Best of Bavaria

Bavaria is the epitome of what visitors have come to know as typical of Germany. Its medieval castles and cathedrals, free-flowing brats and beer, pristine mountains and lakes and distinctive Alpine architecture appeal to Germanophiles, history buffs, foodies, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. Use this guide with city descriptions, not-to-be-missed attractions and sample itineraries to help your clients experience the Bavarian high life.

Bayreuth

Located in northern Bavaria, Bayreuth is home to Margravial Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Richard Wagner Festival of opera music, the University of Bayreuth and the famous Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market).

Rothenburg ob de Tauber

In northern Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its medieval architecture and a brush with celebrity when Pope Frances I lived here for a few months in 1986 to study German. It is also home to Germany’s most important collection of legal history.

Nuremberg

The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg birthed Germany's industrial era by opening the country's first railway. It was the residence of Germany's most influential artist of the Middle Ages, Albrecht Dürer. 

Regensburg

A Bavarian city on the Danube River in southeast Germany, Regensburg is medieval to its core. The first large-scale postal service in Europe was founded in Regensburg in the 15^th  Century. The only example of French Gothic architecture in Bavaria, St. Peter’s Cathedral, is also here.

Fairytale King's Palaces: Herrenchiemsee New Palace

Herrenchiemsee New Palace, set on an island surrounded by the largest lake in Bavaria, was designed as a replica of France’s Palace of Versailles.

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Munich

As Bavaria’s capital, Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration and over 35 Christmas markets. It has 18 museums and exhibition houses, 40 art galleries, six universities and numerous other cultural institutions. Munich is also the birthplace of the BMW automobile.

Fairytale King’s Palaces: Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace, the smallest of the three palaces King Ludwig II had built and the only one he lived to see fully completed. Diverse artistic features include Moorish architecture and formal gardens inspired by France’s Versailles.  

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Parkhotel Egerner Höfe

A five-star superior property, the Parkhotel is in Rottach-Egern at Lake Tegernsee in Bavaria. Its 107 rooms and suites are appointed with natural materials, allowing guests to indulge in quiet luxury as they connect to the region's surroundings.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

A Bavarian ski resort near the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is famous for hosting the Olympic Winter Games in 1936. Today it is a winter haven welcoming numerous winter sports competitions. In summer, it is a popular hiking and biking destination. 

Fairytale King’s Palaces: Neuschwanstein Castle

Bavaria is home to Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the inspiration for both Disney’s Cinderella Castle as well as Sleeping Beauty’s castle — fitted with modern innovations for its time such as running water and heating.

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Füssen

In southern Bavaria, Füssen is the cradle of lute making in Europe. One of its most famous landmarks is the late-gothic Hohes Schloss castle, and it is the site of Neuschwanstein castle, a refuge for Germany's late King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Lindau

An island town on Lake Constance, Lindau is on the Bavarian Riviera, a name given to it by 19th Century aristocrats. Its idyllic town center of narrow cobblestone features Gothic, renaissance and baroque buildings. It is also the home of Germany’s only puppet opera.