December 19th 2024.
Bavaria, a state in the southeast of Germany, is known for its stunning castles, charming medieval towns, and picturesque lakes. If you've always dreamed of visiting fairytale castles, exploring sprawling forests, and taking in breathtaking views of the Alps, then Bavaria should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
As the largest state in Germany by land area, Bavaria offers endless opportunities for adventurous travelers. Its distinct identity sets it apart from the rest of the country, fueled by a carefree and cheerful lust for life. Here, tradition and innovation go hand in hand, with the capital city of Munich leading the way. Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, Munich has transformed into a thriving tech hub and a home to many established companies and startups.
But don't worry, a trip to Bavaria won't break the bank. In fact, there are many affordable options for travelers, making it an accessible destination for all. From the northern region of Franconia, known for its medieval towns and wine-growing culture, to the southern section bordering Austria, where you can find the stereotypical vision of Bavaria with its charming Lederhosen, Bierzelt, and Biergarten.
With its unique blend of history and culture at an affordable price, it's no surprise that Bavaria has made it on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 list.
Getting to Bavaria from the UK is easy, with flights from major cities like Manchester, Leeds, Gatwick, and Stansted to Munich and Nuremberg starting at just £25. And once you've arrived, the efficient and easy-to-navigate train system, Deutsche Bahn, makes it convenient to explore the state. You can even purchase a Bayern Ticket, which gives you unlimited trips across Bavaria for 24 hours, perfect for a day of sightseeing.
But before you start hopping from city to city, take some time to explore the one you're in. Munich, for example, has much more to offer than just its international airport. From the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, said to be the inspiration behind Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, to the Olympiapark, which hosted 74,000 fans for Taylor Swift's German leg of the Eras Tour. The park is free to roam, with attractions like the stadium having their own fees and hours. But for the most part, it's a beautiful green space perfect for a summer picnic, much like London's Hyde Park.
And let's not forget the Marienplatz, known as the heart of the city. It has been Munich's main square since 1158 and is surrounded by charming cafes and bars where you can sit and enjoy a Bavarian beer while watching the world go by.
With Bavaria covering such a vast area of 70,550 square kilometers, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you're only visiting for a weekend. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for history, tourist attractions, or a unique experience, Bavaria has it all.
For history buffs, Nuremberg is a must-visit. Considered one of the most historical cities in Germany, it played a significant role during and after World War II, being the chosen location for the Nazi Party's massive conventions, known as the Nuremberg rallies. Today, you can visit museums across the city, such as the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, to learn more about this part of history.
For a unique experience, head to Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, and visit the Fuggerei, a medieval walled enclave founded in 1516 by Jakob Fugger the Younger. It was designed to provide affordable housing for the poor, and amazingly, the rent has remained unchanged for 500 years! However, there are certain requirements for living here, such as being a Catholic, saying three prayers a day, and being in poverty without being in debt. But it's definitely worth a visit to see this unique community, and you can even take a guided tour for a fee.
And for wine lovers, Würzburg is the place to be. While Bavaria may be famous for its beer culture, in the region of Franconia, wine is the drink of choice. With a history dating back to the 8th century, you can find vineyards for days when driving around. Würzburg is the perfect place to experience Germany's unique wine culture, with stunning views from the Alte Mainbrücke on the River Main. And with Bavaria's warm weather during the summer months, it's the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon sipping on delicious wine.
So whether you're looking for a fairytale castle, a historical experience, or just a relaxing getaway, Bavaria has something for everyone. And with its diverse offerings at an affordable price, it's no wonder it's become such a popular destination for travelers. So why not add it to your travel bucket list and experience the magic of Bavaria for yourself?
Bavaria is known for its stunning castles, picturesque towns, and glistening lakes. It's a fairytale destination that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. With charming castles, sprawling forests, and breathtaking views of the Alps, it's no wonder Bavaria is on the top of many travel bucket lists.
Located in the southeast of Germany, Bavaria is the largest state in the country. This means there is plenty to discover and explore for adventurous travelers. And trust me, once you experience the magic of Bavaria, you'll want to keep coming back for more.
What sets Bavaria apart from the rest of Germany is its unique identity. Fuelled by a carefree and joyful lust for life, Bavarians embrace both tradition and innovation. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, was heavily bombed during World War II, but has since transformed into a thriving tech hub with a focus on the future. It is home to many established companies and startups, making it a dynamic and exciting place to visit.
The best part? A trip to Bavaria won't break the bank. In contrast to the modern city of Munich, the northern region of Franconia is known for its medieval towns and rich wine-growing culture that dates back to Roman times. And in the southern section, you'll find the stereotypical Bavarian scenery with its charming Lederhosen, lively Bierzelt, and idyllic Biergarten.
With its diverse mix of history and cultures at an affordable price, it's no surprise that Bavaria has been named on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 list. But the question is, how do you get there?
Travelling to Bavaria from the UK is a breeze. As someone who has made the trip multiple times, I can attest to the convenience of flying from major cities like Manchester, Leeds, Gatwick, and Stansted to destinations such as Munich and Nuremberg, with fares starting at just £25. Germany's train system, Deutsche Bahn, is also efficient and easy to navigate. If you want to explore areas beyond your base, consider purchasing a Bayern Ticket, which offers unlimited trips across Bavaria for 24 hours at an affordable price.
Once you've arrived, I recommend spending a few days exploring the city you're in before using the speedy ICE trains to travel to your next destination. For instance, there's more to Munich than just its international airport. You can visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. And don't forget to check out Olympiapark, which was built for the 1972 Olympics and offers a perfect spot for summer picnics with its 850,000 square meters of green space. Plus, the famous Marienplatz is a must-visit, as it has been the heart of Munich since 1158 and is surrounded by charming cafes and bars where you can enjoy a traditional Bavarian beer while watching the world go by.
But Bavaria is more than just Munich. With an area of 70,550 square kilometers, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start, especially for a weekend break. It all depends on what you're looking for. Here are some top picks from Metro:
For history buffs, Nuremberg is a must-visit. Considered one of the most historical cities in Germany, it played a significant role during and after World War II. As the location of the Nuremberg rallies, which were massive Nazi Party conventions held from 1923 to 1938, the city was a center of propaganda during the war. It was also the site of the Nuremberg trials, where Nazi leaders were prosecuted for their war crimes and crimes against humanity. Today, you can visit museums and exhibitions in Nuremberg to reflect on this dark part of history, such as the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials.
For tourists, the Fuggerei in Augsburg is a unique and fascinating destination. Established in 1516 by Jakob Fugger the Younger, this medieval walled enclave offers affordable rent that has remained unchanged for 500 years. However, there are strict requirements for living in this community, including being Catholic, saying three prayers a day, and working part-time to maintain the complex. You can book guided tours online to learn more about this remarkable place.
And for wine lovers, Würzburg is the perfect destination to indulge in Germany's rich wine culture. With vineyards dating back to the 8th century, you can enjoy delicious wine while taking in the stunning views at Alte Mainbrücke on the River Main. And if you visit during the warmer months, you can also bask in the pleasant weather that Bavaria is known for.
In Bavaria, there's something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to its romantic castles, medieval towns, or crystal clear lakes, this fairytale destination will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. So why not plan a trip to this charming state in Germany and experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty? You won't regret it.
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