Exploring Bavaria: A Travel Guide To The Region's Best Attractions

Bavaria, a free state in Germany, is known for its unique culture, architecture, and events like Oktoberfest. The state is home to several castles, picturesque villages, and medieval towns. The region's capital, Munich, is a popular destination with its historic and modern attractions, including museums, churches, palaces, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Beyond Munich, there are many other must-see places in Bavaria, such as the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, the beautiful town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the scenic Berchtesgaden National Park. With its mix of cultural and natural attractions, Bavaria offers something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts.

Castles: Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Linderhof

Bavaria is home to some of the most famous castles in the world, including Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and Linderhof.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous attractions in Germany, with over 1.3 million visitors each year. The castle is known for its opulence and extravagance and served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland. Neuschwanstein was constructed by King Ludwig II as a retreat, however, he died before it was completed. The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour and photography is not permitted inside.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle is located about a kilometre away from Neuschwanstein Castle. It was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and his father, King Maximilian II, who built the palace in the 19th century. Hohenschwangau was the official summer and hunting residence of Maximilian, his wife Marie of Prussia, and their sons Ludwig and Otto. The castle features over 90 wall paintings that represent the history of Schwangau and medieval German romances.

Linderhof Castle

Linderhof Palace is located near the village of Ettal in southwestern Bavaria. It was first a hunting lodge for King Maximilian II, but his son, King Ludwig II, transformed it into a glamorous and dazzling royal palace. The palace features a Hall of Mirrors inspired by a room in the Munich Residenz, the King's magnificent bedroom, and a park with beautiful gardens, a swan pond, and a Temple of Venus. Linderhof is considered one of the most magical and beautiful fairytale castles in Europe.

Mountains: Zugspitze, Alps, German Alps

Bavaria is home to some of the most beautiful mountains in Germany, including the Zugspitze, the Alps, and the German Alps. Here is some more information about these natural wonders:

Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, standing at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Wetterstein range of the Northern Limestone Alps and sits on the border between Germany and Austria. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and skiers. There are several routes to the summit, including the Höllental route, the Reintal route, and the Austrian Cirque route, each presenting its own challenges. The Zugspitze also boasts three cable cars, a rack railway, and a variety of accommodation and dining options for visitors.

Alps

The Bavarian Alps, or Bayerische Alpen, form a stunning natural divide along the Austrian border in the southeastern corner of Germany. While the ranges further south may be higher, the Bavarian Alps are known for their dramatic impact, with mountains shooting up abruptly from the foothills. The term "Bavarian Alps" can be used in a wider sense to refer to the part of the Eastern Alps that lies within Bavarian state territory. However, in a narrower sense, it traditionally excludes the Allgäu Alps and the Berchtesgaden Alps. The Bavarian Alps include several mountain ranges, such as the Allgäu and Lechtal Alps, and are known for their beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

German Alps

The German Alps, also known as the Bavarian Alps, offer a range of stunning natural attractions. One notable destination within the German Alps is Berchtesgaden National Park, located on the border with Austria. The park features majestic mountains, glorious lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, including chamois, ibex, red deer, marmots, and golden eagles. Another highlight within the German Alps is Königssee Lake, known for its clean waters and picturesque boat rides. The German Alps provide endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and nature photography.

Cities: Munich, Nuremberg, Regensburg

Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a fun-loving city known for its festivals, culture, and beautiful churches and museums. Here are some attractions to visit:

• Marienplatz: Munich's central square, where you can watch the famous Glockenspiel and admire the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall).
• Englischer Garten: Munich's largest park, featuring streams, a lake, and the Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower).
• Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens: A Baroque palace with a magnificent garden, including the Amalienburg hunting lodge and a maze.
• The Munich Residenz: A spectacular palace with museums, courtyards, and the Court Church of All Saints.
• Olympiapark: The site of the 1972 Summer Olympics, now a recreational centre with activities like stadium roof climbs.
• BMW Museum: Showcasing BMW's history, current models, and future designs.
• BMW Welt: A futuristic showroom displaying BMW's current vehicles and offering interactive exhibits.
• Viktualienmarkt: A large, colourful outdoor market with food vendors and a maypole.
• Tierpark Hellabrunn: One of Europe's best zoos, featuring animals grouped by their natural habitats.
• Kunstareal District: An art district home to the Pinakothek galleries, the Glyptothek, and the State Antiquities Collection.
• Peterskirche: Munich's oldest parish church, featuring an impressive tower and interior decorations.
• Asamkirche: A beautiful Rococo church with a stunning interior, including a fresco of the life of its patron saint.
• Frauenkirche: Munich's huge brick cathedral, featuring twin Renaissance domes and an unusual footprint said to belong to the devil.
• Michaelskirche: The largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, with a high barrel-vaulted roof and a Royal Crypt.
• Cuvilliés Theater: A stunning Rococo theatre with intricate woodwork, where Mozart's Idomeneo premiered.
• Theatine Church of St. Cajetan: A Baroque basilica with a rich interior, housing the tombs of the Wittelsbach rulers.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a captivating city with rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Here are some highlights:

• Medieval Walls: Explore the well-preserved walls encircling the city, including towers like Sinwell Tower and gates like Frauentor.
• Pegnitz River Canals: Stroll along picturesque canals lined with colourful facades and half-timbered houses.
• Frauenkirche: An iconic Gothic church in the main market square, featuring elegant stonework and delicate stained glass.
• St. Sebaldus Church: Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, with impressive twin spires and one of the world's largest pipe organs.
• Nuremberg Castle: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views, with a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
• Memorium Nuremberg Trials: A museum commemorating the groundbreaking trials of Nazi war criminals in 1945-1946.
• Christkindlesmarkt: A famous Christmas market held in December, featuring traditional crafts and local delicacies.
• Germanic National Museum: Germany's largest museum of cultural history, with 1.3 million exhibits showcasing the country's past.

Regensburg

Regensburg is a delightful Bavarian city on the Danube River, renowned for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. Here are some things to do:

• Old Town: Wander the cobblestone streets to discover landmarks like the Old Town Hall, St. Peter's Cathedral, and St. Emmeram's Basilica.
• St. Peter's Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral, also known as Regensburg Cathedral, features steep spires and houses one of the world's oldest boys' choirs.
• Old Town Hall: A beautiful building with a dark history, featuring a torture chamber in its bowels.
• Goliath House: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a colourful mural depicting the legend of David and Goliath.
• St. Emmeram's Basilica: Now known as Schloss Thurn und Taxis, this former Benedictine monastery features a Romanesque-Gothic cloister and a neo-Renaissance marble staircase.
• Haidplatz: A wide square hosting events like the Bavarian Jazz Weekend and the Christmas Market.
• Porta Praetoria: One of Regensburg's oldest structures, this Roman fortress wall was established in 179 AD.
• Walhalla Memorial: A neoclassical hall of fame just outside Regensburg, honouring notable German celebrities with busts, paintings, and plaques.
• Regensburg Sausage Kitchen: The oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world, serving delicious sausages and caraway seed rolls.

Parks: Berchtesgaden National Park, English Garden

Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park is located in the German Alps, right on the border with Austria and is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

It is Germany's only alpine national park and is filled with varied landscapes and breathtaking beauty. The park is home to rugged cliffs, deep dark forests, wild torrents and glaciers, as well as peaceful green pastures and idyllic valleys, and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors can hike along the well-marked trails and take in the unspoiled reserve, all while learning about environmental protection.

The park offers numerous activities for visitors to experience the beauty of the area up close. A special "hikers' bus" takes passengers from Hintersee to Bindalm pasture and on to Hirschbichl, and there are several circular hikes and special interest walks offered by the National Park administration. Group tours can also be arranged upon request.

In addition to its natural wonders, the area surrounding the park also has much to offer. Visitors can explore the town of Berchtesgaden, including its old town, Christmas market, and local heritage museum. There are also opportunities to learn about the area's history with an Eagle's Nest Historical Tour and a World War II Memorial and Educational Center.

English Garden

The English Garden in Munich is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, stretching for 5.5 kilometres from the city centre to the northeastern city limits. Created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson, later Count Rumford, the park was designed to be enjoyed by all sections of society. It features a unique blend of natural landscape and carefully planned design, including paths, trees, bushes, bridges, and buildings.

The park offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. It is home to a Greek temple, a Chinese pagoda, and a Japanese teahouse, reflecting the international influence on the garden's design. There are also several restaurants and kiosks, including the beer garden at the Chinese Tower, which is one of the largest in Bavaria. In addition, the English Garden provides opportunities for surfing, sunbathing, and walking along its extensive network of paths.

The history of the English Garden is just as fascinating as its present-day offerings. Over time, the park has been expanded and improved by various designers, including Reinhard von Werneck and Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who added features such as the Kleinhesseloher Lake and the Monopteros temple. Despite facing challenges such as flooding, World War II bombing, and natural disasters, the English Garden has endured and continues to be a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.

History: KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, Residenz

Officially called the KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, the Dachau Concentration Camp was the first of its kind built by the Nazis, constructed by Heinrich Himmler in March 1933 to imprison political prisoners. A tour of the camp is an emotional experience, with harrowing accounts of how the Nazis treated innocent people from all walks of life. The memorial is free to visit and is located a 30-40 minute walk from Dachau train station, with a regular bus service also available.

The Residenz in Munich is another site steeped in history. This vast palace and its gardens sprawl over 5km northwest of the Altstadt (Old Town). Construction began in 1664 as a villa for Electress Adelaide of Savoy, and it served as the home of Bavaria's Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 until World War I. The Residenz is considered Munich's top attraction, boasting amazing treasures and an insight into the lives of the local prince-bishops. The palace was designed by the 18th-century architect Balthasar Neumann and is one of Germany's most impressive Unesco-listed sites.

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