With its snow-capped peaks, awe-inspiring castles, medieval villages, and bustling beer halls, Bavaria is a European fairy tale brought to life. This is a land defined by stories, both drawn from history and legend and inspired in those who visit. Dreams of a Germany vacation often bring images of Bavaria to mind. You might join the boisterous celebrations of Oktoberfest (held every September), stroll around Europe’s most beautiful medieval town, or ponder the sad story behind Neuschwanstein, one of the world’s most famous and instantly recognized castles. From a quick Munich city break to an extended vacation, there’s no limit to what your Bavaria story might hold.
Munich: Gateway, capital, and crown jewel of Bavaria.
Munich is one of Europe’s most charismatic big cities, welcoming visitors with a vision of Bavaria that honours the past while moving constantly toward a sustainable future. One of the most liveable cities on Earth, Munich is a pedestrian utopia, with superb public transit, an ever-evolving dining scene, and beautiful city squares. It also boasts world-class museums covering everything from Egyptology to technology. BMW Welt is a rev-head’s dream day out, while the incredible palaces of the Munich Residenz and Nymphenburg immerse you in the history of Bavaria’s royal court.
Yet, if there’s one tradition that unifies tourists and locals and defines Munich social life, it’s the beer hall. You might pull up a chair at local favourite Augustiner, enjoy the oom-pah band and lively atmosphere at celebrated Hofbräuhaus, or visit one of the many other halls that dot the city. Each has its own unique atmosphere and signature brews, and most are operated by one of Bavaria’s traditional breweries (craft beer isn’t really a thing in Munich). Make a beer hall dinner your first evening out in Bavaria to sample delicious local food made the traditional way.
Epic tales and royal tragedy in the German Alps.
Rising just south of Munich, the German Alps harbour their own stories, both inspiring and melancholic. Sustained over the years by thriving salt mines, delightful towns like Berchtesgaden cling to the mountainside, inviting you to wander their picturesque streets. Yet few hamlets capture the imagination like Hohenschwangau, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, and home to his fantastical summer retreat, Neuschwanstein Castle. Sadly, the charismatic yet reclusive Ludwig never saw his vision completed, but a tour within its fabled walls is a must. The area also offers great hiking in the warmer months, including to Marien Brücke, a popular spot for photos of the castle.
If the story of the conflicted Ludwig intrigues you as much as it has historians, make time to visit the small yet splendid Linderhof Castle a short drive away near the village of Ettal. It’s here that the king spent most of his last decade, often in solitude. Drawing far lighter crowds than Neuschwanstein, Linderhof offers insights into the mind, imagination and heart of Bavaria’s most famous ruler, who died in mysterious circumstances in 1886. A devout Catholic who loved the theatre, one can imagine Ludwig enjoying the epic Passion Play, performed in the nearby town of Oberammergau. Originally performed in 1633 as an appeal for God’s protection from the plague, the Passion has been staged in this photogenic town every ten years since. It is now held in a state-of-the-art 4700-seat theatre, with the next production slated for 2030.
Follow Germany’s Romantic Road.
To Munich’s west, Bavaria’s most scenic road trip begins in Füssen, near Neuschwanstein. Lasting 290 mi (460 km), the Romantic Road invites you to explore the colourful remnants of medieval Bavaria at its finest, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber, often called the most beautiful town in Europe. Don’t give all your time to any one spot though. The Romantic Road stretches all the way to Würzburg, so there’s lots to see and do. Stop in at Harburg Castle for a taste of medieval German splendour with a gorgeous garden. See the mighty Alps reflected in crystal-clear lakes near Forggensee, and admire the Gothic grandeur of Ulm Münster. Many of these towns were independent states under the Holy Roman Empire, so each has its own unique story to tell. Whether you do the entire route or just part of it, another delightful town or awesome historic castle is never far away.
Nuremberg: A mid-sized Bavarian city steeped in history.
A rising star on the list of Germany’s best city breaks, Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg is one of its richest in terms of history, all served in a smaller package and at a gentler pace than in Munich. The city has attracted some rather dark word association in its past century, as the site of National Socialist rallies throughout the 20s and 30s, and of the trials that brought this horrific era to its end. Obviously, that makes it a must-visit for history buffs fascinated by the era, but Nuremberg’s story begins long before Hitler. Its role as a major player in the Holy Roman Empire make it a pivotal part of Bavaria’s history and identity.
The centrepiece of that history is Nuremberg Castle. Built in phases during the 11th and 12th centuries, the castle today dominates the cityscape with its imposing walls and guard towers. Over the centuries, it has endured countless battles, passed through the hands of almost as many rulers, and enchanted visitors to Nuremberg with a dual air of authority and mystery.
How to eat like a Bavarian.
While "schnitzel and beer until you burst" is a perfectly valid place to start your journey through Bavarian cuisine, those with an open mind will discover one of Europe’s most varied and lauded food scenes. Today’s Bavaria attracts culinary innovators and foodies from all parts of the world (the Michelin guide currently lists 86 restaurants in Munich and the surrounding area), but if you want to explore its traditional side, order a plate of succulent roasted pork knuckle, locally known as schweinshaxe. Spiced and roasted to perfection, this Oktoberfest favourite is best enjoyed with a side of potato dumplings, sauerkraut, or käsespätzle, which will ruin you for all other mac and cheese. For dessert, dip some kaiserschmarrn (torn pancakes) into some apple or berry jam, cut into a Bavarian torte, or try to bite into a stuffed krupfen without getting jam or custard on your chin. Street food is ubiquitous in Munich as well, from the humble pretzel, best enjoyed with a beer cheese spread, or the much-loved leberkässemmel, a delicious roast meat sandwich perfect for sightseeing on the go. Okay, we said Bavarian cuisine was delicious; we said nothing about healthy.
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Christian’s first globetrotting adventure saw him get lost exploring the streets of Saigon. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s travels have since taken him around his native Australia, Asia, Europe, and much of North America. His favourite trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, though with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Paris, New York, or Berlin.
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