BAVARIA
This region is famous for its stunning alpine peaks, fairy-tale castles, and vibrant, historic cities. This guide will help you experience Bavaria’s unique blend of deep tradition, world-class beer culture, and spectacular nature, from the Danube to the Alps.
Why Visit Bavaria?
Fairy-Tale Castles: Discover Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and other royal residences that inspired the world, set in breathtaking alpine scenery.
World-Class Beer Culture: Experience the legendary Bavarian brewing tradition in Munich’s beer gardens, at the Oktoberfest, or in smaller village breweries.
The Bavarian Alps: Enjoy pristine lakes, challenging hikes, and world-class skiing in Germany’s highest and most dramatic mountain range.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit for hiking and exploring the cities and castles, with pleasant weather, brilliant autumn colours, and fewer crowds than in summer.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. It is also the perfect season for skiing and enjoying Munich’s Christmas markets.
Peak Season (July-August & Oktoberfest): The weather is warm, and the region is very popular. Be prepared for crowds, especially in Munich during the three-week Oktoberfest in late September/early October.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Munich & Upper Bavaria
Munich is Bavaria’s vibrant capital, known for its grand architecture, world-famous Oktoberfest, and expansive beer gardens. Upper Bavaria offers easy access to the majestic Bavarian Alps, the romantic German Alpine Road, and stunning lakes like Tegernsee and Chiemsee.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the city’s unique culture without the overwhelming crowds, visit a traditional beer garden like the Chinesischer Turm outside of Oktoberfest season.
The Romantic Road & Franconia
This iconic route stretches from Würzburg to Füssen, connecting medieval towns like Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Franconia, the northern part of Bavaria, is a region distinct for its Baroque architecture, historic cities like Nuremberg, and excellent wine regions.
Your Smart Tip: The city of Bamberg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is often overlooked. Visit for its stunning Old Town Hall and to try the unique smoky Rauchbier.
The Bavarian Alps & Southern Lakes
This is the postcard-perfect Bavaria of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and legendary castles. It’s home to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, and the most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Popular resort towns include Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden.
Your Smart Tip: Book your tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle well in advance online. Tickets are often sold out days ahead, and this will save you hours of queuing.
Eastern Bavaria & The Danube
This region stretches along the Danube river, centred around the beautifully preserved medieval city of Regensburg (a UNESCO site) and the historic capital of Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” It offers a quieter, more relaxed pace.
Your Smart Tip: The Bavarian Forest National Park is a fantastic alternative to the Alps. It offers stunning, untouched wilderness and excellent, less crowded hiking trails.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally moderate. Summers are warm with average highs in the (), but thunderstorms are common. Winters are cold and snowy, especially in the Alps, with temperatures often below freezing.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: German is the official language. The Bavarian dialect (Bairisch) is distinct and widely spoken. English is commonly understood in tourist areas, but a few German phrases are appreciated.
Dining: Tipping is customary in restaurants, usually of the bill. When buying a beer, you order the size by volume, like a “Maß” (one litre) or “Halbe” (half litre).
Tracht: The traditional clothing, Lederhosen (for men) and Dirndl (for women), are still worn today, not just for festivals like Oktoberfest, but for special occasions. It is a sign of local pride.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$140), luxury ($170+). Prices triple or quadruple during Oktoberfest.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (regional day pass, approx. $30 for a group of up to 5).
Activities: Castle entrance fee ($15–$30), lift ticket for Zugspitze ($65+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$180 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the ideal way to explore the smaller towns, the Romantic Road, and the Alps. Roads are excellent and well-maintained.
By Train: Germany’s Deutsche Bahn (DB) is highly efficient, connecting all major cities and towns. The Bayern Ticket is a great value for regional travel.
By Bus: Bus networks complement the train lines, especially for reaching remote villages and some castle sites.
Must-Try Food
Bayerische Weißwurst: A traditional white sausage made of veal and pork bacon, typically eaten only before noon with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
Schweinshaxe: A crispy-skinned, roasted pork knuckle, a hearty and famous Bavarian specialty.
Leberkäse: A baked loaf of meat (similar to a fine meatloaf), often served warm in a roll (Semmel).
Obatzda: A spicy, creamy Bavarian cheese spread made from Camembert, butter, and paprika, perfect with a pretzel.
Brez’n (Pretzel): The iconic Bavarian baked pretzel, large, soft, and sprinkled with coarse salt.
Knödel: Dumplings, a staple side dish. Options include Semmelknödel (bread) or Kartoffelknödel (potato), often served with gravy.
Käsespätzle: The German equivalent of mac and cheese—small egg noodles mixed with melted cheese and topped with fried onions.
Apfelstrudel: A warm, layered pastry filled with spiced apples and raisins, often served with vanilla sauce.
Prinzregententorte: An exquisite Bavarian layer cake consisting of six to eight sponge layers, chocolate buttercream, and a dark chocolate glaze.
Bayerische Cremè: A light, airy dessert cream made with eggs, sugar, and cream, often flavoured with vanilla.
Must-Try Drinks
Helles: The classic, clean, and crisp Bavarian pale lager, the most common beer.
Weißbier (Wheat Beer): A refreshing, unfiltered, and top-fermented beer with notes of banana and clove. Perfect in summer.
Dunkel: A smooth, malty, and dark lager with notes of caramel and toasted bread.
Rauchbier (Smoke Beer): A highly unique Franconian beer with a distinct smoky aroma and flavour derived from malts dried over an open flame.
Bock/Doppelbock: Stronger, often darker beers traditionally brewed by monks, perfect for the colder months.
Radler: A refreshing mix of beer and lemon-lime soda (similar to a shandy), popular for light drinking.
Franconian Wine: A region in northern Bavaria famous for its dry white wines, especially Silvaner, often served in a distinct flat-sided bottle called a Bocksbeutel.
Jägermeister: A herbal liqueur, though from Lower Saxony, it is a very popular after-dinner digestif.
Apfelschorle: A very common non-alcoholic, refreshing drink made from apple juice mixed with sparkling water.
Spezi: A popular non-alcoholic mix of cola and orange soda, especially common in Bavaria.