Bavaria, nearly a nation in its own right, crams in more attractions than most autonomous regions of comparable dimension.
Imagine mountain peaks reaching above 2000m (6560ft) and expansive plains. Ancient towns alongside cutting-edge museums. Roman remnants and crystalline lakes nestled in the Alps.
A lifetime might not suffice to uncover all its wonders. For those seeking a beginning point, here are 10 must-try experiences to acquaint you with the delights of this unique section of Germany.
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1. Venture to the Alpine heights
While the south of Germany holds merely a slender slice of the Alps, the area makes the utmost of its mountainous vistas, with many peaks conveniently accessible by a brief train journey from the heart of Munich. For the finest snowy adventures, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski center is the destination to reach, as it lies beneath Germany’s tallest mountain, the Zugspitze, accessible via a unique train. Bordering Austria on three flanks, the Berchtesgadener Land in Bavaria’s extreme southeast offers an array of Alpine treasures, presenting striking mountain views, superb trails for hiking, and awe-inspiring lake panoramas.
Local insight: Skiing holds great importance in the German Alps, boasting a myriad of trails gracing their icy inclines. The skiing season generally stretches from mid-December to around April, subject to the weather. When natural snowfall is inadequate, manufactured snow via special canons ensures the excitement continues unabated.
2. Immerse in premier museums
Spending months delving into Bavaria’s outstanding museums wouldn’t be undeserved, as some stand among Europe’s pioneers in their respective fields. Munich alone offers enough to fill a week exploring its art galleries, among them the prestigious Pinakotheken (Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne). The engaging Deutsches Museum unfolds the country’s remarkable technological legacy, while Nuremberg is home to both the Deutsche Bahn Museum, Germany’s premier railway museum, and the Nationalmuseum, showcasing the nation’s extensive Germanic cultural collection. Naturally, Bavaria was a stage for one of European history’s most infamous episodes – the emergence of the Nazis – and local institutions address this narrative candidly. Sites like Berchtesgaden’s Dokumentation Obersalzberg and the Reichsparteitagsgelände in Nuremberg – the venue of the 1930s largest Nazi rallies – powerfully recount elements of this dark era.
Hint for planning: On Sundays, many museums and galleries in Munich levy a mere €1 entry fee, offering substantial savings for those planning to visit several.
4. Explore Ludwig II’s renowned architecture
Bavarian settlements and elevated terrains are often adorned with medieval structures, but visitors primarily gravitate to three ornamental edifices from the 19th century decreed by the Bavarian monarch, Ludwig II. Situated amidst Alpine woodland close to Füssen, the fairy-tale appearance of Schloss Neuschwanstein captivates numerous travelers, and even influenced Walt Disney’s inspiration. The other ornate constructions by Ludwig include Herrenchiemsee, a palace mimicking Versailles on an island within Chiemsee—the largest lake in Bavaria; as well as the intimate Linderhof, nestled in a remote Alpine environment near Oberammergau.
Local suggestion: Amidst the summits of the Ammergau Alps, Linderhof resides in an isolated placement. A delightful approach to get there involves embarking on a gentle 12km (roughly 7.5-mile) trek from Oberammergau, which is a significant visitor draw in its own right.
en el gratuito BMW Welt en Múnich. Domagoj Kovacic/Shutterstock
5. Siente la velocidad en BMW
Bavaria alberga dos de las marcas más potentes del mundo del automovilismo: BMW en Múnich y Audi en Ingolstadt. El futurista BMW Welt (Mundo de BMW) es el sueño hecho realidad de cualquier aficionado a los coches, una enorme exhibición gratuita de los últimos modelos de la empresa, en los cuales se puede sentar, ajustar y admirar desde el asiento del conductor. Al lado se encuentra el excelente Museo BMW, y se pueden organizar fácilmente tours técnicamente fascinantes por la fábrica cercana.
6. Admira las tradiciones arraigadas de Baviera
El conocido internacionalmente Oktoberfest y los mercados navideños. El Drama de la Pasión de Oberammergau que ocurre una vez por década. Las tradiciones de soplado de vidrio del Bosque Bávaro, los monjes cerveceros de Andechs, las fiestas con trajes folclóricos en las tabernas alpinas y el culto a Wagner en Bayreuth: Baviera es un lugar donde la cultura y tradiciones forman un enlace fácilmente accesible con un colorido pasado folklórico. Y a diferencia de otros países en Europa Central, no necesitas buscar mucho para encontrarlos, ya que cada local tiene un lederhosen o un dirndl en su armario para usar en bodas, servicios religiosos o simplemente en el festival local de cerveza.
7. Compra Bávaro
Hay compras para todos los bolsillos en Múnich, desde boutiques de gama alta hasta librerías de segunda mano. Y hay muchos artículos únicos del Estado Libre que llenarán las maletas en los aviones y trenes de salida. El traje tradicional bávaro es un auténtico recuerdo único. En el centro de Múnich, Loden-Frey vende lo auténtico; aquellos con presupuesto limitado deben dirigirse a Holareidulijö, que ofrece artículos de segunda mano. Justo antes del Oktoberfest, muchas tiendas temporales aparecen en el centro de Múnich ofreciendo versiones baratas de la vestimenta tradicional.
La porcelana de Nymphenburg es otro objeto popular para llevar a casa, mejor adquirida en las tiendas de la Fábrica Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg. La cristalería del área del Bosque Bávaro, el pan de jengibre de Núremberg y las jarras de cerveza nuevas y antiguas son otros recuerdos para llevar a casa de cualquier viaje a Baviera. Käthe Wohlfahrt proporciona experiencias de compra más inusuales, donde puedes obtener tus decoraciones navideñas durante todo el año – una experiencia surrealista en julio cuando el mercurio roza los 30ºC (86°F).
8. Salpica en los hermosos lagos de Baviera
Entre Múnich y los Alpes, muchos lagos pintorescos de estribaciones reflejan encantadores pueblos y iglesias de cúpula de cebolla en sus cristalinas aguas. El Fünfseenland, accesible en S-Bahn desde Múnich, es un área con cinco lagos, como su nombre lo indica. Quizás el más popular es el atractivo Starnberger See, un refugio para los habitantes de la ciudad estresados y el lugar donde el Rey Ludwig II se ahogó misteriosamente en 1886. Al sureste de Múnich, el Chiemsee es un excelente lugar para divertirse en botes. Pero las mejores notas van para el Königssee, el cuerpo de agua más espectacularmente hermoso de Alemania, rodeado por pendientes alpinas y paredes de granito. Toma un bote eléctrico a lo largo de su longitud o explora las altas cumbres alrededor de sus orillas.
9. Dine like a resident
The hearty and meat-focused meals of Bavaria pair perfectly with its exquisite beer. While dining out isn’t solely about enjoying the lager, Munich also boasts a flourishing food scene, embracing vegetarian, vegan, Asian, and Michelin-starred fine dining spots. Additionally, it has a higher number of Italian restaurants than many places within Italy itself. In rural areas, you’ll find a more traditional approach, though there’s still considerable diversity, particularly where tourists gather extensively.
A Bavarian culinary highlight to try is Weisswurst. These pale sausages, crafted from finely ground veal and bacon and spiced with various herbs, come served with sweet mustard, a pretzel, and a wheat beer…for the morning meal. Experience them at any pub in the city center until noon – afterward, locals will discard them, referring to them as past their prime.
10. Embark on the Romantic Road
Stretching along Bavaria’s western frontier, the Romantic Road serves as Germany’s most frequented traveler path, spanning 350km (217 miles) from Würzburg at its northern point to the Alps in the south. This journey of quaint charm is marked by immaculately preserved towns with fortifications, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, and Nördlingen. You could dedicate an entire week to exploring all towns and communities on this route – perhaps even more time if traveling by public transportation.
Advice for planning: Throughout the summer, the Romantic Road is traversed by hordes of travelers, so think about embarking in the colder months, when a snowy cloak adds extra allure to these captivating locations.