The number one mistake travelers make when visiting Bavaria?
Coming to Munich, convincing themselves that they’ve seen the best of Bavaria, then moving onto Berlin, Cologne, or another popular city outside of the Bavaria region.
Bavaria is much more than Munich — it’s actually the largest state in Germany and is full of castles, medieval towns, quiet alpine resorts, and bustling cities. Consider this an introduction to a part of Germany that is home to more than Oktoberfest and Bavarian pretzels.
Image Credit: Getty Images, F.cadiou. Image Location: Bavaria, Germany.
Bavaria: Germany’s largest state
Is Bavaria part of Germany?
Yes, Bavaria is one of 16 federal lands (or states) in Germany. It’s around 27,200 square-miles, making it the largest of Germany’s states. Bavaria became a state of Germany’s new Federal Republic following WWII, but the region has a long history dating back to the Celts and Romans.
Where in Germany is Bavaria?
Bavaria is located in southeast Germany. Bavaria’s borders stretch from north of Bamberg, to the eastern border of the Czech Republic, and south along the Austrian border.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikada. Image Location: Munich, Germany.
Which cities are part of Bavaria?
Bavaria’s two largest cities are Munich and Nuremberg, though it encompasses a number of cities, towns, and villages, including Augsburg, Dachau, Bamberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Why is Bavaria so famous?
There’s not a single export or attraction that makes Bavaria famous — Munich, Oktoberfest, sausage, and beer are far from Bavarian secrets (but not Bavarian cream; that’s French, Freunde). You can enjoy the region’s famous drinks and dishes while wandering its medieval towns, gawking at the Disney-like Neuschwanstein Castle, and taking long walks through the Bavarian Alps to break in your Lederhosen — when in Rosenheim, right?
Why is Bavaria so different from the rest of Germany?
Like other states throughout the world, the region and history of Bavaria has shaped its culture. Bavaria seems to borrow a cup of Zucker from its neighbors: the mountain towns in the Bavarian Alps have a splendid serenity similar to the Black Forest villages, while the larger cities, though still adorned with medieval architecture, have the lively pulse you’d find in hubs like Frankfurt.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ascent X Media. Image Location: Black Forrest, Germany.
Is the Black Forest in Bavaria?
No, the Black Forest isn’t in Bavaria, so you’ll have to take a trip to collect your cuckoo clocks. A train ride from Munich to Freiburg is as swift as four hours, often with no changes or a short one in Karlsruhe. Download the Trainline app so you can plan a last-minute trip to the famous thermal bath towns with the cheapest train tickets available.
What is the best time of year to visit Bavaria?
Bavaria wears its seasons well, so don’t feel like there’s any “wrong” time to visit. Bavarian Christmas markets are magical while Oktoberfest is an unforgettable festival even for sober travelers. Year-round river surfing in Munich’s English Garden is a sight to see, as are the outdoor summer concerts. No matter what time of year you visit Bavaria, you’ll want to return to see it dressed in snow, sunshine, spring fever, and spectacular autumnal colors.
How many days to explore Bavaria?
That’s a tough question, but at least a week is a fair answer. Many travelers devote at least two days to Munich alone, as well as a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Others fill their time jumping between towns, such as seeing the well-preserved medieval center of Regensburg and zooming down the alpine slide in Tegelberg. You can see loads in 7 days, and you can see it all at a more relaxed pace in 10 days.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Drepicter. Image Location: Oberstdorf, Bavaria, Germany.
The best of Bavaria
If you’re looking for the best of Bavaria, these three things wondrously showcase the region:
🏔️ Bavarian Alps in Germany
Here’s a hack for the budget traveler: save Switzerland for a later date (and a larger budget) and explore Bavaria’s Alps instead. Alpine coasters, endless hiking trails, and cozy mountain towns are lighter on the wallet yet still give you the amazing vistas your Instagram deserves.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Boris Jordan Photography. Image Location: Hohenschwangau Castle, Bavaria, Germany.
🏰 Castles in Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle aside, there are a number of astounding castles to visit in Bavaria. Hohenschwangau Castle, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, and the Linderhof Palace will convince you that England and Scotland aren’t the only countries in Europe that corner the castle market.
🏙️ Cities in Bavaria, Germany
Munich is a must — no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It’s a great base camp for exploring other cities, too, like exploring the Renaissance buildings in Augsburg, getting swirled up in Franconian wine country in Würzburg, and visiting Richard Wagner’s former home in Bayreuth.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Harald Nachtmann. Image Location: Bavaria, Germany.