Bavaria's Rainy Days: Fun Indoor Activities And Adventures

Bavaria offers a plethora of indoor activities for families and adults alike, making it an ideal destination even on rainy days. From museums and historic buildings to quirky experiences and indoor fun, there's something for everyone. The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, for instance, provides a fascinating insight into salt mining and offers a unique experience with its underground salt lake and miners' slides. In Munich, the Deutsches Museum, the BMW Museum, and the Bavaria Filmstadt film studios offer engaging indoor experiences. The House of Banksy pop-up exhibition and the Bavaria Upside Down Experience Museum provide unique artistic experiences, while the Dachau concentration camp memorial offers a sombre yet informative glimpse into history. For family-friendly options, there's the Sonneberg Toy Museum, the Lichtenfels Korbmarkt (basket market), and the Alpspitz-Bade-Center Nesselwang swimming pools. And if you're feeling adventurous, indoor fun parks with laser tag, mini-golf, and escape rooms are also abundant. So, whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for some rainy-day entertainment, Bavaria has you covered!

Visit the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

If you're looking for an activity that is fun for the whole family, educational, and weatherproof, look no further than the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. This is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day in Bavaria.

The mine has been active since 1517 and is the oldest active salt mine in Germany. Salt, often referred to as "white gold", has been mined here uninterrupted for over 500 years. The mine is located in the depths of the Bavarian Alps, and a constant temperature of 12°C is maintained throughout the year.

Getting There and Dressing the Part

The mine is easily accessible by public transport. Take bus number 840 and get off at the "Salzbergwerk" stop. It is recommended that you wear warm, functional clothing and sturdy shoes for your visit. Overalls are provided on-site and are compulsory, so you don't have to worry about getting your clothes dirty.

The Miners' Train

Once you are outfitted in your overalls, you will board a miners' train that will take you 650 meters into the mountain. This is an experience in itself, as you journey deeper and deeper into the mountain.

The Salt Cathedral and Miners' Slides

Once you disembark from the train, you will find yourself in a gigantic salt cathedral. Here, you will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of sliding down one of two miners' slides, which are up to 40 meters long. This is sure to be a fun highlight for all ages!

The Underground Mirror Lake

In addition to the salt cathedral and miners' slides, another main attraction of the mine is Mirror Lake, a subterranean salt lake. You will take a boat trip across this underground lake, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

Multimedia Installations

Throughout the mine, you will encounter impressive multimedia installations that bring the history and process of salt mining to life. These installations cover a total area of 6,000 square meters, so you will have plenty to explore and learn about.

The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine offers a fun, educational, and unique experience for visitors of all ages. It is a great way to spend a rainy day in Bavaria, as you stay dry and entertained while also learning about the importance of salt in the region.

Explore the Nuremberg dungeons

If you're looking for things to do on a rainy day in Bavaria, why not explore the Nuremberg dungeons? Here's everything you need to know about this unique attraction:

History of the Dungeons

The Nuremberg dungeons, also known as the Hole Prisons or Medieval Dungeons, are located in the cellar vaults of the Old Town Hall. They date back to the 14th century when they served as a remand prison for prisoners awaiting trial or custody until their execution. The town hall was built in 1322, and the dungeons were designed to be a dark and terrifying place, with each cell measuring just two metres by two metres. The prisoners had to pay for their room and board, and the well-off could afford better standards, while the poor were cared for by the alms foundation.

Torture and Execution

The dungeons were also used as a torture chamber to extract confessions. Stretching instruments and choking irons were used on prisoners, and certain offenders, such as arsonists or slanderers, were kept in specially marked cells. The so-called chapel was used as a place of torture, and the method was decided by the municipal court, which met in the large room of the old town hall. Torture of the accused was not forbidden in Bavaria until 1813.

Guided Tours

Today, the Nuremberg dungeons offer daily guided tours, with English tours available at 3:15 pm, 4:15 pm, and 5:15 pm. The tours take visitors through the prison cells, the former prison guard's flat, and the torture chamber. Due to the graphic nature of some exhibits, children under ten years old are not permitted on the dungeon tours. However, there are other child-friendly options, such as the "Treasure Hunt" adventure tour, where children can search for lost treasure with a guide.

The Rock Corridors

In addition to the dungeons, there is another underground attraction in Nuremberg: the Felsengänge or rock corridors. These narrow corridors were used to ferment and store beer in the 14th century, and later they served as bomb shelters during World War II. Today, they offer guided tours, including a beer-themed tour called "Red Beer in Deep Cellars," which includes beer tastings.

So, if you're looking for a fascinating and spine-chilling way to spend a rainy day in Bavaria, be sure to check out the Nuremberg dungeons and rock corridors!

Learn to weave at Lichtenfels Korbmarkt

If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day in Bavaria, why not learn to weave at Lichtenfels Korbmarkt? Lichtenfels is a small town situated on the Upper Main River, and it is known as the wicker capital of Germany.

Every year, on the third weekend in September, the town hosts the famous Lichtenfels Basketry Fair, or Lichtenfels Korbmarkt. This basket market is a permanent fixture in the town's event calendar and attracts visitors from all over the world. In 2024, the fair will take place from September 13 to 15.

During the fair, you can learn to weave your own basket from local artisans. The basket-weaving courses require dexterity, but anyone who participates can proudly take their creation home with them at the end.

In addition to the basket-weaving courses, the Lichtenfels Korbmarkt also features:

• An international market with over 40 stands showcasing the latest trends and innovative creations in the world of basketry and wickerwork.
• A special children's program, including a bouncy castle, magic shows, and children's basket-weaving courses.
• Live music and entertainment, including pop, rock, blues, jazz, and traditional German music.
• A variety of culinary delights, including international and Franconian specialties.
• A parade of market participants and a colorful entertainment program on the opening night.

So, if you're looking for a unique and creative way to spend a rainy day in Bavaria, consider visiting the Lichtenfels Korbmarkt and learning the art of basket weaving from the masters themselves.

Take a trip to the Toy Museum

If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day in Bavaria, why not take a trip to the Toy Museum? There are several toy museums in Bavaria, including the Nuremberg Toy Museum and the Toy Museum Munich.

Nuremberg Toy Museum

The Nuremberg Toy Museum is housed in a 16th-century patrician house. It showcases toys from antiquity to the present across four floors. The museum's collection includes dolls, shops, tin figures and toys, wooden toys, and a large model train set. There is also a special exhibition called "In the beginning, there was wood", which presents the world and development history of toys on three floors, from dolls and play figures to technical innovations in the toy world. The museum also has an imaginative children's area in the attic, staffed by trained educational personnel, and a large outdoor playground for the summer months.

Toy Museum Munich

The Toy Museum Munich is located in the old town hall tower and exhibits toys from the early 20th century, mainly from the collection of caricaturist Ivan Steiger, across four floors. The museum features some of the oldest European bears by Margarete Steiff, dating back to around 1910.

Discover the world of film at Bavaria Filmstadt

If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day in Bavaria, why not discover the world of film at Bavaria Filmstadt? Located in the Grünwald district of Geiselgasteig, near Munich, this film studio is one of the largest in Europe, spanning approximately 300,000 square metres. With a rich history dating back to 1919, the studio has been home to numerous German series, major international productions, and cinematic classics.

During your visit, you can take a 90-minute guided tour that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting world of film and television. You'll explore bustling production sites, studios, workshops, post-production studios, and even a costume and furniture store. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the filming of beloved cinema classics and popular TV shows.

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to step into iconic film sets. Immerse yourself in the magical world of "Chantal im Märchenland" by exploring Chantal's opulent bedchamber and the magical mirror. Relive the thrilling moments from the classic "Das Boot" as you come face-to-face with the original model of the submarine. Step into the famous classroom from the "Fack Ju Göhte" trilogy and imagine yourself as one of the chaotic students.

But that's not all; Bavaria Filmstadt also offers a 4D cinema experience. With special effects like gusts of wind and moving chairs, you won't just be watching the movie—you'll feel like you're part of the action! The cinema boasts 432 speakers, creating a surround sound experience that will leave you in awe.

Whether you're a film buff or just looking for a fun indoor activity, a trip to Bavaria Filmstadt is a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Bavaria. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the magic of filmmaking and create unforgettable memories.

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