Get ready for the 25 most incredible experiences, the most amazing attractions and the most beautiful sights that Bavaria has to offer! Mountains, castles, curves, beer, Oktoberfest, lakes and lots of art
Best things to do in Bavaria? Get ready for the Bavaria trip of a lifetime. The Free State in the south of Germany has hundreds of cultural, sporting, culinary, musical and urban highlights just waiting to be discovered, as well as panoramic roads, beautiful lakes and stunning mountains. So, if you’re travelling for a week or two, we’ve got just the thing for you: we’ll tell you what should be on your bucket list!
From the stunning Bavarian Forest to the awe-inspiring Alps, from the beautiful Lake Chiemsee, to Lake Constance and the Danube river, Bavaria is a paradise for nature lovers. For history and culture lovers, the castles of Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee are absolute must-sees, as are the numerous knights‘ castles and the ‚Kunstareal‘ museum quarter in Munich.
The vibrant urban flair of Munich and Nuremberg, the charming old towns of Regensburg, Passau, Bamberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bayreuth are not to be missed either. And of course, no visit would be complete without trying the world-famous beer, amazing wine from Franconia and, of course, the Oktoberfest!
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #1
German Alpine Road
Get ready for the ultimate road trip experience, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and endless fun on nearly 500 kilometres of winding roads between Lindau on Lake Constance and Schönau on Lake Königssee. Whether you’re cruising by motorbike, bicycle, car, electric vehicle, or camper van, the adventure is all part of the fun.
And that’s not all – there are plenty of opportunities to pause and savour the spectacular scenery, have a picnic by a serene lake, embark on a scenic hike, or take a refreshing dip in one of the many lakes. To top it off, you can indulge in delicious refreshments at charming rustic inns. Along the way, you’ll also see churches, monasteries, museums, palaces, and castles, adding a touch of culture to your journey.
Further information on the German Alpine Road deutsche-alpenstrasse.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #2
Castle Road
Franconia is a land of castles! The incredible holiday route crosses Franconia from southwest to northeast, and what an adventure you’ll have along the way! You’ll get to see no fewer than 60 castles and palaces, spread over a route of 780 kilometres!
These include the fascinating castle ruins in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the impressive Cadolzburg Castle near Fürth, the magnificent Kaiserburg in Nuremberg, the beautiful Pottenstein Castle in Franconian Switzerland and the Veste Coburg, one of the best-preserved medieval castle complexes in Germany!
Detailed information on the Castle Road burgenstrasse.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #3
Franconian Beer Route
Franconia is a real haven for beer lovers, with more than 260 breweries, countless beer cellars and beer gardens. Beer culture is a big deal there, also at church fairs. The franconian ‚Kärwa‘ was originally held to mark the consecration of a church or the name day of a saint. Some of them have often turned into folk festivals, like the well-known Erlanger Bergkirchweih, which dates back to 1755, and the Sandkirchweih in Bamberg.
And that’s not all! There are three beer routes that will take you through the land of hops and malt: through Franconian Switzerland and to the beer capital of Bamberg, to Nuremberg and Erlangen with trips to Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg, as well as to Kitzingen and Miltenberg.
Further information – only in German – on the Beer Route bierstrasse-franken.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #4
Romantic Road
Prepare to be wowed by the spectacular art and culture along the 460-kilometre route, spanning 29 enchanting towns.The Romantic Road, a beloved German treasure since 1950, is a journey from Würzburg to Füssen, passing the charming towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Donauwörth, and Augsburg.
In Upper Bavaria, you’ll discover hidden gems like Landsberg am Lech with its historic old town, Peiting with its ancient Roman villa, and Steingaden with its breathtaking pilgrimage church ‚Wieskirche‘. And for cyclists, there’s a signposted long-distance cycle route, while walkers can enjoy the delights of a long-distance hiking trail.
Further detailed information on the Romantic Road romantischestrasse.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #5
Augsburg: Bavaria’s Venice
The city’s water management system is an incredible feat of engineering, with a history that dates back over 800 years. It supplies not just drinking water, but also industrial water for energy, hygiene and disposal. Since the 15th century, Augsburg has been ahead of the curve in strictly separating drinking and industrial water, a practice that’s now commonplace.
Along the canals, you’ll find 22 fascinating objects, including weirs, water pumping stations, power stations and wells.The water comes from not just one, but three rivers: the Lech, Wertach and Singold. Augsburg really does have more bridges than Venice! And that’s not all, there are also so many gushing fountains and countless watercourses.
Further detailed information on Augsburg augsburg-tourismus.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #6
Kunstareal Munich: 16 Museums
Munich’s Maxvorstadt district is an absolute treasure trove of cultural history! Just a short ten-minute stroll from the iconic Town Hall at Marienplatz, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of art and history. A whopping sixteen internationally renowned museums, galleries and universities await, each one a window into the past.
The Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Egyptian Museum, Glyptothek, Lenbachhaus and Museum Brandhorst are just a few of the incredible institutions that house art from Gerhard Richter to Joseph Beuys, from da Vinci to Rubens. It’s absolutely worth spending a few days checking out these museums, and you’ll be amazed at how much there is to see!
Further detailed information on the Kunstareal kunstareal.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #7
Bamberg: Steeped in History
The bishop’s and imperial city is on seven hills, which is why it’s also known as the ‚Franconian Rome‘. The old town is a unique urban work of art from the period between the High Middle Ages and the Baroque and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
Bamberg has got 1,200 monuments from the 11th to 18th centuries. Other highlights include the bridge town hall built into the Regnitz, the rose garden with a view over the old town, tanners‘ houses on the Old Canal and the fishing settlement of ‚Little Venice‘.
Further detailed information on Bamberg bamberg.info
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #8
Bayreuth: Raise the Curtain
The opera house in the town of Bayreuth is an absolute masterpiece of Baroque theatre architecture! Built between 1744 and 1748, it is one of the few original theatre buildings of this era that have been preserved, and it was designed by the leading theatre architect of the time, Giuseppe Galli Bibiena.
The loge theatre is in the Italian style and is made entirely of wood and canvas. Amazingly, it is a self-supporting structure set in a stone building! It is truly a sight to behold, with its exuberant carved and painted decor making it a unique treasure.
Further detailed information on Bayreuth bayreuth-tourismus.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #9
Pilgrimage Church of Wies
The Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour on the Meadow is an absolute gem! Nestled against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains near Steingaden, this architectural masterpiece is a shining example of Bavarian Rococo at its finest. Built between 1745 and 1754 by the visionary brothers Johann Baptist and Dominikus Zimmermann, this church is a true wonder.
Step inside, and you’ll be amazed by the light-filled interior, where stucco work and ceiling paintings create a heavenly atmosphere that’s both bright and serene. The decoration is always tasteful, never over the top, and has been recognised as a ‚masterpiece of human creativity‘ and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Further detailed information on the Wieskirche wieskirche.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #10
Würzburg: Residence & Fortress
Baroque at its best! The Würzburg Residence is one of the most magnificent buildings of its time. The former ‚residence‘ of the prince-bishops was built between 1720 and 1744, together with an ‚excellent wine cellar‘ ordered by prince-bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn and later had a magnificent court garden added to it.
Artists from all over Europe contributed to the building: It displays elements of French palace architecture, Viennese Baroque and northern Italian palaces and sacred buildings. The ’staircase‘ is the artistic highlight, with the largest (600 square metres) ceiling fresco ever painted, created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. To this day, the ‘Staatlicher Hofkeller’ still has wine barrels lined up in an endless labyrinth of nearly 900 metres of corridors, where you can get dizzy even without a wine tasting, which are also offered.
Do not miss the Marienberg Fortress high above the river Main. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) dates back to the year 706. Together with the well house and the cistern, that is over 100 metres deep, impressive monumentsof the martially istory.
Best thing to do for food and wine lovers? Experience a Franconian wine tasting… Bürgerspital for example is a VDP winery in Franconia with more than 700 years of history and tradition. Its 120 hectares of vineyards are planted with classic grape varieties such as Silvaner and Riesling. Or try a wine-tasting at the Hofkeller. The best franconian white wines are bottled in the unique Bocksbeutel.
Further detailed information on Würzburg wuerzburg.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #11
Munich’s Trio of Squares
If you’re after fresh veg, fruit, fish, game, herbs and delis, then you absolutely have to check out the incredible 200-year-old Viktualienmarkt market behind Munich’s famous Marienplatz (with its historic neo-gothic Town Hall and Column of Saint Mary): The amazing Viktualienmarkt has a fantastic beer garden right in the middle of the market, which is super cool!
If you want to explore some of the city’s hipster scene, then the Gärtnerplatz district, which is 500 metres south of the Viktualienmarkt, is the perfect place to start. Prepare for a charming shopping experience, because there are some incredible boutiques, pop-up stores and shops! But it’s the strollers and idlers that will truly captivate your attention.
Further detailed information on the Viktualienmarkt viktualienmarkt-muenchen.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #12
Rock Star: Weltenburger Enge
Spectacular rock formations over the river Danube. This awesome natural wonder is Bavaria’s first national natural monument. 150 million years ago, a subtropical sea covered the land here, with corals and sponges forming mighty reefs – the same stuff that makes up the rock walls of the Enge today. Now, the Danube flows for about five kilometres between cliffs that are up to 70 metres high.
The best way to enjoy this spectacle is from one of the ships that go between Kelheim and Weltenburg Abbey. The monastery, which is located upstream at the entrance to the gorge, was founded around 600 AD and is considered the oldest monastic settlement in Bavaria and the oldest monastery brewery in the world.
Further detailed information on Weltenburg kloster-weltenburg.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #13
Neuschwanstein Castle
The world famous ‚fairytale castle‘ in the vicinity of Füssen in the Allgäu region is widely regarded as a global symbol of both Bavaria and Germany, situated as it is in the Heart of the Ammergau Alps.The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II (1845-1886) as a personal retreat, and construction of Neuschwanstein Castle began in 1869.
The construction of this magnificent edifice was driven by the utilisation of the most advanced technological solutions of the era, including a central heating system and an electric call system. King Ludwig’s tenure at Neuschwanstein was brief, as he passed away in 1886 after residing in the castle for a mere few months.
Further information on Neuschwanstein Castle neuschwanstein.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #14
Herrenchiemsee Castle
King Ludwig II’s magnificent castle, modelled on the world famous Versailles castle, was built from 1878 on the largest island in the Lake Chiemsee. It was a tribute to Louis XIV, the Sun King, and a way of glorifying the monarchical divine right.
It was Ludwig’s last major construction project and his most expensive building, but he only lived in it for a few days. Work on the ‚Bavarian Versailles‘ stopped after his death in 1886, and the building remained unfinished, but it still impresses visitors today.
Further information on Herrenchiemsee herrenchiemsee.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #15
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Plönlein is undoubtedly Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s most famous photo motif, and it’s not hard to see why! The crooked half-timbered house at the entrance to the hospital quarter looks like something out of a Grimm fairy tale, and it’s easy to see why. The enchanting building forms the centre of the Plönlein, which means ‚little square by the fountain‘: The historic ensemble includes a fountain and two towers of the city wall.
Explore the city wall with a total six towers on the amazing Rothenburg Tower Trail! This trail takes around 2.5 hours and covers four kilometres around the beautiful old town. In the east of the old town centre, the Galgentor (Gallows Gate) leads into medieval alleyways.
The nearby Röderturm Tower is open to visitors. From here you have a wonderful view of the Old Town, the Markus Tower and the Town Hall Tower (220 steps), which can also be climbed. Around two million people visit Germany’s best-preserved medieval walled town every year. However, most only come for a day trip.
Further information on Rothenburg ob der Tauber rothenburg.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #16
Regensburg: Urban Maze
The old town along the Danube and between the cathedral and Bismarckplatz was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and covers less than one square kilometre. Exploring the Old Town is an adventure. Cobbled streets criss-cross and intersect. Many are somehow parallel, but only somehow. For newcomers, it is a tangle of streets, alleys, corners, turns, narrow passages and dead ends. This is what makes a medieval trading centre so attractive, and what UNESCO has recognised.
The Bridge ‚Steinerne Brücke‘ is a famous landmark. This magnificent medieval monument spans the Danube over a length of about 300 metres with round stone arches. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a wonder of the world, and even today, it is a popular place to visit in Regensburg. It connects the old town with the Stadtamhof district.
The House of Bavarian History is an award-winning attraction. It was opened in 2019 and praised for its architecture. The museum is 2,500 square metres in size and presents the history of Bavaria through more than 1,000 exhibits. With its modern and multimedia displays, it has become one of Regensburg’s most popular attractions.
Regensburg’s smallest district, Stadtamhof, is surrounded by rivers and canals. It is quiet but has a lot to offer, including narrow streets, the Grieser Spitz (where the Regen flows into the Danube), churches, galleries, cafés and beer gardens, such as the ‘Auer Bräu’.
Further information on Regensburg tourismus.regensburg.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #17
Nuremberg: Castles, Sausages and Streetart
The Albrecht-Dürer-Haus offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the world-famous painter’s original living rooms and work space. During guided tours, visitors can also enjoy the performance of an actress portraying Dürer’s wife, Agnes. Nuremberg Castle, a historic landmark dating back to the year 1000, comprises two fortresses: the Kaiserburg and the Burggrafenburg.
The Weißgerbergasse features historic protected houses that have been preserved in their original condition, offering a captivating glimpse into Nuremberg’s late medieval era. The view of the Weinstadel and Henkersteg from Maxbrücke bridge is renowned for its stunning beauty, making it a popular location for photography.
You’ve simply got to visit the famous ‚Bratwursthäusle‚ right next to the Saint Sebaldus Church — a very rustic inn that’s a local favorite. Be sure to order Nuremberg grilled sausages with sauerkraut or potato salad. The terraces offer stunning views of the Town Hall, St. Sebaldus Church, and the action on the main market square. And just a short stroll away is the famous Imperial Castle.
The „Betonliebe“ (Love of Concrete) street art festival has already an institution in Langwasser, the district in the south-east of Nuremberg created in the 1960s. With its large façades, it is the ideal spot for graffiti and murals from internationally recognised and German street artists.
Do you prefer steamy railway history to colourful walls? Then head to the railway museum! That is one of the best things to do in Bavaria for train lovers. The journey through time starts with the museum’s oldest vehicle, a coal wagon from England, and a replica of the famous Adler locomotive.
Further information on Nuremberg tourismus.nuernberg.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #18
Munich Oktoberfest
The ‚Wiesn‘ is thought to be the biggest folk festival on the planet and it’s held every year on Munich’s Theresienwiese. Almost 40 beer tents and over a hundred rides such as the Olympia Looping (the largest transportable roller coaster in the world), the Wellenflug swing carousel (since 1919), the 50 metres high Willenborg’s Ferris Wheel with 40 gondolas, the Toboggan (1933) or the Devil’s Wheel (since 1910) attract around 7 million of visitors each year, who drink more than 7,500,000 litres of beer.
One of the highlights is the traditional costume parade with 150 traditional costume groups on the first sunday of the festival. And since 2010, they’ve had this cool nostalgic area called the ‚Oide Wiesn‘ with three tents and classic rides, which is a nice touch.
Further information on the Oktoberfest oktoberfest.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #19
Walhalla: Bavaria’s Hall of Fame
Poets, philosophers and an awesome Danube panorama: the Walhalla has been enthroned just 30 minutes from Regensburg since 1842. This magnificent building, which resembles a Greek temple, commemorates important (predominantly male) personalities from the fields of politics, science and art, as well as historical events, with 131 marble busts and 65 memorial plaques. It was built at the behest of King Ludwig I under Leo von Klenze, with an ancient building, the Parthenon in Athens, serving as a model.
Further information on the Walhalla schloesser.bayern.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #20
The Fuggerei in Augsburg
Five centuries ago, the Fugger family, an affluent dynasty of mercantile tycoons, established the Fuggerei with the altruistic objective of providing affordable housing for the indigent. This initiative, spearheaded by the devout Jakob Fugger, can be regarded as a pioneering endeavour in the realm of social welfare.
The Fuggerei stands as a testament to the Fugger legacy, a self-contained community within a city, comprising 67 residences and an ecclesiastical structure. This unique settlement, while providing sanctuary to the impoverished, continues to operate as a testament to the Fugger’s commitment to community service and religious devotion. The financial contribution required from residents is minimal, amounting to a mere €0.88 per annum, in exchange for which they receive three prayers per day.
Further information on the Fuggerei fugger.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #21
Goldsteig: Ready for a 660 Kilometre Hike?
The Goldsteig promises pure hiking pleasure: the 660-kilometre long-distance hiking trail is one of the ‘Top Trails of Germany’ and leads in 38 stages through the low mountain range landscapes of the Upper Palatinate Forest and the Bavarian Forest.
The northern variant leads from Marktredwitz through the Bavarian Forest National Park to Passau. The highlight in the truest sense of the word is the demanding, 24-kilometre summit route over twelve thousand-metre peaks.
More infos on the Goldsteig Hiking Trail bavaria.travel
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #22
Germany’s highest waterfall
The Röthbachfall, the highest waterfall in Germany, is an absolute showstopper! It plummets down an incredible 470 metres, soaring over two massive steps. The Röthbach falls almost vertically over the Röthwand in two awe-inspiring main steps.
For those who like to explore, the second highest waterfall in Germany, the Landtalfall, is located in the immediate vicinity a little further north.Both falls are 18 kilometres south of Berchtesgaden, making them easily accessible for a day trip.
More informations on the Röthbachfall berchtesgaden.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #23
Top of Germany: Zugspitze
Since 2017, the spectacular ‚Seilbahn Zugspitze‘ cable car has been thrilling visitors by whisking them away from Eibsee to the majestic summit of Germany’s highest mountain. This feat of engineering boasts two cabins, each capable of carrying up to 120 people, and covers an height difference of 1,945 metres in a single journey – a world record!
The viewing terrace on the peak offers a breathtaking panoramic view of four hundred peaks, spanning Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. And for the adventure-seekers with high alpine experience and good physical condition.
There are several hiking and climbing routes leading to the summit, with the easiest being the longest: the Reintal route covers 21 kilometres and requires a good level of fitness.
One of the best things to do in bavaria for anyone for all those who love high alpine landscapes and enjoy mountain hiking.
Further informations in Zugspitze Mountain and the cable car zugspitze.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #24
Royal Flush: Coburg
A royal couple, a forearm-long sausage, one of the largest castles in Germany and a popular Samba festival. The former royal seat of Coburg surprises with diversity in a small area. The Veste Coburg, known as the ‘Franconian Crown’, has guarded the Coburg region since the Staufer period and, in addition to the Luther Room, also houses art collections with works by Cranach and Dürer, among others. Those interested in Luther will find two Lucas Cranach portraits of him and his wife, hundreds of original writings and Bibles, and his ‘Hedwig Cup’, a magnificent piece of Fatimid craftsmanship.
Further informations on Coburg coburgmarketing.de
Best Things to Do in Bavaria #25
Time Travel: Open-Air Museum Windsheim
A tour of the Franconian open-air museum in Bad Windsheim is like a journey through 700 years of Franconian everyday history. More than 100 original buildings from 700 years are located on a large area with gardens, fields, orchards and animals – from historic farms to breweries, inns and mills to sheepfolds and craft houses. One of the best things to do in bavaria for anyone who wants to know how people in Bavaria lived and worked 500 years ago.
The inclusive offer includes exhibitions that can be understood and experienced with all the senses, audio guides, information in Braille and information brochures in easy-to-read language. From time to time, you can watch craftsmen at work as they once were.
Further informations on freilandmuseum.de
Over 200 inspiring stories, helpful bucket lists and recipes on the official tourism website of Bavaria bavaria.travel
Lead image at the top : © erlebe.bayern-Gert Krautbauer
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