6 Reasons To Visit Germany’s Bavaria Region

Bavaria is one of Germany’s most beautiful regions and one of the oldest states in Europe, dating back to the 6th Century AD. Bavaria was a kingdom for over 100 years, from 1806 to 1918, with six reigning kings. Located in the southeast part of the country, it covers nearly one-fifth of the total land area of Germany.

With pristine countryside, towering snow-capped peaks, and medieval towns interspersed with major urban centers, Bavaria is one of the most interesting and unique spots in the world. Wondering what there is to do and see? Here are six reasons to visit Germany’s Bavaria region.

1. Castles, Palaces, and Fortresses

Undoubtedly, the main reason people visit Bavaria is for its wealth of castles and palaces. There are some 50 sites throughout the region that make up the Bavarian Administration of State-owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes. The castle that most people are familiar with is Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1889. This castle is said to have been Walt Disney’s inspiration for his theme park castles at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

2. Bavarian Cuisine

Bavarian cuisine is hearty and encompasses a wide range of specialties – both in food and drink. One notable dish is weisswurst, made with finely minced veal and fresh pork, seasoned with onions and parsley. Weisswurst is typically consumed with Bavarian sweet mustard, pretzels and a Bavarian beer. And be sure to sample another local liqueur, Schnapps. Schnapps is a popular Bavarian alcoholic beverage made from fruits, berries, and herbs.

3. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Fans of visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites will delight in knowing that Bavaria has a number of included sites within the region. The Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, the medieval town of Regensburg, Bamberg Old Town, and the Wurzburg Residence are among the included UNESCO Sites in Bavaria.

4. Events and Festivals

No matter what time of year you visit Bavaria, there is always some type of event or festival taking place. There is everything from historical festivals to beer and wine festivals in Bavaria. Popular events include the world-famous Oktoberfest, Carnival, and town Christmas Markets. For a full list of events, see the Bavaria Tourism website’s Event Calendar.

5. Explore Bavarian Towns and Cities

Cities in Bavaria include Munich, Nuremberg (Nurnberg), Augsburg, Wurzburg, Regensburg, Ingolstadt, Furth and Erlangen. The city of Bayreuth is linked with composer Richard Wagner, while the medieval town of Rothenburg is located on the famous Romantic Road and is one of the top spots to visit in Bavaria. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg is another popular stop in Bavaria, with its baroque building fronts showcasing one of Europe’s oldest and most intact old town centers.

6. Bavaria’s Landscape

Bavaria’s landscape is worth a visit alone. With two major rivers flowing through the region and the Alpine foothills and lakes, Bavaria is one of the most picturesque spots in Europe. If you want to explore more of Bavaria’s natural landscape, head out to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to see Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain peak. Starnberg Five Lake Region is a half-hour south of Munich and is the ideal spot to get away from it all.

Please drink responsibly and use a designated driver, as your RoamRight policy does not cover loss resulting from or caused by being under the influence of alcohol.

Are you ready to make some memories with a trip to Bavaria, Germany? 

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.