Located in the south-east of Germany, Bavaria is the country’s biggest federal state. The region embodies many of the clichés you may have heard about Germany – from the snow-capped mountains of the Alps, to the cows with their bells tinkling in the green meadows, traditional costumes, fairy-tale castles, and Bavarian beer at Oktoberfest.
While those are great reasons alone to visit the region, Bavaria is much more than just the clichés. Many places are described as having “something for everyone”, and in Bavaria, this is no exaggeration.
Visitors can discover the region’s state-of-the-art motor industry in Munich, learn about its Nazi past in Nuremberg, and then step outside the big cities to visit charming, medieval-walled town centres, mountains and lakes with great hiking trails, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
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Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week … or longer, here are eight great places to visit in Bavaria, Germany to experience the best the region has to offer as recommended by fellow travel bloggers.
DINKELSBÜHL
Dinkelsbühl is a town of Renaissance patrician houses surrounded by the myriad of medieval walls and sky-scraping gatehouses. In the 1274, Dinkelsbühl became a Free Imperial City, subject only to the Roman Emperor. Wealthy merchants and craftsman settled in the region, and even though the city has had a painful history suffering through some of history’s renowned wars, its beautiful architectural wonders still stands strong at this historically significant town.
MUST DO IN DINKELSBÜHL:
- Weinmarkt: The most iconic image of Dinkelsbühl is the row of gabled houses on the west side of the Weinmarkt Square. The most famous one is the old Ratstrinkstube. This former inn welcomes many nobles during the era of the Holy Roman Empire in 1546.
- Nördlinger Tor und Stadtmühle: Nördlinger Tor was built around 1400. Its castle walls are decorated with noble gables and stand as the hallmark of great architecture. Today the castle is home to a child-friendly 3D Museum with 3D photographs and a spectrum of optical illusions for children viewers. Not only is it an amazing sight, the castle is a delight for children.
- Stadtpark: Stadtpark used to be the primary source of Dinkelsbühl’s primary source of defences during medieval times. Now, the inner landscapes of the city wall is decorated into a beautiful garden for both locals and tourists to enjoy. There is nothing more scenic and therapeutic than a long stroll along the Stadtpark.
Recommended by Andrew of RoadGoat
Read Reviews for these Sights: Weinmarkt | Nördlinger Tor
NUREMBERG
Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second-largest city and the unofficial capital of Franconia. It’s history dates back to 1050 and is among the most historic city in all of Germany. Visitors flock to the medieval city all year round for its open markets, beautiful cobblestoned streets with half-timbered colourful houses, incredible gothic architecture and the culinary specialities of sausage and gingerbread.
Some of the city’s landmarks relate to its recent dark and tumultuous years. Hitler’s favourite city became the epicentre for the Nazi Party Rallies and subsequently the Nuremberg Trials. As you wander around it’s surprising to think that 95% of the city was destroyed in World War II. Today it the reconstructed old buildings stand with its original character intact.
MUST DO IN NUREMBERG:
- Kaiserberg (Imperial Palace): One of the most fortified Imperial Palaces of the Holy Roman Empire, Kaiserberg Castle has been a symbol of the city since the Middle Ages. Wander through the castle and along the winding stone pathways to Sinwell Tower and the Deep Well. Along the castle walls catch the best view of the city rooftops. Well worth the climb.
- Wander Weissgerbergasse: Photogenic Weissgerbergasse (Tanners Lane) is where the city’s wealthiest residents lived in charming half-timbered multicoloured houses. The largest group of artisan houses can be found in Weissgerbergasse. Now the historical houses serve as cafes, restaurants and boutiques. A photo opportunity certainly beckons!
- Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds (Reichsparteigelande): The architectural megalomania of these grounds are still standing for people to see. From the unfinished Congress Hall which now holds a permanent exhibition called ‘Fascination and Terror’ to the Zeppelin Tribune from where Hitler delivered his Nazi propaganda to his supporters. Acknowledging the dark history of Nuremberg is must I think when visiting the city.
Recommended by Sima from the Curious Pixie
Read Reviews for these Sights: Kaiserberg (Imperial Palace) | Weissgerbergasse | Reichsparteigelande
REGENSBURG
The old town escaped bombing during World War II, so it’s one of the best-preserved medieval city in Europe. It has reserved thousand of historic monuments, with some date back to Roman times. Besides, Regensburg has a thriving coffee and beer culture. There are plenty of cafes and bars where you can enjoy your drinks at a reasonable price and mingle with the welcoming locals.
MUST DO IN REGENSBURG:
- Walhalla: Walhalla memorial hall is located just a few km away from the city centre with easy bus access. It’s said to be one of the most important national monuments of Germany. In this Greek-inspired temple, visitors will find 130 busts and 65 memorial tablets of famous people in German history, eg. Ludwig van Beethoven, Albert Einstein, and King Ludwig. Beware though, Walhalal sits on the hillside so it requires a bit of walking but you will be rewarded with the magnificent view of Danube valley.
- Stone bridge: It was built in the 12th century by the Romans to link the old town with Stadtamhof (new town). Cars and buses are not allowed so it’s nice to stroll along this picturesque bridge. While you are here, don’t miss the 870-year “Historic Sausage Kitchen” restaurant just next to the stone bridge.
- St Peter’s Cathedral: It’s the only Gothic cathedral in Bavaria and also the home of critically acclaimed Regensburger Domspatzen (boys’ choir). You should go inside to check out the beautiful stained glass windows and other architectural details. Admission is free.
Recommended by Ming Lee of Flyerism
Read Reviews for these Sights: Walhalla Temple | Old Stone Bridge | St Peter’s Cathedral
MUNICH
Munich is a must-visit destination in Southern Germany. Most travellers equate the capital of Bavaria with its enormous annual Oktoberfest celebration, but it has other impressive attractions as well. Munich, founded in medieval times has a complex history. First time visitors to Munich will want to balance their itinerary with these disparate elements.
MUST DO IN MUNICH:
- Visit the Old Town: Most visitors begin their stay in Munich in the Alstadt (Old Town) centre. Architecture fans will take note of the Rathaus and other municipal buildings centred around Marienplatz. Don’t miss the mechanical astronomical clock tower, the renaissance elements in St Michael’s Kirche and the medieval motifs in the Frauenkirche. Don’t pass the unassuming facade of the Bürgersaalkirche for a wedding cake Baroque interior and a poignant museum dedicated to a priest who resisted the Nazis during WWII. Foodies will enjoy the large Viktualenmarkt (farmers market), which was founded in the 1800s.
- Explore the local history:: Students of 20th-century history will want to plan an afternoon or evening in the Hofbrauhaus. This is a state-owned beer hall and restaurant with multiple levels dating back to the 16th century, Its history includes the famous “beer hall putsch” – a failed government takeover orchestrated by supporters of Adolf Hitler, in 1923. Add a day trip to Dachau, easily reached by train via the S-Bahn rail system for a visit to the infamous concentration camp where noted intellectual dissidents such as Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, and Leon Blum, a Jew who served as Premier of France.
- Nymphenburg Area: Another suburban area for visitors to enjoy is the Nymphenburg neighbourhood. The Nymphenburg Palace – a 17th-century summer residence of Bavarian royalty – and its surrounding woodlands anchor activities here. Close by is the largest outdoor beer garden in Munich: the Hirschgarten, where you’ll find acres of shady benches and tables to enjoy traditional Bavarian fare with your beer.
Recommended by Betsy of PassingThru
Read Reviews for these Sights: Rathaus | Bürgersaalkirche | Dachau Concentration Camp | Nymphenburg Palace
BAMBERG
Located in Bavaria in the south of Germany is the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Town of Bamberg. Visiting here is easy – it is just one hour on the train from the well-known town of Nuremberg, making Bamberg a wonderful German town to spend a day in.
A truly enchanting town, Bamberg’s architecture is renowned for its strong influence from the late medieval and Renaissance periods. Even in the late 18th century, Bamberg was known as the centre of the ‘Enlightenment’ with several important and well-respected philosophers and writers coming from the town. Bamberg is also home to the grave of Pope Clemence II, the only Pope to be buried outside of Italy.
Today, Bamberg’s picture-perfect town centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, is the main draw. Incredibly, Bamberg escaped almost unscathed following WWII meaning it has some of the best-preserved medieval structures in Europe lining its beautiful cobblestone streets.
MUST DO IN BAMBERG:
- Visit a Bamberg brewery: Bamberg is famous for its beer, particularly at the renowned Schlenkerla brewery, which has been operating since 1405.
- Visit in December to enjoy its excellent Christmas Market: A truly authentic German market, the town comes alive and unlike Nuremberg, the crowds are far smaller!
- Stop by the Altes Rathaus: Also known as the Old Town Hall, Altes Rathaus was built in 1462 on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz River, it’s unusual design and location makes it one of the most photographed spots in Bamberg.
Recommended by Claire of Stoked to Travel
Read Reviews for these Sights: Schlenkerla | Altes Rathaus
ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a small medieval town in Bavaria, Germany. The town was officially founded in 1170 around the same time the Stauffer castle was built, and today is a popular day trip from Munich.
It’s a relatively easy day trip from Munich, and can also be visited as part of a road trip of Germany’s romantic Road, a road that passes through architecturally beautiful small towns.
The main attraction of the town is its Plonlein, bound with colourful buildings and traditional German architecture. The cobblestone streets hold shops to visit as well, where you can buy clothing and sweets from German bakeries.
MUST DO IN ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER:
- Visit the old town and market area: The old town is the traditional side of Rothenberg ob der Tauber. If you’re feeling energetic you can climb the tower to get incredible views of the town. The market area officially referred to in German as Marktplatz, is a great place to find traditional German food and sweets.
- Plonlein: This is the area you’re most likely seen photos of when looking up Rothenburg online, streets lined with colourful buildings. This is undoubtedly the prettiest part of the town and is only a short 15 to 20-minute walk from the train station.
- The night watchmen tour: If you can stay in Rothenberg until late you can attend the night watchman’s tour. The Night Watchman will take you around the town by Lantern-light wearing a traditional cape. You’ll hear stories of the town’s history and get to see the town’s attractions in a different light.
Recommended by Lexi of Your Italy Trip
Read Reviews for these Sights: Plonlein
PASSAU
Passau is a small but beautiful historic city in Bavaria, just on the Austrian border. It makes a great day trip from Munich. Its old town is a lovely place to take a stroll and snack on delicious Bavarian baked treats, its pretty streets lined with baroque and gothic buildings in pastel colours.
Known as the City of Three Rivers, Passau is set by the Danube river, just at the point where it meets the Inn and Ilz Rivers. Incredibly, the water of each river is a different colour — one pastel blue, one a turquoise green and one a deeper shade of blue — and you can actually see the point in the water where the three rivers collide and their colours merge.
MUST DO IN PASSAU:
- Take a scenic boat cruise: See the gorgeous old town from the water and see the colours of the three rivers running into each other.
- Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral: A baroque church with an opulent wedding cake-style interior and the world’s second-biggest church organ.
- Veste Oberhaus Fortress: Climb the stone steps to the Veste Oberhaus fortress on the hill across the river (a serious workout!) for stunning views of the city.
Recommended by Maire of Temples and Treehouses
Read Reviews for these Sights: St. Stephen’s Cathedral | Veste Oberhaus Fortress
SCHLIERSEE
Schliersee is a small town situated in Bavaria in Germany. It surrounds a beautiful lake and is the perfect place for water sports, walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. The landscape is just stunning, with the lake and the mountains surrounding the town. There are lots of beautiful traditional Bavarian houses here, with flowers on the balconies, all very iconic Bavarian houses. It is a lovely peaceful town, perfect for families but also for a romantic getaway! In summer, it is the perfect place for the activities below. It is also a great base for a Bavaria trip, as it is an hour away from Eibsee and 2 hours away from Neuschwanstein castle.
MUST DO IN SCHLIERSEE:
- Paddleboard on Schliersee lake: There are plenty of water sports you can do here, from kayaking to boat trips. However, as the lake is so calm, it is the perfect place to try paddleboarding. The water is beautifully blue and clear and is perfect to swim in, in summer!
- Visit Lantenhammer Distillery: For an incredible behind the scenes of gin and vodka making, this distillery is excellent. We had a tour of the whole distillery and even got to taste some of the liqueurs produced after. It was quite a unique experience in this very modern yet traditional distillery. I can definitely recommend the coffee liqueur.
- Toboggan ride at Schliersbergalm: For the most incredible views of Schliersee Lake, take the cable car up to Schliersbergalm. In just four minutes, you reach an altitude of 1061m. At the top you will find an open-air heated swimming pool, a miniature golf course and even a trampoline. This is a great day out, especially with children. Then to get back down, take the toboggan with the best views around.
Recommended by Hanna of Solar Powered Blonde
Read Reviews for these Sights: Lantenhammer Distillery | Toboggan Ride at Schliersbergalm
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These are a few tours we would recommend for your trip to Bavaria, Germany.
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