century. Both buildings feature beautiful clock towers that offer stunning views of the square and the city.

Things to See and Do:

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Marienplatz. Here are some highlights:

• Watch the Glockenspiel: The tower of the Neues Rathaus houses the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel, a clock with life-sized figures that reenact historical Bavarian events. The show takes place every day at 11 am and noon, attracting hundreds of spectators.
• Explore the Town Halls: You can enter the Neues Rathaus and climb the clock tower. The Altes Rathaus now houses the Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum), which features a unique collection of historic toys.
• Visit the Mariensaule: The column of St. Mary, topped by a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, is one of the oldest and most important monuments on the square.
• Enjoy the Viewpoints: For a spectacular view of Marienplatz and the Church of Our Lady, climb the Alter Peter bell tower or take the elevator in the Neues Rathaus.
• Eat and Drink: Marienplatz offers a variety of dining options, including the Ratskeller restaurant in the Neues Rathaus, Wildmosers for Bavarian classics, and the nearby Viktualienmarket for fresh produce and beer gardens.

Nearby Attractions:

Marienplatz is also a great starting point for exploring other Munich attractions:

• Shopping: Munich's primary shopping avenue, Kaufingerstrasse, begins at Marienplatz.
• Frauenkirche: The twin towers of the Frauenkirche, Munich's largest church, are just steps away and feature unique oddities like the Teufelstritt, the "Devil's Footstep."
• English Garden: Take a stroll or rent a paddle boat in Munich's largest park, the English Garden, which is within walking distance.
• Christmas Market: During the festive season, Marienplatz hosts Munich's oldest Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market), offering handmade gifts and treats.

Hike in the Bavarian Alps

Bavaria is the largest region in Germany, with over 70,000 square kilometres of terrain. The Bavarian Alps extend south from Munich to the Austrian frontier and from beautiful Lake Constance in the west to the neighbourhood of Salzburg in the east. Reaching heights of almost 3,000 metres, their beauty is enhanced by deep glacier-carved valleys and high plateaus with numerous lakes.

The Bavarian Alps offer plenty of things to do, including winter sports, summer excursions of all kinds, forest walks, waterfall visits, easy climbs, and gondola rides to spectacular views.

Eibsee Loop, Grainau

A hike along this trail near the picturesque town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is often referred to as "balm for the soul". The seven-kilometre loop abounds with breathtaking views, from the small islands in the northern part of the lake to the towering Zugspitze and the pristine, secluded Untersee.

Alpsee Loop, Schwangau

The easiest and most family-friendly route on this list is Schwangau’s idyllic Alpsee Loop. Take a dip in the crystal-clear water, relax on one of the many lakeside benches, or train for your next 5k race while taking in views of high-rising mountains and two of Germany’s most famous castles—Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Partnachklamm Weg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The hike through the Partnach Gorge is one of the most beautiful in the Alps. Declared a natural monument in 1912, the rugged and romantic gorge fascinates visitors with its roaring waterfalls, white water rapids, tunnels and pools. Though moderately difficult, the hike is recommended for everyone, including families with children.

Höllentalanger Hut via Höllental, Grainau

This route leads to the beloved Höllentalangerhütte and is a fantastic destination for mountain-loving families. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are a must on the route. The seasonally managed hut of the German Alpine Association is a good starting point for experienced mountaineers to scale the summit of the Zugspitze via the Höllental route.

Zugspitze via Höllental, Grainau

This is a challenging hike where the Höllental route continues up from the Höllentalangerhütte to Germany’s highest mountain peak: the Zugspitze. The route offers everything adventurous hikers could wish for: a spectacular gorge, tunnels, mountain huts, slope valley, glacier and via ferrata with almost a kilometre of vertical exposure.

On the Kramerspitz, Ammergebirge Nature Preserve

The Kramerspitz is located just north of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This relatively demanding route up the mountain rewards hikers with a fantastic view of the Bavarian Alps. The route can be hiked year-round and is especially popular in the winter due to the particular challenges it presents in snowy conditions.

Take a boat to Herrenchiemsee

One of the most unique and beautiful tourist experiences you can have in Germany is to take a boat to Herrenchiemsee, a stunning palace on an island in Chiemsee lake. Known as the 'Bavarian Sea', Chiemsee is the largest of many lakes near Munich. You can take a boat trip to two islands: Herreninsel, the location of the palace, and the smaller Fraueninsel, home to a lovely Benedictine Convent.

Herrenchiemsee Palace was built in the 19th century by 'Mad' King Ludwig II, inspired by the Palace of Versailles near Paris. Although perhaps not as opulent as Neuschwanstein, Ludwig's most famous castle, Herrenchiemsee is based on Versailles, and much of the interior artwork is dedicated to the French king, Louis XIV. The palace boasts impressive gardens, including a fountain modelled on the original Bassin de Latone, and a hall of mirrors 98 metres long, a third longer than the original in Versailles.

You can reach the Herreninsel by boat from Prien or Stock. There is parking available at Prien am Chiemsee, and from the train station, it is around a 30-minute walk to the pier. Alternatively, during the summer season, there is a special Chiemsee train to the pier. Timetables for the Chiemsee train and boats can be found on www.chiemsee-schifffahrt.de.

The palace and its grounds are huge and beautiful to explore. However, be warned, the mosquitoes are fierce, so be sure to bring bug spray! Nothing opens until 9 am, so if you arrive early, you will only be able to marvel at the statues and fountains and take photographs. Make a day of it and explore the neighbouring islands. It is worth taking the ferry over to Fraueninsel to see the monastery that is still inhabited by Benedictine nuns.

Drink beer and eat sausage at Oktoberfest

Drinking beer and eating sausage at Oktoberfest is a must-do when visiting Bayern. This world-famous festival is a celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the local customs, sample delicious food and drinks, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your Oktoberfest experience:

History of Oktoberfest

Before planning your trip, understanding the history of Oktoberfest will enhance your appreciation of this significant event. Oktoberfest is a time-honoured tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of Bavarians. The festival originated in 1810 to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the royal celebration, which took place on the fields in front of the city gates. The festivities continued for five days and concluded with a horse race. The decision to repeat the festival annually was made, and it has since become a beloved tradition, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Beer and Sausage

Beer and sausage are the quintessential foods of Oktoberfest, and for good reason. The festival showcases the best of Bavarian cuisine and beverages, with an emphasis on quality and tradition. When it comes to beer, you'll be spoilt for choice. Bavarian breweries take centre stage, offering a variety of beers, including the classic Bavarian Dark Märzen, which is not too sweet yet malty with a nice hop flavour. This style of beer is brewed with Pilsener, Munich, and German Dunkel malt, and hops from the Hallertau region in northern Bavaria. It's the perfect beverage to pair with a variety of sausages, or "Würstl," as the Germans call them.

Festive Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Oktoberfest is electric. The festival grounds come alive with the sound of music, laughter, and lively conversations. Visitors don their traditional attire, with men in Lederhosen and women in Dirndls, adding to the vibrant setting. The festival also features amusement rides, games, and entertainment for all ages, making it a fun-filled experience for the whole family.

Planning Your Visit

When planning your trip to Oktoberfest, it's essential to book your accommodation in advance, as the festival attracts a large number of visitors. The festival typically takes place in late September to early October and lasts for 16 to 18 days. During this time, you can expect an extensive programme of events, including the grand opening ceremony, parades, musical performances, and, of course, plenty of beer gardens and food stalls to explore.

Exploring Beyond Oktoberfest

While Oktoberfest is a highlight of any trip to Bayern, there is much more to discover in this enchanting region. Beyond the festival, you can explore the charming city of Munich, with its beautiful architecture and lively cultural scene. Take a stroll through the historic Marienplatz, admire the magnificent neo-Gothic facade of the New Town Hall, and explore the Old Town. For a deeper understanding of Bavarian history, a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a sobering yet important experience. If you're seeking natural beauty, Bayern will not disappoint. The region boasts stunning landscapes, including the Bavarian Alps, picturesque lakes, and lush forests.

Frequently asked questions