Fussen
15 Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany. Füssen is a dream destination for castle enthusiasts, thanks to its close proximity to three magnificent castles. One of them is Hohenschwangau, a charming castle with classic architecture, complete with turrets and towers. This is where King Ludwig II spent his childhood, which might explain his fascination with castles.
Another castle worth visiting is Hohes Schloss, a late-Gothic castle adorned with white walls and picturesque red roofs. However, the ultimate castle experience near Füssen is Neuschwanstein Castle, which is considered Ludwig II’s masterpiece. Its breathtaking beauty even served as direct inspiration for Walt Disney’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Neuschwanstein is truly a fairytale come to life.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber stands out as an exquisite town along the Romantic Road. Its name, which translates to “Red Fortress over the river Tauber,” perfectly captures its medieval charm. This picturesque Bavarian town resembles something out of a fairytale, captivating the imagination of all who visit. Its enchanting streets are lined with timber buildings, creating a delightful atmosphere complemented by a vibrant array of pastel colors.
One of the town’s most renowned attractions is the Rothenburg Christmas Market, a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. Despite the influx of tourists, Rothenburg ob der Tauber remains a stunning destination worth exploring. By staying overnight, you can experience the town’s tranquility once the day-trippers have departed. As night falls, the captivating Nightwatchman’s Tour adds an intriguing touch to the overall experience.
Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is renowned for more than just Oktoberfest. Located in the urban park of Englischer Garten, this city boasts an abundance of beer halls and a charming old town. At the heart of the Altstadt is the impressive Neo-Gothic Town Hall, featuring its iconic glockenspiel clock.
The sky-piercing spire of St Peter’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century, adds to the city’s architectural beauty. Meanwhile, the twin bell towers of Frauenkirche Cathedral exude a captivating allure. When you need a break from sightseeing, make your way to the historic Hofbrauhaus. This beerhouse, established in 1589, offers steins of beer and a hearty feast to satisfy your cravings.
Bamberg
Bamberg, a charming Bavarian village, is situated at the confluence of the Regnez and Main Rivers, spread across seven hills. Its picturesque Old Town showcases several 11th-century structures, including the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral.
Due to its position on the two rivers, Bamberg has earned the nickname “Little Venice.” Along the waterfront, you’ll discover quaint fishermen’s houses that compete for space. Interestingly, the old town hall of Bamberg is located on an island in the Regnez and is linked by two elegant stone arch bridges.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden, an alpine town, offers breathtaking views of the renowned local landmark, Watzmann. Standing tall at 2,713 meters, this majestic granite mountain serves as a magnificent backdrop to the town. Surrounding the area, numerous mountains enhance the beauty of Berchtesgaden, creating a truly awe-inspiring scenery.
During the summer, the region boasts an abundance of hiking trails, particularly in the vicinity of the remarkable Konigssee. Additionally, an unexpected attraction awaits at this location – the Eagle’s Nest. Once a secluded mountain retreat for Hitler, despite his fear of heights, it has now been transformed into a restaurant and bar, complete with an observatory platform. This peculiar tourist destination adds a touch of intrigue to the area.
Chiemsee
Chiemsee, often referred to as “the Bavarian Sea,” is the largest lake in Bavaria and offers a picturesque setting for a tranquil getaway by the lakeside. While the main resort town of Priena attracts affluent visitors from Munich, there are also several other towns that cater to different types of travelers.
The lake boasts a collection of islands that can be explored by boat, adding to the allure of the serene waters. Among these islands is Herrensel, home to one of King Ludwig’s castles – the Herrenchiemsee. This 19th-century palace, inspired by Versailles, stands as one of the most extravagant architectural marvels in Bavarian history. Additionally, Herrensel is also home to an Augustinian monastery, adding to its cultural significance.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, situated in Southern Bavaria, offers a captivating experience for visitors. This enchanting destination was formed by the merger of two towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, which were brought together by the Nazi government in 1935 in preparation for the 1936 Winter Olympics.
Renowned for its traditional houses adorned with intricate wood carvings and the captivating Bavarian frescoes known as Lüftlmalerei, Garmisch-Partenkirchen also benefits from its proximity to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak towering at an impressive 2,962 meters above sea level. Whether you seek exhilarating skiing adventures during the winter or invigorating hikes in the summer, this alpine town caters to all your desires.
Franconian Switzerland
Franconian Switzerland, an ancient tourist spot in Germany, earned its name from the creative minds of poets and artists from the 19th century. They were captivated by the breathtaking landscape of this region in Upper Franconia, which they compared to the beauty of Switzerland. The significance of this place goes beyond its name, as it has a rich history.
Despite being situated in a rural setting, Franconian Switzerland offers a plethora of activities for visitors. You can embark on boat trips along the River Wisent, explore numerous caves, indulge in rock climbing adventures, and uncover the charm of ruined castles and picturesque villages. Additionally, Franconian Switzerland proudly holds the title of having the highest concentration of breweries in the world. This means that every village in the area is home to at least one pub where you can relish a refreshing cold beer.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance, also referred to as Bodensee in German, is a stunning alpine lake with a shimmering turquoise hue. It spans across the borders of Austria and Switzerland. The lake is divided into two parts, namely the Untersee and the Obersee, and is primarily fed by the Rhine River.
The summer months are the ideal time to visit this 63-kilometer-long lake, as it offers a plethora of attractions. Along its shores, you will find charming resorts and campsites that add to its allure. Additionally, there are several captivating cities to explore, such as Lindau, which is located on an island adorned with medieval and half-timbered buildings.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Constance offers a range of activities. You can indulge in swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and even embark on invigorating hikes in the surrounding hills. Furthermore, avid cyclists will delight in the cycle path that encircles the entirety of Lake Constance.
Regensburg
Regensburg, situated along the banks of the Danube, boasts a remarkably well-preserved medieval center that has earned it great renown. However, the true symbol of the city is its stone bridge, a magnificent structure from the 12th century that spans the river with an impressive array of 16 arches.
The Regensburg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece adorned with intricate spires and detailing dating back to the 13th century, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Additionally, the Porta Praetoria, a Roman-era city gate constructed in 179 AD, adds to the town’s allure. Medieval towers flank the city, with one towering at an imposing height of 50 meters. It goes without saying that a visit to Regensburg feels like stepping into the pages of a captivating fantasy novel.
Dinkelsbuhl
Dinkelsbühl, a town founded in the 8th century by Carolingian kings, is often regarded by many Germans as Germany’s most exquisite destination. The town’s allure is evident as it is situated along the Romantic Road, boasting a plethora of charming medieval houses adorned in vibrant pastel hues, reminiscent of a scene from a fairytale.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance as you wander along the fortified walls, marvel at the sight of the 18 towers, and transport yourself back in time. Additionally, each year, the townspeople commemorate their surrender to Sweden during the 30 Years War in the 17th century. This act of surrender played a pivotal role in preserving the beauty of this remarkable location, sparing it from the ravages of destruction.
Wurzburg
Würzburg, situated on the Romantic Road, is graced by the presence of the Main River, which adds to its allure with a picturesque riverside setting. This town offers a delightful experience, boasting a rich history of architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and exceptional wines.
At the heart of Würzburg lies the magnificent Würzburg Residenz, an impressive Baroque structure that is often regarded as one of Germany’s most exquisite buildings. With its iconic zig-zag staircase and hosting the world’s largest fresco, it truly captivates visitors. Additionally, the town is enlivened by a vibrant student community, making it an enjoyable destination to immerse oneself in the local culture while strolling along the charming cobblestone streets of Würzburg.
Linderhof Palace
The Linderhof Palace, located in Schloss, southwest Bavaria, is a remarkable creation of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Among the three royal palaces he designed, it is the smallest and the only one that Ludwig witnessed its completion.
Inspired by Versailles, the Linderhof Palace showcases lavish Rococo style interiors adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf. Additionally, it boasts a stunning Moorish-style “Moroccan House” and a dazzling man-made Venus Grotto. The palace is surrounded by exquisitely sculpted gardens, offering a picturesque view against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps. Visitors are welcome to explore these gardens at their leisure.
Augsburg
Augsburg, one of the most ancient cities in Germany, was established by the Romans in 15 BC. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the largest town situated along Germany’s Romantic Road. Augsburg enjoyed a period of independence as a city-state from the 13th century and thrived as a prosperous entity. The town’s architectural splendor, ranging from the Baroque Town Hall to the Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 11th century, still stands as a testament to its former grandeur.
An intriguing feature of Augsburg is the presence of the world’s oldest welfare housing, known as The Fuggerei. Constructed in 1516, these houses continue to be inhabited and offer affordable living options. Presently, Augsburg has transformed into a vibrant university town, boasting numerous pubs and a pedestrian-friendly zone that warmly welcomes visitors.
Franconian Lake District is one of the 15 Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany
The Franconian Lake District, situated in the northern part of Bavaria and southwest of Nuremberg, comprises five lakes: Hahnenkammsee, Altmühlsee, Rothsee, Dennenloher See, and Brombachsee. Notably, Brombachsee was formed as a result of one of Germany’s most extensive water-management projects.
Regardless of their artificial origins, these lakes, along with the surrounding meadows and quaint villages, create an untouched environment perfect for outdoor pursuits. The lakes are adorned with numerous beaches, making water sports and hiking the popular activities of choice. To truly experience the beauty of the Franconian Lake District, camping or staying in charming guesthouses is undoubtedly the finest option.
