Bavaria

Tour an ornate hilltop castle, attend a famous beer festival and explore many historic cities in this federal state in Germany.

Come to Bavaria for fairytale castles and some of Europe’s best food and beer festivals. This large German state is known for its ornate palaces, towering snow-capped mountains and lively cities. Enjoy skiing and hiking in scenic wilderness areas or shop and dine in a major city.

Munich is famous for the annual beer festival, Oktoberfest. Visit historic buildings, including Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning 17th-century Baroque structure. The largest Bavarian city also features great shopping. Browse in designer stores and traditional markets in the city centre.

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous attractions in Bavaria. The enchanting castle was built in the 19th century against a scenic mountain backdrop. Tour Neuschwanstein Castle or visit other castles and historic buildings in Bavaria. Burghausen Castle, the world’s longest castle complex, features intact medieval fortifications.

Stay in Bavaria for beautiful wilderness areas, including national parks, mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers. The Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany’s first national park. Admire its spectacular mountain ranges, dense forest areas and crystal clear lakes and streams. The park also has native birds including Eurasian pygmy owls and three-toed woodpeckers.

Bavaria has small cities with exceptional cultural facilities, museums, art galleries and restaurants. Nördlingen is an old city with historic buildings and museums, including the Bavarian Railway Museum. The old town of Bamberg is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Discover notable churches, ornate buildings and breweries in Bamberg or explore other charming towns and cities in Bavaria.

With major metropolitan areas, small resort towns and charming villages, Bavaria is an excellent place to stay. The federal state is located in southeastern Germany. The capital and largest city, Munich, is about 580 kilometres (360 miles) from Berlin. Bavarians take great pride in their food and drink, so this state is also known for traditional restaurants and outstanding gourmet products.

Stay in Bavaria for magnificent castles, exceptional natural areas and traditional Bavarian food and beer events.