Undoubtedly, the first thing that comes to mind about the sights of Bavaria is the luxurious architecture of medieval castles, as well as beer and cars.
All these advantages are located in a relatively small area, which allows you not to miss anything.
The main attractions of Bavaria - photos with descriptions
Nature lovers should definitely visit the Bavarian Forest, the oldest and largest nature reserve in Central Europe, with an area of at least 2,000 square kilometers.
It was opened back in 1969, and allows you to see wildlife in its original untouched form. For this purpose, several walking routes have been developed here, and there is also a special cableway located at an altitude of 25 meters. Its length is 1300 meters.
Munich is home to one of the largest royal palaces in Europe – Nymphenburg .
It was originally built in Baroque style in 1675, a process that took 11 years.
In addition to the luxurious interiors, decorated with frescoes by Zimmermann, the castle is surrounded by a beautiful palace park. Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1.
The capital of Bavaria is also famous for its luxurious collection of paintings by famous artists, which today is stored in three galleries - the Old and New Pinakothek, as well as the Pinakothek of Modernity.
All work was divided into chronological order: the first gallery presents paintings from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment; in the second - pictorial masterpieces of the 19th and early 20th centuries; and in the Pinakothek of Modernity - the latest exhibits of the second half of the 20th and 21st centuries. They are all located nearby: on Barer Strasse 27,29 and 40.
Waterpark Erding, located just 30 kilometers from Munich, is a must-see for the whole family. Moreover, this is not only a water park with slides and other water activities, but also a thermal complex. It is covered and suitable for visiting in winter.
In summer, part of the dome, which forms the ceiling, opens. It is currently the largest in Europe and is located in Erding, Thermenallee 1-5.
What you should definitely see and visit in Bavaria
The main square of the capital, Marienplatz, or St. Mary's Square, deserves special attention.
It is considered the heart of this entire land, and back in 1315, Duke Ludwig of Bavaria ordered that this square should never be built up.
Here, in 1638, a gilded figure of the Virgin Mary was installed, which is now the hallmark of the city.
Not far away is the tallest building in Munich - the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Frauenkirche. Maximum height reaches 100 meters, but the city is prohibited from erecting buildings higher than this, according to a recent referendum.
The construction of this symbol of the city lasted from 1469 to 1526, and many rumors and legends are associated with it. For example, one says that the architect of the cathedral made a deal with the devil.
Also, there is a symbol of the entire free state - this is a bronze statue of Bavaria. The landmark was established in 1850, under Ludwig I.
Its height is 18 meters, which made it possible to install a staircase inside and climb to the observation deck located at the head of the statue. It offers a beautiful view, and at its foot the famous Oktoberfest is held annually.
Now Oktoberfest is one of the most popular holidays in Europe, which annually attracts up to 7 million beer lovers. The history of this “beer” tradition goes back to 1810, on the day of the wedding of Ludwig I and his wife. Wanting to share this event not only with noble people, he organized large-scale folk festivities in one of the meadows.
Since then, this glorious tradition has remained, and that meadow is called Teresa’s Meadow - in honor of the bride of the future king. It is worth noting that initially mass celebrations were limited for the most part to horse races and fairs.
Another “beer” attraction of this city is the “Court Brewery” or Hofbrauhaus, on Platzl. It was opened back in 1607 for the Bavarian dukes, and already in 1828 it became available for visits by ordinary residents.
At the end of the 18th century it was converted into a restaurant. Since then, this remarkable place has been visited by many famous people, as well as some political figures of the USSR. This place is also closely connected with Adolf Hitler, because it was here that the first meetings of the German Workers' Party began. During the Second World War, the building was very badly damaged, but it was restored by 1958.
What to see in Bavaria in winter
Lake Königssee is beautiful in any weather, including great in winter. In Germany, it is considered the cleanest, so the Germans carefully monitor the environmental situation around it.
That is why, for more than 100 years, you can travel here exclusively by “ecologically safe” types of water transport - rowing or pedal boats, as well as electric motors. You can find it at 83471 Schönau am Königssee.
Popular, especially among fans winter species sports and climbers enjoy the Bavarian Alps , which are the highest point in all of Bavaria.
There are many hiking routes here, along which you can see breathtaking views, as well as visit several mountain attractions.
Initially, since its founding in 1913, its main field of activity was aircraft engines. The owner of the enterprise is K.F. Rapp specifically chose this location because there was an airplane manufacturing company very close by. But they did not work on airplanes for long; already in 1919, in accordance with the peace treaty, the production of aviation equipment was banned in the country.
The museum first opened to the public in 1972, and the exhibition covers all areas in which the company was involved: from airplane propellers to modern motorcycles. In addition to the actual exhibits, there are also modern unusual installations, of course, on an automotive theme. You can find it in Munich, at Am Olimpiapark, 2.
The most beautiful places in Bavaria
In southwestern Bavaria there are several very popular and beautiful attractions. One of them is what translates as “new swan cliff”. Its construction was personally supervised by King Ludwig II, which significantly influenced the work of the architect E. Riedel.
The luxurious structure was begun in 1869 and was not yet completed at the time of the king's death. But still, in 1886, he moved to an unfinished residence, where he soon died. The castle is located in Schwangau near the town of Füssen, on Neuschwansteinstrasse 20.
Construction exceeded all previously pledged amounts; as a result, the unfinished castle was opened for paid visits in order to pay off creditors. And only in 1899 this issue was finally settled. But the influx from this type of income was so great that the Germans decided not to give it up to this day.
The castle makes an indelible impression with its beauty and luxury of decoration. Situated on top of a cliff, it is especially beautiful from afar, from the nearby Marienbrücke bridge.
Now there is a museum here that you can visit. Its only permanent resident is the watchman.
Another beautiful example of architecture located in this area is Hohenschwangau Castle or Hohenschwangau Castle. It is located very close to the former castle in Schwangau, on Alpseestrasse 30. Moreover, it is also associated with proud birds - its name translates as “high swan land”.
The first fortress on this site was built in the 12th century. But already in the 16th century, the family of the founders, the Knights of Schwangau, died out, and the building was no longer used, which led to its destruction. Moreover, during the war with Napoleon in the 19th century, it suffered greatly. Soon these lands began to belong to Maximilian II, who built a beautiful castle on the site of the former ruins in 1832-1836. It is also where Ludwig II, the founder of Neuschwanstein, spent most of his life. Now this castle belongs to the Wittelsbach Foundation, and it is also open to the public and offers tours.
Another creation of Ludwig II, which, unlike the others, was still completed during his lifetime, is Linderhof Castle. It is also very close to the two previous castles - only 20 kilometers away.
This palace is located on the lands of the Ammergebirge nature reserve, in the very center of a broken park. Construction work lasted quite a long time - from 1869 to 1886. The style of the interior decoration reflects the dreamy and romantic soul of Ludwig II, combining Baroque and Rococo styles.
A very interesting and unusual element of this residence is the Grotto of Venus . It is a cave created artificially. It is located in a park and was intended for various productions, mainly operas.
In its center there is an artificial lake with a shell-shaped boat on which the actors moved. The exact address of this attraction is Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal.
Please note: You can feel the medieval spirit not only by seeing the castles, but also by visiting the knightly tournament at Kaltenberg Castle, held according to all the rules.
This colorful tournament has been organized in the summer and has been for several years now. Unlike the first performances, the modern costume show is no longer limited to the direct battle of knights in armor. Added to it are fairs, stands, special medieval houses, traveling artists and even real animals in peasant households. And all this splendor is against the backdrop of a real castle, which was built back in the 13th century. This place is located in the village of Kaltenberg of the same name, 40 kilometers from Munich.
Bavarian cities worth seeing
Undoubtedly, the capital of Bavaria, Munich, is a must-see. There are many attractions here, without which a visit to this land would not be complete.
In Munich, for example, there is the unusual Asamkirche church at Sendlingerstrasse 32. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is not a separate building - its facade forms a single row with other buildings on the street.
Its base area is only 22*8 meters. This happened because it was the private property of its creators - the Azam brothers, who built it in 1733-1746. But due to public protests, they still had to open it to the public. It now represents a fine example of late Baroque in southern Germany.
Noteworthy, especially for children, will be a visit to the town of Gunsburg, where the Legoland amusement park is located. . The area of this park is as much as 140 hectares.
There are many attractions and huge figures made from giant Lego elements. Nearby, for convenience, there is a zone of cottages intended for tourists, since it is unlikely that it will be possible to explore the entire territory in one day.
There are other cities on the map of Bavaria that are interesting to visit. For example, with its unusual attractions, which is the second most populous city after Munich, as well as Augsburg, the oldest city in Germany after Trier.
Conclusion
Bavaria has rightfully earned popularity among tourists traveling to Germany or Europe. The attractions collected in this article constitute a useful guide for travelers.
Fairytale castles perched on top of cliffs, surrounded by fog and lakes, ancient historical monuments and modern entertainment - all of the above have made this region one of the most attractive.
We bring to your attention an interesting video about the sights of Bavaria:
- Tours for May all over the world
- Last minute tours all over the world
The Bavarians say: “If the Germans need to brag about their successes, they show the world something Bavarian...” And this seems to be true. After all, here are the best ski resorts in the country, the largest number of recipes for meat dishes, the largest number of registered beer recipes, the most visited castles, the largest number of rivers and lakes, the largest number of cities that are more than 800 years old, the two largest carnivals in Europe and the world's largest beer festival... In general, everything here is “the best”, and most importantly - everything is ideally suited for tourism, shopping and generously seasoned with excellent weather. Bavaria also has the highest number of sunny days per year among the German-speaking states.
The Bavarians say this about their land: “We have everything, including Audi and BMW...”
How to get to Bavaria
It is convenient to get to the regions and resorts of Bavaria through Munich and Frankfurt.
Passau is the “Bavarian Venice”, built at the grandiosely beautiful confluence of three rivers: Inna, Ilz and Danube. The city was not damaged during the Allied bombing and brought to us all the beauty of the Baroque style in which it was built.
Of its 50 thousand inhabitants, there are 10 thousand students, so people come to Passau not only for the baroque, but also for the nightlife.
And also Ingolstadt with the Audi factory museum, Günzburg with Legoland park, the island city of Lindau with painted facades, the village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Hitler’s favorite vacation spot, and now a place of pilgrimage for thousands of climbers, skiers and just tourists, to the foot of Zugspitze mountain - the highest point in Germany.
Transport
The most popular transport in Munich is the S-Bahn train. These are comfortable electric trains that have completely replaced the metro and are integrated into a common network with buses, trams and railway transport. Red trains arrive at each station at intervals of 20 minutes (break from 1:30 to 4:00).
Most tourists travel around Bavaria by trains and buses, armed with a single Bavarian ticket, the Bayern ticket, which can be purchased at the office. The German Railways website (in English) or at the metro entrances in the red DB-Bahn ticket machines. It will provide transportation of tourists to the smallest village, not only in Bavaria, but also in some neighboring lands and countries, without additional charges. For example, to Ulm (in Baden-Württemberg), Sonnenberg (in Thuringia) and Austrian Salzburg. The ticket is inexpensive, and the railway transport system is very conveniently organized: no delays (at all); There are signs at stations, trains and buses indicating how to quickly get to the most popular tourist spots.
Also in the cities of the region there are single tickets valid for all types of public transport. Travel cards vary by zone and validity period. With a so-called “short ticket”, or Einzelfahrkarte Kurzstrecke, you can travel for an hour within one tariff zone. However, if the journey takes longer or requires crossing zone boundaries, it will not be suitable. Another one-time pass, the Einzelfahrkarte, is valid for 3 hours in several zones, but the more borders you need to cross, the more expensive it will be. Some cities have a Streifenkarte travel card - it consists of 10 tear-off strips, each of which allows you to travel for an hour in one zone.
Traveling around Bavaria by taxi is expensive. Here is an example of the cost of a 10-minute trip to cities: Munich - 9-15 EUR, Ingolstadt - 10-15 EUR, Regensburg - 14-17 EUR, Augsburg - from 12 EUR, Schongau - 11-15 EUR, Fussen - 10-12 EUR, Nuremberg - from 17 EUR, Bamberg - 10 EUR, Wurzburg - from 14 EUR.
Other types of transport: steamboats on the Danube in the town of Passau and the famous funicular to Mount Zugspitze near the village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
It's fun to ride a bike around Bavaria. There are rental points and sports equipment stores that rent out vehicles in several cities. But it’s more convenient to rent a bicycle in Munich and plan a route from there - in the center of the province there is a richer choice and more rental points. If you are not satisfied with the price, you can look for a cheaper one.
Car rental
It is important to follow the requirements of road signs and markings. Inattention on Bavarian roads can be very costly - local traffic cops do not make concessions to foreigners, and fines in Bavaria are extremely high. It’s even worse if, having accelerated on the autobahn, the driver does not notice that he has entered “curves” - mountain serpentines, which in many places begin very unexpectedly.
You can drive from Munich in an hour to Ingolstadt, Regensburg, Augsburg, Schongau and Fussen with the famous castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Two hours to Nuremberg, Bamberg and Wurzburg.
Hotels in Bavaria
Entertainment and attractions
IN national park The Bavarian Forest contains fragments of wild forests with mountain streams, swamps and living inhabitants.
One of the most interesting and controversial exhibitions in the capital of Bavaria is the City Museum. Of its 4 parts, only one is dedicated to the history of Munich and its cultural specifics, and the other 3 are dedicated to the birth of National Socialism, musical instruments And puppet theater. The last section attracts both adults and children. Little visitors will not be left indifferent by the Munich Zoo - the largest in Europe.
After walking around the museum halls, go to Grassl or Hofbräuhaus. In the first you can learn the secrets of producing spicy schnapps, in the second you can try dozens of varieties of Bavarian beer.
The collection of the Bavarian National Museum is more traditional - furniture, weapons, jewelry, everyday and applied objects from different eras and peoples. Those who prefer works of art to historical exhibits should look into the Alte Pinakothek - one of the world's largest art galleries. And fans of the German automobile industry will be interested in the exhibitions of the BMW and Audi museums, where dozens of cars and motorcycles are presented - from ancient to the latest innovative models.
There are noteworthy tourist sites in every Bavarian city. In Bamberg it is the Cathedral, which is famous interior decoration, the marble tomb of its founder and the "Bamberg Horseman". In Dachau, tourists are attracted by a museum opened on the site of a former concentration camp. And although the small German town has architectural monuments, parks and ancient streets, people come here precisely for the museum and memorial, to remember and not repeat.
Castles of Bavaria
There are different types of locks. Equipped and in ruins, conveniently located and not considering it necessary to build any road to them. But they are all romantic fragments of the unknown life of princes and princesses. Castles in Bavaria are divided into two types. The first includes impregnable strongholds on the tops of mountains, the second - palaces of the 17th and 18th centuries, immersed in luxury, stylized as knightly fortresses.
There is a very high density of these castles in Bavaria; they are located next to any city. There are several hundred of them in active form and the same number in ruins. The fact is that in the Middle Ages, the population of Bavaria always irritated their neighbors with something - perhaps the habit of wearing tight leather shorts - but from the 3rd to the 17th centuries, wars did not stop in this area. To survive during German attacks, local Slavic leaders built fortified shelters on the slopes, then they were strengthened by the Franks and other Germans, who pushed out the Slavs and defended themselves in these mountains from the attacks of new savage hordes from neighboring countries. And so it turned out that on the dominant heights, every settlement in Bavaria has one or two castles.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance is the third largest lake in Europe in terms of its length (63 km). Most of this huge and beautiful reservoir belongs to Germany, the rest is shared between Austria and Switzerland. Its maximum depth is 252 m. In resort towns along the coast there are equipped beaches: both paid (with the most developed services) and with free entry. This region of Germany has many architectural and historical monuments, churches, monasteries and castles.
Water sports lovers can go surfing, swimming, and yachting. Also available to vacationers are golf, tennis, horse riding, cycling, and roller skating on special paths along the lake. There are three large islands on the lake: Lindau, Mainau and Reichenau. Mainau is a “flower island”, an island-reserve: there are more than a thousand species of butterflies, rare plants, vines and orchids.
Hohenzollern Castle
Lake Chiemsee
Lake Chiemsee, also known as the "Bavarian Sea", is located in the southeast of Bavaria, 80 km from Munich and 40 km from Salzburg. Thanks to the crystal clear water, well-groomed beaches and nature unaffected by human activity, the lake has a high status among tourists - there is never a time when the local hotels are not full.
The width of the lake is 11 km, length - 15 km. In the summer months, the water in it warms up to +25 °C. Water sports are developed here: windsurfing, yachting, fishing. Moreover, lovers active recreation Hiking in the mountains and cycling await you.
In the center of Chiemsee rises the “Island of Women” Fraueninsel with an active convent, and next to it is its neighbor, the “Island of Men” Herrenchiemsee with the hunting castle of King Louis the Second.
You can improve your health here at the resorts of Prien am Chiemsee with its healing air and Bad Endorf with thermal waters saturated with iodine.
Rhön Biosphere Reserve
Lake Titisee
Lake Titisee is located southeast of Freiburg, in the mountains of the Black Forest (the most ecologically clean and industrially untouched region of Germany). Its length is 1.8 km, width - 750 m. clear water and clean beaches attract many vacationers here.
In the town of Titisee, on the Seestrasse shopping street, you can buy a lot of goods, which will later become undoubted confirmation that the traveler has visited the Black Forest: cuckoo clocks, ham, different types local schnapps, traditional clothing and arts and crafts, leather goods. There are also elegant boutiques and jewelry stores, numerous restaurants and discos.
Titisee has plenty of opportunities to practice various sports. You can take a ride on the lake on a catamaran, rent a dinghy or a motor boat.
Bavarian Alps
Lake Tegernsee
Lake Tegernsee, which has become a famous health and climatic resort throughout Europe, is located 55 km from Munich at an altitude of 732 m above sea level. The treatment here is based on the thermal waters of local springs containing iodine and other trace elements. Tegernsee resorts include: Bad Wiessee, Rottach-Egern and Tegernsee itself.
Entertainment: swimming, flying hot air balloon, fishing, mountain walks, underwater sports, golf, paragliding, cycling, surfing, tennis, sailing, horse riding. For gambling people - a casino. On the embankment large selection restaurants, bars, cafes and bistros.
Weather
Bavaria is a land of resorts, although it is located far from the sea. Each month has 17-20 sunny days. Grapes grow here, and there are ski resorts nearby in the mountains; there is a lot of water from the mountains, but there are few thunderstorms and rain. There are no seasons with bad weather in Bavaria. That is why, probably, the flower of German society has been heading to the Bavarian Alps since the 18th century, and kings and dukes built palaces for themselves in Bavaria, ruling the country from here.
In terms of population, Bavaria ranks second in Germany after North Rhine-Westphalia. The population consists of three nationalities: Bavarians, Swabians and Franks. In the north, Bavaria borders with Thuringia, in the west with Baden-Württemberg, in the south with Austria and in the east with the Czech Republic, where part of the Frankenwald forest is located. In the southern part, the landscape of the northern Kalkalpen begins, it then passes into the Alps mountains.Important industrial sites are located in the major cities of Bavaria. The world famous Bayerisch Motoren Werke - BMW. One of the largest airports in Europe, Franz Josef Strauss Airport, has an interesting attraction - the Skywalk panoramic platform with telescopes.
The largest cities: Nuremberg, Regensburg, Augsburg, Würzburg, Ingolstadt and of course the capital Munich, the main legislative body of Bavaria - the Bavarian Landtag and the Bavarian government formed by the Landtag.
Significance of the main cities
Munich is the third largest city in Germany. Among tourists it is considered one of the most comfortable, and the townspeople enjoy warm hospitality. Tourists speak of Munich as a “big village” where complete strangers greet each other on the street. A quarter of the city's population is of foreign origin, giving it a cosmopolitan character.Munich is called the beer capital of Europe. World famous brands of beer are produced here. Every year, millions of tourists come to the biggest holiday, Oktoberfest, and then, during the celebration, this beer flows like a river. Munich is the starting point for explorers of central Europe.
Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria with a population of about half a million inhabitants. It is the capital of Middle Franconia, an administrative territory that is part of the federal state. There is also an international airport here. A huge exhibition complex where the world famous toy exhibition is held annually. One of the largest clinics in Europe is located in Munich. Treatment in Bavaria is recognized as one of the best in the world.
Bavaria - the pearl of Europe
Bavaria is famous for its fabulous medieval castles and palaces from the 10th to 16th centuries. King Ludwig II once lived and ruled here, giving himself over to the passion of building castles in the Bavarian Alps. At that time, the composer Wagner lived and wrote his works here, whom Ludwig II helped a lot.Bavaria also has many lakes, more than one and a half thousand of them. The largest of which are: Lake Starnberg, Tegernsee, Chiemsee, Ammersee and the deepest (192 m) - Walchensee.
Bavaria is the rainbow pearl not only of Germany, but also of Europe.
The picturesque city is very popular among tourists. Only here you can see ancient Gothic cathedrals, bright baroque houses and fairytale castles, towering on the rocks above the alpine meadows. So, what to see in Bavaria?
The capital of this huge region is famous, first of all, for its beer festival - Oktoberfest. However, Munich has many other entertainment and attractions. The symbol of the city is the elegant Frauenkirche church with two twin bell towers. There is also a luxurious art gallery in Munich - the Alte Pinakothek. It is also worth going to the Munich suburb of Nymphenburg and visiting the old Baroque palace with a huge park.
North of Munich is located the city of the great German artist Albrecht Durer. It’s also worth visiting the toy museum, admiring the ancient wooden houses that contrast so much with the powerful city gates, and, of course, stopping by the Gothic Frauenkirche church. And even further north of Nuremberg is located, famous for its luxurious baroque residence of bishops.
You can’t ignore the town, which stands on seven hills and is famous for its excellent beer. There is even a museum of the Franconian brewery located in the building of a former monastery. It is also worth visiting the picturesque old town hall, built in the middle of the river. Not far from Bamberg there is another interesting city - where the great composer Richard Wagner lived for many years.
The name of Wagner is also associated with the luxurious Neuschwanstein Palace, built by the mad King Ludwig in the mountains. And opposite it rises another, more ancient castle, Hohenschwangau. Now both of these stunning buildings are open to tourists.
It is also worth visiting one of the oldest cities - Augsburg and visiting the picturesque settlements of Regensburg and Rothenburg. And right next to the border is the popular mountain resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, famous for its amazing village. By the way, this is where the climb to the highest mountain in Germany – the majestic Zugspitze – begins.
TOP 15 attractions of Bavaria
It is quite difficult to list all the beauties of Munich - it is a huge city with many museums, palaces and churches. However, the main attractions are concentrated near the central square of the city – Marienplatz.
- The symbol of Munich is the Frauenkirche church, built in gothic style. In her appearance The two twin bell towers, topped with a funny green onion dome, stand out especially.
- Opposite the cathedral is the luxurious neo-Gothic New Town Hall. On its central tower there is an amazing clock with figures performing a whole performance lasting a quarter of an hour. It’s worth climbing to the top of the tower for stunning views of Munich.
- The Old Town Hall is located a little further. In the appearance of this curious building, elements of late Gothic and Renaissance are intertwined. It now houses a stunning toy museum, whose collection includes vintage railways, teddy bears and even the famous Barbie doll. Adjacent to the Old Town Hall is the oldest church in Munich - “Old Peter”.
- And on the opposite side of the Frauenkirche is the monumental Baroque Church of St. Michael, the appearance of which is distinguished by an unusual triangular facade, decorated with numerous elegant sculptures. The kings of Bavaria are buried in this temple, including the infamous Ludwig II.
- South of Marienplatz square is the Asamkirche church, named after its owner-architects. It blends in with the neighboring houses, but at the same time has a luxurious baroque interior. Azamkirche is considered the most beautiful church in the city.
- And north of Marienplatz there is a huge Royal residence, converted into a museum. It is worth visiting the personal chapels of the Bavarian kings, the Nibelungen Halls, the walls of which are decorated with scenes from this legendary epic, as well as the treasury of the palace, where jewelry and regalia of royal power.
- The most visited museum in Munich is the Alte Pinakothek, a collection of old masters. Here you can see masterpieces of the greatest artists - El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt and Titian. The gallery is housed in a spacious Renaissance building.
- Less than ten kilometers from the city center is the huge Nymphenburg palace and park complex. Inside this Baroque palace, the Gallery of Beauties is of particular interest, where you can admire the most beautiful girls of that era. The palace itself is surrounded by a luxurious park, smoothly flowing into a picturesque botanical garden with greenhouses and ponds. You can get to Nymphenburg by city tram or S-Bahn train.
There are many other interesting museums in Munich - the technical German Museum, located on the island, the Neue Pinakothek, where contemporary art is presented, and many others. It is also worth taking a walk in the English Park and, if time permits, watching a football match at the luxurious, modern Allianz Arena stadium.
Neuschwanstein Castle seems to have stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale. This is one of the most famous buildings in the whole world, attracting millions of tourists.
This light limestone castle was built on a hill by the mad King Ludwig II of Bavaria, inspired by the music of Richard Wagner. In the appearance of the castle, what stands out are the pretty turrets, the powerful gates of the main entrance and the two-story covered galleries that make up the castle's courtyard.
The premises of Neuschwanstein Castle are open to tourists. The luxurious decoration has been preserved here, including interesting frescoes depicting scenes from German myths - including the famous Legend of the Nibelungs. The throne room, more reminiscent of a temple, is particularly rich. Its floor is made of mosaics, and its gilded ceiling is supported by thin columns of marble and lapis lazuli.
The best view of Neuschwanstein opens from the Marienbrücke bridge, which passes over the gorge and connects it with the nearest village and another beautiful castle - Hohenschwangau, where the future king Ludwig grew up. It is worth noting that many other interesting palaces and castles of Ludwig II have been preserved in Bavaria.
The luxurious Hohenschwangau Castle is located opposite the famous Neuschwanstein. It was built by the father of the infamous King Ludwig II - Maximilian. What particularly stands out in the appearance of this powerful neo-Gothic building are the four symmetrical crenellated towers bordering the donjon.
The castle stands in a very picturesque place - on a hill, surrounded by two lakes - Alpsee and Schwansee. Previously, a more ancient building stood here, dating back to the 12th century, but by 19th century All that was left of it were ruins. Therefore, in the thirties, the future King Maximilian built a romantic palace on this hill, where the same Ludwig grew up, who later built the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle next door.
The interior of Hohenschwangau is open to tourists. Of particular interest is the Hall of the Swan Knight, the walls of which are decorated with exquisite frescoes retelling the legend of Lohengrin, famous hero, later sung by Richard Wagner. The queen's bedroom is unexpectedly furnished in oriental style, and in the castle chapel you can see two Russian icons donated by Emperor Alexander II.
The castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are located near the border with Austria and are part of the village of Schwangau, where many hotels and health complexes. The nearest large settlement is the town of Fussen, famous for its medieval Abbey of St. Magnus, which smoothly flows into the luxurious episcopal palace.
Nuremberg is located in the heart of Franconia and 150 kilometers north of Munich. It was here that the great German artist Albrecht Durer was born and died. Now in this wooden half-timbered house there is a museum of the famous painter.
The symbol of Nuremberg is its powerful city gates, preserved from the 15th century. The oldest city church, the Basilica of St. Sebald, is a powerful building in the Romanesque style with attached galleries and luxurious Gothic turrets of the 15th century. Inside, many monuments of sacred art have been preserved, as well as the monumental tomb of the patron saint of the church, made of silver. And the churches of St. Lawrence and Frauenkirche are masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Both have preserved unique interior decoration, and on the facade of the Frauenkirche church you can see vintage watch with figures that “come to life” every afternoon.
There are many museums in Nuremberg: the amazing Toy Museum, where you can admire ancient doll houses, and the huge German National Museum, housed in a former Carthusian monastery. Here you can see ancient medieval artifacts, including a 5th-century brooch and the cover of the Golden Gospel, paintings by the Old Masters - Albrecht Dürer and Hans Holbein, and the achievements of science and technology from the Age of Discovery.
And on the hill above the city rises the ancient Kaiserburg fortress - the oldest building in Nuremberg. Its pentagonal tower was built back in 1040. Now these cute half-timbered houses house a youth hostel, and the residence itself houses a historical museum.
Not far from Nuremberg is the quiet university town of Würzburg. However, in the past, the residence of the powerful rulers of the city - the prince-bishops - was located here. Now this spacious palace complex is open to tourists.
The residence itself was built in the Baroque style in the twenties of the 18th century. Many Bavarian kings lived here, and Napoleon Bonaparte also stayed here. The interior design of the residence is amazing - it is made in the exquisite style of the Rococo era and is distinguished by its monumentality and richness of decor. Particularly worth paying attention to is the huge baroque staircase and frescoes by the Italian painter Gianbattista Tiepolo.
In Würzburg, the previous building of the residence of the prince-bishops has also been preserved - the Würzburg Fortress, towering above the city. This ancient castle was completely rebuilt in Renaissance style. Nowadays it houses the historical museum of the region. It is worth noting the Würzburg Cathedral, considered one of the largest Romanesque buildings. It was built in the 11th-12th centuries and its appearance is distinguished by four graceful turrets.
Augsburg was founded before the birth of Christ by order of Emperor Augustus, in whose honor it received its name. This is one of the oldest cities in all of Germany. Augsburg is a very green city, there are many parks, and it itself stands on three rivers, connected by several canals.
The main attraction of the city is the cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This powerful building has been preserved since the 9th century; its appearance features typical elements of the Romanesque style. Inside the temple you can see ancient stained glass windows from the 12th century, and in the altar there is a painting by the great artist Hans Holbein.
Augsburg also has many picturesque old houses XV-XVI centuries, in one of which the famous German playwright Bertolt Brecht was born. Also worth noting is the grandiose town hall, built in the 17th century and luxuriously decorated. It is widely known for its huge Golden Hall, which occupies two floors.
The architectural appearance of Augsburg is complemented by a variety of churches with funny onion-shaped domes, numerous fountains and powerful city gates - the remains of ancient fortifications.
The town of Regensburg, located on the banks of the Danube, has a rich history - for a long time a Roman military camp was located here, traces of which remain to this day. The greatest interest is attracted by the sights of the Old Town, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cathedral considered a masterpiece of German Gothic. Its construction lasted from the 13th to the 17th centuries, with two elaborate spiers added in the mid-19th century. One of the chapels of the cathedral has been preserved since the 8th century. Inside the cathedral you can see ancient stained glass windows and luxurious stucco from the Rococo era, and in the treasury there is a collection of bishops' vestments.
- Not far from the cathedral is the Old Town Hall, the appearance of which surprisingly intertwines elements of both Gothic and later Baroque style. Now this nice building houses an interesting historical museum, during a visit to which you can even go down to the frightening city prison.
- In a remote part of the Old Town is located ancient church St. James, also called the Scottish Temple. This 11th-century basilica formerly belonged to an Irish Benedictine abbey. In its appearance, two symmetrical towers and an amazing northern portal, decorated with mysterious sculptural groups, especially stand out.
- At the southern end of the Old Town there is an amazing architectural complex that combines the ancient Abbey of St. Emmeram and the palace of the Dukes of Thurn und Taxis. An ancient library with exquisite frescoes, a luxurious Gothic gallery and a family crypt are open to the public.
Login Old town carried out over the ancient Stone Bridge, built in the middle of the 12th century. And ten kilometers east of Regensburg there is a curious monument called Valhalla - this luxurious neoclassical building follows the outline of an ancient Greek temple and serves as a hall of fame. Busts shown here outstanding people of German origin, among whom one can find Empress Catherine II.
The charming city of Rothenburg is located on the border of two states - Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Many ancient buildings and funny half-timbered houses have been preserved here. It is also worth noting the huge Gothic Church of St. James, in the altar of which a sacred relic is kept - a crystal capsule with drops of the blood of Jesus Christ. And the city hall partially absorbed the features of the Gothic architectural style and the more elaborate style of the Renaissance. There is an observation deck at the top of the snow-white bell tower of the town hall.
There are several interesting museums in Rothenburg: in the center of the city there are the very different Nativity Museum with bright nativity scenes and the Museum of Medieval Forensics, where you can see creepy instruments of torture. The Imperial City Museum is housed in an ancient 13th-century convent; His collection includes ancient cultural and everyday objects. And in order to completely immerse yourself in the world of the Middle Ages, you need to visit the Craftsmen's House, built back in 1270. It consists of 12 rooms, accurately reproducing the interior of a city house.
Around Rothenburg, the remains of city fortifications have been partially preserved, as well as several powerful gates, behind which lies the picturesque castle garden of Burggarten. From here you have stunning views of Rothenburg and the Tauber River.
The picturesque town of Bamberg stands on seven hills. It was miraculously not damaged during air raids during the Second World War, so the local architecture is of particular interest due to its authenticity. The main attractions are concentrated in the central square of Bamberg - Domplatze.
- The cathedral is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Its modern construction dates back to the 13th century. Its appearance is dominated by four Gothic towers, each 81 meters high. The German kings and Pope Clement II are buried inside the cathedral - the only pontiff who found his final resting place in Germany.
- When entering the cathedral, you should pay attention to the curious sculpture of the Bamberg Horseman. According to legend, he depicts the Hungarian king Stephen the Saint. The cathedral also houses a museum, the collection of which includes ancient church utensils, the treasury of archbishops and royal vestments.
- Opposite the cathedral there are two buildings of the bishops' residence. The old residence was located in a former fortress, and now the Historical Museum is located here, where an exhibition of Christmas paintings and nativity scenes is held. And the pearl of the museum’s collection are the huge Bamberg idols, which are over two thousand years old.
- The new residence is a luxurious building in the Baroque style. His interior spaces richly decorated with frescoes and marble, which also leaves a unique impression Mirror room. In a separate wing of the New Residence there is an art gallery where you can admire the masterpieces of the Old Masters, and around the palace there is a cozy park with a rose garden.
Mount Michelsberg rises above Domplatze, on top of which there is a medieval monastery from the 11th century. Now there is an interesting museum of the Franconian brewery, which fully demonstrates the process of making beer. And the main attraction of Bamberg is its unique Old Town Hall, located on an artificial island in the middle of the river. It feels as if this pretty Gothic building is floating above the water. Now there is a museum of ceramics and porcelain, the oldest exhibits of which date back to antiquity.
The small town of Bayreuth is located 50 kilometers east of Bamberg. Its history is inextricably linked with the life of the great composer Richard Wagner. Many music festivals take place here, for which special amazing theaters were built. The luxurious Margravial Opera House is considered a pearl of the Baroque and is distinguished by the richness of its interiors. The pretty Festival Theater, located a couple of kilometers from the city center, is decorated with wood and surrounded by a picturesque park.
In Bayreuth, it is also worth visiting Villa Wahnfried, the house-museum of the famous Wagner. Franz Liszt, the father of Wagner's wife, lived next door. There are also many other museums and parks in the city; there is even a botanical garden, a zoo and a sanatorium with thermal springs.
And twenty kilometers north of Bayreuth there is another cozy town - Kulmbach. It is famous for its beer festivals, as well as the powerful Plassenburg fortress, rising on a hill. Modern building, made in the Renaissance style, is a huge castle surrounded by four thick bastions. Now there is a historical, landscape and military museum, among the exhibits of which the collection of ancient weapons especially stands out. Also preserved here unique interiors and 16th-century furniture and an amazing collection of tin figurines.
Passau is considered the Bavarian Venice - this city, located near the border with Austria, stands on three rivers at once. Its architectural appearance is made primarily in the Baroque style, but older narrow medieval streets and even part of the city fortifications have also been preserved here. Particularly worth noting is the elegant Gothic tower standing on the very bank of the Inn River.
St. Stephen's Cathedral is called the pearl of the Baroque. It is also famous for its huge organ - the largest in the whole. Opposite the cathedral is the New Episcopal Residence, a luxurious palace built in the 18th century in the Viennese Baroque style. And on the next street is the Old Town Hall. This unusual building combines several city houses from the 15th century. A later neo-Gothic bell tower was added to the town hall.
The Maria Hilfe Bridge, spanning the Inn, connects the Old Town with the neighboring hill, on top of which there is a cozy abbey, the main church of which is made in the early Baroque style and is distinguished by two twin towers. And on the Danube side, the Old Town of Passau is bordered by another mountain, on the slopes of which lies a huge medieval fortress of the 13th century. A Cultural and Historical Museum was opened in the castle itself, and at the foot of the hill you can see the tiny Chapel of Christ the Savior. The complex also houses an outdoor theater and an upscale restaurant.
The luxurious Linderhof Palace has grown from a tiny hunting lodge King Maximilian II. This is the only castle of Ludwig II that was completed during his lifetime.
The interior decoration of this palace is striking in its richness - here you can see bright stucco moldings, gilded decorations, and the walls of one hall are completely hung with tapestries. It is also worth noting the amazing Hall of Mirrors. By the way, the subjects of the frescoes of the Linderhof Palace may seem atypical for King Ludwig II. Instead of epic scenes from German legends, dreamy shepherdesses and funny angels are depicted here, more typical French style Rococo era.
Linderhof Palace is surrounded by a long park with sculptures and a golden fountain in the center. The pearl of the palace is its romantic Grotto of Venus - an artificial cave whose height reaches 10 meters. Illumination in the grotto is considered one of the first prototypes of modern color music.
Linderhof Palace is located just between other famous castles - Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein and the popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The settlement of Garmisch-Partenkirchen does not even have the status of a city, but is known throughout the world as a major ski resort. It is located right on the border with Austria, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Alps.
It is from here that the easiest way to get to the highest point in Germany is Mount Zugspitze, whose height reaches 2964 meters. First you need to go up the narrow-gauge railway, and from there the ascent is made by cable car. It is also worth going down to the picturesque Partnachklamm gorge, where you can admire a small waterfall up to 86 meters high. In winter, it freezes, creating a unique natural phenomenon. Near it, by the way, there is a ski jump, an old cafe from the thirties and an interesting museum dedicated to the 1936 Olympic Games.
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen region offers many convenient hiking trails, passing through picturesque alpine meadows and ascending to snow-capped mountain slopes. There are also several ski resorts here, and from time to time you can stumble upon an amazing village, untouched by time. One such striking settlement is Oberammergau.
The colorful village of Oberammergau is one of the most famous in all of Bavaria. This is a fairly small settlement - just over five thousand people live here, but it has a rich history.
Oberammergau is of great interest to tourists due to its colorful houses. Almost every building within the city is decorated with interesting paintings - scenes from German fairy tales and legends, biblical legends, or simply ornate ornaments are depicted on the snow-white walls.
And once every 10 years, the village of Oberammergau turns into the world's largest theater - almost the entire population of the city takes part in a large-scale six-hour performance on the theme of the Passion of Christ. This tradition dates back to the time of the devastating Thirty Years' War - in gratitude for its end, the inhabitants of the settlement vowed to regularly reproduce these tragic biblical events.
The village also preserves the pretty church of Saints Peter and Paul, decorated with an onion-shaped dome, traditional for Bavarian architecture. And a couple of kilometers from Oberammergau is the luxurious Baroque monastery of Ettal, which has a huge brewery and even a small hotel.
Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria, its area reaches 80 square kilometers. This is an ideal place for outdoor activities, hiking, camping and sailing, and in some places there are even special secluded beach islands.
However, the main attractions of Chiemsee are two islands: the large “male” island (Herreninsel) and the miniature “female” island (Fraueninsel). On the first island stands the Herrenchiemsee Palace, another luxurious building of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He intended to build an exact copy of the famous Parisian Versailles here, but did not have time to complete the construction. Here you can see a huge fountain at the entrance to the palace and even visit the Gallery of Mirrors, which is not much different from the same Versailles hall. And on the island of Fraueninsel there is a cozy convent, founded back in the 8th century. Now there is a fish restaurant and, of course, a local brewery.
What did I know about Bavaria before the trip? The fact that residents of villages and small towns still wear traditional costumes, that delicious beer is brewed in the region and that the nature of Bavaria is simply indescribably beautiful.
That, perhaps, was all my knowledge at that time. As usual, my trip to this beautiful German land turned out to be spontaneous. Plus, I like to explore natural beauty more in the summer. For me, this is the ideal time of year to walk in the mountains, admiring waterfalls and lakes. So, it was decided literally in one evening - we are going to Bavaria. I can no longer be intimidated by packing my things the night before a trip, so everything was ready very quickly. As for the route, I have long identified for myself the main places that I want to visit. I will tell you about all the amazing corners of Bavaria, what to see and where to walk below.
How to get there
It is better to start your trip to Bavaria from the largest city - Munich. If you are planning a trip from Russia, then, of course, choose a plane.
For those already in Europe, train or bus services may be considered. In principle, the choice of routes is great. I think that everyone can always find a suitable option.
In general, the most convenient way getting around Bavaria, in my opinion, is a car. The fact is that natural and architectural attractions here are located in small towns and even villages, which can sometimes only be reached with several bus transfers. This is not very convenient, especially when you have to wait quite a long time for the next bus - a waste of precious time in the most literal sense. We will talk about all types of transport further.
By plane
So, no matter what city you are flying from, your final destination will be .
The Franz Josef Strauss Airport itself is unique. It houses its own Airbrau brewery. Everyone can drink a freshly brewed drink, and the most curious can go on an excursion. Yes, Bavarian traditions already exist at the airport. There are always a lot of people who want to try a glass or two of cold foam. Because many people believe: if you drink beer, then only from a barrel, only fresh. It is this that has all the best taste qualities.
Between the first and second terminals there is a pool with artificial waves, where you can surf completely free of charge.
Boards and wetsuits are provided free of charge. You just need to sign up on the airport website, choose a time and enjoy the ride. One session lasts 45 minutes. Sun loungers and chairs are provided for spectators. All that remains is to wish you a good holiday!
From Moscow to Munich
Almost all airlines fly non-stop. Just a little more than three hours in the air - and you will find yourself in Bavaria. Current options ticket prices can be viewed.
S7
Offers passengers many flights from Domodedovo Airport to choose from - morning, afternoon and evening. It all depends on your preferences: if it is more convenient for you to fly to Munich in the afternoon, check into a hotel and immediately go for a walk, choose morning flights. If you prefer to arrive in the evening, arrive at the hotel, have dinner and relax before tomorrow, buy tickets for daytime flights.
Average price for round-trip tickets - about 200 EUR.
Utair
Tyumen airline flies from Vnukovo Airport and makes direct flights. Prices start from 210 EUR round trip. Having departed from Moscow before lunch, you will arrive in Munich around one o'clock in the afternoon. You can go straight to the hotel and check in calmly. Taking into account the travel time to the hotel, you won’t have to wait for check-in. I like these options because even after short flights I want to quickly shower, change clothes and go explore the city.
Lufthansa
Large German company is based in Domodedovo and offers direct flights to Munich in the afternoon.
Prices are not very different from the two previous carriers - about 230 EUR.
From St. Petersburg to Munich
Airlines operate flights to Munich in cooperation with each other. That is, you fly there one, and return another. They all make a stop in Moscow. You won't be able to fly without a transfer.
S7; AirBerlin
Quite inconvenient flights with a transfer to Domodedovo: almost 8 hours there, and 14 hours back. Moreover, in both cases the wait is overnight. Price from 220 EUR. For other flights, the shorter the transfer, the more expensive the price (within 250EUR).
Utair
Another company that offers flights with a stop at Moscow Domodedovo Airport. Moreover, the transfer there lasts all night (about 13 hours). I always wondered who flies such flights. The only option is if you have a place to stay in Moscow. Or pay about 80-100 EUR per night in a hotel near the airport. A dubious prospect, to be honest.
Finnair
What are the prices for holidays?
Hotels
If we talk about the large cities of Bavaria, such as, then there is a wide range of prices. On the outskirts you can rent a room for 45 EUR. If you need to stay in the center, then prepare to pay at least 80 EUR for the cheapest room. Breakfast is often paid separately. In my opinion, it is better to have coffee and pastries in any cafe nearby than in such hotels. Breakfast in such places is a purely nominal name.
I'll say a few words about the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Munich.
It is located in the very center of Munich. Everything here breathes with discreet luxury and high cost. Guests have access to a rooftop swimming pool, from where the city is visible at a glance (by the way, it is heated in cold weather), a spa center, gym, restaurants and bars. Everything would be fine, but prices for a basic room start from 700 EUR. But that's why he is a legend.
Moving away from the cities, moving towards the Alps, you will feel more and more freedom. There will be endless valleys, meadows, mountain slopes and very cute villages all around. In such places, hotels are usually small family hotels or mountain chalets (terrace houses located at the foot of the Alps).
As a rule, they have no more than 15-20 rooms. Therefore they fill up very quickly. For example, we booked a hotel two days before arrival and booking gave very few options, and prices fluctuated between 130-170 EUR. I had to search quite a bit to find a good hotel in beautiful place for reasonable money and with breakfast. It is very important because often there are no restaurants or cafes around such hotels. We also needed parking for the car. Usually it is paid separately (10-15 EUR per night). As a result, the ideal option was found for 110 EUR including breakfast and parking. In the evening we swam in the pool, warmed up in the sauna, tried freshly brewed beer in the restaurant and enjoyed the stunning views from the terrace.
This means that you need to book a room at least a month and a half in advance. Then there will be more options and you won’t have to overpay.
Food
In Bavaria it is very pleasant to have lunch or dinner in beer gardens. The second course costs 10-20 EUR depending on the establishment. This will be quite enough to leave you full and satisfied (sausages or shanks, potatoes and vegetables). A glass of beer will cost 3.50-5 EUR. There is always a selection of light snacks to accompany your beer. I must say that food in Bavaria is quite simple and very nutritious. Therefore, do not order several items at once. In fact, the basis of Bavarian cuisine is ordinary village products (potatoes, meat, cabbage, bread). Despite its simplicity, it is very tasty.
Excursions
Group excursions have always been alien to me. And in Bavaria they are not needed. Here you need to travel on your own and see the sights. But even if you are an independent traveler, you still need to buy tickets to enter the castles or ride on the lakes. I will say right away that it is not cheap.
For example:
- A boat trip across Lake Königssee in one direction and then back costs about 18 EUR. I’ll tell you more about this in the corresponding section below.
- A visit to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden will cost 17 EUR.
- An excursion to Hitler's tea house costs about 18-20 EUR.
That is, on average you need to count on 20 EUR to visit a particular place. Plus, if you are by car, then keep in mind that parking is paid everywhere and rates are calculated depending on how many hours you will stay in place. Moreover, you need to pay in advance and leave the receipt under the windshield. If you paid for three hours and after this time have not left, then the inspector may come in and issue a fine. Therefore, it is always better to pay with time to spare - in any case, it is cheaper than paying a fine.
Taxi
Taking a taxi in Bavaria is by no means a cheap pleasure.
As an example, here are the prices:
- boarding: 3.30 EUR;
- 1 kilometer: 1.50-1.80 EUR (the highest rate for the first 5 kilometers, then the price decreases slightly);
- calling a taxi by phone: 1.20 EUR (for this you need to speak at least a little German, it is not a fact that the operator will understand you in English).
Main attractions. What to see
When planning a trip to Bavaria, first of all decide what is more interesting to you - to be in nature or to see the cities. In most cases, travel around the region begins in Munich. Therefore, you can stay here for a couple of days to see churches and cathedrals, the main square and, of course, visit the oldest brewery. And after that you can go see the castles and enjoy the fresh air in the Alps.
Top 5
Among the large number of interesting places, I will present to you those that you definitely need to visit.
Munich
I will not mark certain places in the city, but will highlight it as a separate item.
Old and new town halls, a long pedestrian street, ancient churches - there is a lot to see.
Lake Königssee
The cleanest lake in Germany. On the Internet you can often find photographs of this charming place.
For those who like to take picturesque photographs of nature, this is a complete expanse.
Neuschwanstein Castle
The fairytale castle depicted on the Disney logo is known to everyone.
Many people do not know its name and location, but once you look at the photographs, everyone will recognize it.
Hohenschwangau Castle
The second castle, located next to Neuschwanstein, attracts no less tourists.
Monumental walls, beautiful territory and majestic mountains around are very conducive to leisurely relaxation in nature.
Hitler's house "Eagle's Nest"
It’s worth a visit if only for the stunning panoramas from Salzburg all the way to Lake Königssee, which can be seen from above.
Excursions to the house are organized. You won't be able to get here on your own. Beaches. Which ones are better
Despite the fact that there are at least ten lakes in Bavaria, not all of them are suitable for swimming. The fact is that mountain reservoirs have cool water. Even on the sunniest days it is cold to swim in them. Although the water is generally very clean everywhere.
Lovers of swimming and sunbathing choose Lake Chiemsee for relaxation.
The beaches are free. They stretched along the entire coast. The entrance to the water is quite gentle, quite suitable even for children. During the season, the beaches are always filled with both tourists and locals.
There are many resort towns on the shores of the lake, which have absolutely everything for a comfortable pastime. Even outdoor pools (one is located in the town of Frasdorf).
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
While walking around the cities of Bavaria, pay attention to the monumental ancient cathedrals and temples. I'll tell you about the most interesting ones.
Frauenkirche Cathedral (Munich)
It's hard not to see and impossible to pass by. Located in the very center of the city. In 1525, the cathedral first opened its doors to parishioners. For that time it was so large that it could accommodate 20 thousand people, and the population of Munich was only 13 thousand.
By the way, next to the entrance to the cathedral you can see a sole imprint on the ground. I don't believe in all sorts of legends and rumors, but they say that this is the trace of the devil. Standing facing the facade, you get the feeling that the building has no windows. This is what amused the devil so much that he stamped his foot in joy, leaving a dent in the ground.
Peterkirche (Munich)
In addition to admiring the building from the outside, you can climb 90 meters into the tower to the observation deck.
If it’s not a problem for you to climb 297 steps, then go ahead! The reward will be nice view on the city from above.
Church of Our Lady (Nuremberg)
It is located on the main square of Nuremberg.
Every year before Christmas the most beautiful girl in the city, which holds the opening ceremony of the traditional Christmas market from the balcony of the cathedral.
St. Lawrence Church (Nuremberg)
Built in traditional Gothic style. The most interesting thing about it is a stone rosette with a diameter of about 10 meters.
Take a closer look - above it are symbolic images of darkness and light.
Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Wurzburg)
The history of this elegant chapel is tragic. It dates back to the 14th century, when the plague reached Würzburg. The Jews were blamed for this scourge, and after their destruction the synagogue was also destroyed. A chapel was erected in its place.
It must be said that during the bombing the building was very badly damaged. It almost repeated the fate of the synagogue. However, it was restored and now the chapel pleases the eyes of townspeople and tourists.
Basilica of Saints Ulrich and Afra (Augsburg)
The first church on this site was built in the 5th century and was soon destroyed.
The same fate befell all the temples that were built on its foundation. Today you can see an architecturally interesting basilica here.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
BMW Museum (Munich)
This will appeal to both fans of the BMW brand and car lovers in general.
Visitors can see with their own eyes all stages of production of the concern’s machines and equipment.
Ticket price - 10 EUR.
Toy Museum (Munich)
Situated on four floors of the Old Town Hall tower, the exhibition museum is very popular among travelers.
Ivan Steiger collected antique wooden, metal, paper toys, dolls, teddy bears and much more in his collection.
Ticket price - 4 EUR.
Oktoberfest Museum (Munich)
Yes, this holiday has its own museum. Among the exhibits are mugs, traditional costumes, and decorations taken from the festival. By the way, the ticket price includes a glass of beer and a cheese snack, so I recommend checking it out.
Ticket price - 4 EUR.
Glyptothek (Munich)
The building with columns was built specifically for this museum. The collection consists of ancient Roman and ancient Greek statues and busts.
Ticket price - 6 EUR.
Dürer House (Nuremberg)
The museum is located in the house where the great artist lived. Everything in the rooms has been preserved as it was during Durer’s lifetime.
By taking the audio guide, you will learn the master’s life story, many interesting facts about his family and work.
Ticket price - 5 EUR.
Brewing Museum (Kulmbach)
In fact, this brewery is a museum only conditionally. You can not only watch the process of creating a drink, but also try yourself as a brewer. And then taste your own creation.
Parks
English Garden (Munich)
I must say that its size is colossal. For comparison, it is much larger than Hyde Park () and Central Park (). Initially, its territory was planned as a forest park area, that is, without paths, benches and restaurants.
But over time, everything changed. Today the English Garden is a favorite vacation spot for both citizens and tourists. Here you can stroll, dine in the beer patio, and even go surfing. Yes, yes, you heard right. A stream flows in the garden and in one area there are ideal conditions for boarding.
Olympic Park (Munich)
Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, it is still very popular among Munich residents. On its territory there is a water stadium, an ice skating rink, a velodrome and, of course, the Olympic Stadium, where until recently the Bayern football club was based.
Be sure to go up to the observation deck of the tower (290 meters), admire the city from above (climb 7 EUR), and then have dinner in a panoramic restaurant or drink a cocktail in a bar. The views here are gorgeous.
Rose Garden (Bamberg)
This is a magnificent garden in the Baroque style. More than 4 thousand rose bushes are planted here. When the plants bloom, the spectacle is absolutely stunning.
There are gazebos, benches, and elegant fountains for visitors. A very pleasant place for leisurely walks. If you're in Bamberg, be sure to check out this place.
Altmühl Nature Park
This is a huge green area where bicycle paths are laid, churches and monasteries are built. On the embankment of the Altmühl River, vacationers love to sit in restaurants, enjoying traditional Bavarian dishes. Concerts and festivals are regularly held at special venues. In general, there is never a dull moment here.
Neighboring regions
Bavaria borders on four states - , Thuringia and Saxony. You can get to the main cities (capitals) of the lands by train. Railway connection very well developed.
Baden Württemberg
The region is rich in resort towns with healing waters and ancient castles.
Baden-Baden
A charming city, once you arrive you absolutely don’t want to leave.
Here you can walk along the shady alleys along the stream, recover in the famous Baths of Caracalla, and the bravest ones do not miss the opportunity to try their luck in the legendary casino.
Heidelberg
A city that was virtually undamaged by bombing during World War II. A majestic castle rises on the mountain, a symbol of romance and independence. It was dilapidated in the 17th century as a result of French raids and today you can see the surviving ruins here. To be honest, it remains a mystery to me why the castle complex is not being restored. Despite this, there are always a lot of visitors here at any time of the year.
Stuttgart
The city is the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz cars.
If you stay in Stuttgart, visit the car museum of this brand, take a walk in the city center and have dinner in one of the restaurants.
Hesse
It's definitely worth making time for Hesse Park. This is an area where houses and windmills typical of the region's countryside have been recreated. A very colorful place.
Lorelei Rock
This rock is covered in myths and legends. I really love places like this.
According to legend, the famous gold of the Nibelungs is hidden in the gorge, which is guarded by fairy-tale elves. And you may not believe it, but the atmosphere on the cliff is absolutely amazing. The views around you are worth a visit to this mysterious place.
Thuringia
Visit the medieval Wartburg Castle near the city of Eisenach. After which you can spend the whole day in the Hainich National Park.
Also admire the monument to Schiller and Goethe in the town and continue on your way.
Saxony
Of course, first of all, inspect. The nature here is incredibly picturesque.
Sandstone mountains, cliffs, the famous bridge and rare bird species - all this attracts tourists from all over the world. The main thing is to choose sports shoes and comfortable clothes.
Nearby Islands
In order to visit the islands, you need to go to Lake Chiemsee. It is also called the Bavarian Sea. There are two islands here - Herreninsel and Fraueninsel.
They were named so because one was located monastery, and on the other - female.
Herreninsel
I'll tell you a few words about each of them. The island of men was once bought by the eccentric King Ludwig II and conceived a grandiose project - to recreate an exact copy of the French Versailles. The central fountain, the facade of the palace, the main staircase are its exact copies.
It must be said that all three of the king’s castles are masterpieces, including the famous Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.
As for the palace complex on the island of Herreninsel, everything they see makes an indelible impression on visitors. If you abstract yourself for a second and forget about where you are, you can easily imagine that you are standing on the territory of Versailles itself. This is simply incredible.
Fraueninsel
It is very close. Tourists are transported on boats from one bank to the other. A convent is still located here. Nuns are engaged agriculture, grow vegetables and herbs, and a small restaurant nearby offers visitors to the island dishes made from these products. Entry to the monastery territory is prohibited. Tourists walk around its walls, enter the church, enjoy the nature around and just relax.
Food. What to try
All those who are on a diet or prefer diet food - be on alert. Bavarian cuisine is quite rich and nutritious. The basis is bakery products, meat, sausages and homemade pickles.
Pretentious expensive restaurants are not very common here, although they do exist. Mostly visitors prefer beer gardens. These are traditional establishments with open terraces, and sometimes even with tables right on the grass. Guests are served by waiters in Bavarian costumes.
Here you will not find the notorious Caesar or Caprese salads. But there are plenty of dumplings (steamed potato balls), white sausages with mustard, pork steak with spicy sauce and sauerkraut, crispy pretzels and freshly brewed beer.
If you are not hungry, then choose a mixed appetizer, such as cheese or meat. They will be accompanied by a glass of wine, local beer or a refreshing shorle (apple juice or wine with the addition of sparkling water).
The only thing I can say for sure is that everything I tried was very tasty. Yes, even if this is not the easiest and most dietary food, but sometimes you can afford it.
Features of mentality
Bavarians love and know how to enjoy life. They do not tend to complain or complain about current events. They take everything for granted, which will only lead to better things in the long run. The Bavarians are full of cheerfulness.
Locals spend evenings with friends, colleagues or family in restaurants, discussing pressing issues. They don't like to rush or rush. This lifestyle is addictive. Having lived in Bavaria for some time, a person becomes accustomed to this rhythm and gradually immerses himself in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Holidays
Theater Festival (Munich)
Held every two years in November or December
At this time, theater groups perform on the stages of the city, look for new talents and experiment with genres.
Oktoberfest (Munich)
The famous beer festival takes place in the very center of the city every year at the end of September - beginning of October.
It lasts 16 days and is visited by about 6 million people.
Kinderzeche (Dinkelsbühl)
Every summer, the town of Dinkelsbühl recreates the events of the Thirty Years' War, when Swedish troops besieged the town. Then the children who came out to the enemy asked not to destroy Dinkelsbühl. So the city survived. During the holiday, a costume procession is organized, where dressed-up children occupy the main place.
Knight tournaments (Kaltenberg)
According to tradition, in early July Kaltenberg turns into a real medieval city.
Tournaments and buffoonery are held here at fairs typical of that time. In general, visitors have a lot of fun.
Safety. What to watch out for
Bavaria did not make me feel like a dangerous region. As elsewhere, you need to be careful here and then problems will not arise. When walking around cities, do not walk in crowded places with open bags and backpacks.
I would also not advise giving your phones and cameras to passers-by with a request to take a photo of you. Although in Munich I was asked about this a couple of times, then again at Neuschwanstein Castle. Maybe I just inspire confidence in passers-by, of course. I don’t know, but I wouldn’t dare give away my equipment.
Late at night it is better to return to the hotel by taxi. But I think this is already clear.
For the rest, relax and enjoy your vacation without thinking about the bad.
Things to do
Cycling
There are many cycling routes in the Bavarian Alps. In summer, many vacationers ride along these paths. But you need to rent a special mountain bike, which is designed for steep climbs and travel along uneven paths.
Nordic walking
If cycling is not for you, then go conquer the mountains on foot.
Many tourists love trekking in the mountains, while others practice Nordic walking.
Shopping and shops
I will tell you about the most interesting places.
Maximilian Street
Lovers of luxury brands should go here. Fashion boutiques lined up one after another. There are also antique shops here, art galleries and world-famous jewelry workshops.
Shopping centers
If you are interested in brands of clothing and footwear price category, then it’s worth going to shopping centers. The largest are Fünf Hofe, Karlstadt and Olympia. You need to set aside enough time for shopping, since you won’t be able to quickly run through the shops. But you won’t be able to leave without shopping.
Bars
The format of bars in Bavaria is mainly beer patios. From April to October, tables are taken outside, and in cold weather, visitors are indoors.
The menu includes several types of beer, wine, soft drinks, as well as snacks and even full main courses. The atmosphere in such establishments is always cheerful and friendly.
Clubs and nightlife
Every major city has nightclubs. Of course, the most fashionable discos are located in Munich. Moreover, you can choose where to go - to a pretentious expensive club, to a rock party or to a disco where young people and students hang out.
If you are going to a club, most likely you will be greeted by face control at the entrance. Therefore, avoid sporty clothing. In many establishments the audience looks like they are on the red carpet in Cannes. Just keep this in mind.
Entrance is often paid and ranges from 10 to 20 EUR depending on the establishment.
Extreme Sports
Extreme lovers will find many interesting entertainments in the mountains.
Rock climbing
This sport is common in the Eifel mountain range, and more precisely in the city of Ettringen (west of Munich). There are climbing centers here where you can get training, rent equipment and start climbing the rocks with a guide.
Flying in the sky
You can go paragliding or skydiving near the city of Obersdorf.
