e-travelguide
0871 508 8768

Search for a Hotel Anywhere

Search This Site

Bavaria

Make the most of your time in Bavaria, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

The snow-capped mountains, Alpine lakes and fertile valleys of Bavaria make it an area of picture-postcard natural beauty. Dotted with enchanting castles, rural villages and thick forests, the romance and mystery of Bavaria have made it one of the most visited parts of Europe. But as much as its outstanding natural beauty, Bavaria’s rich culture, vibrant cities and welcoming people draw millions of visitors back time and again.

Extending from the North German Plain down into the Alps, Bavaria is the southernmost and geographically largest state of Germany. For many, the forests, lakes and mountains of Bavaria are the epitome of Germany, yet ironically, Bavarian culture has more in common with neighbouring Austria than the rest of Germany.

Its long history has made Bavaria the most independent of German states. For centuries it was one of the three ‘Free States’ of Germany, ruled by its own Duke. It became a kingdom in the early 19th century, before being absorbed into a united Germany following its defeat in the Austro-Prussian war of 1871. Nevertheless, Bavaria’s customs and even dialect are markedly different from the rest of Germany. This is in large part what make Bavaria such an enchanting place to visit.

More than half of Bavarians are Catholic, are typically more conservative than the rest of Germany and are fiercely protective of their traditions. Traditional costumes such as lederhosen for men and dirndle for women are still worn on special occasions, while traditional Bavarian fare of sausages and copious amounts of beer are to be found everywhere. Beer in Bavaria is usually served by the litre, making Bavarian’ the most beer-loving people with an average annual consumption of 170 litres per person.

Despite this cultural conservatism Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is one of the country’s most liberal cities. Affectionately known as the Paris of Germany thanks to its refined culture and magnificent architecture, Munich has a large foreign population, drawing people from all over Europe for work and pleasure. This is particularly true in late September and early October when Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival is held.

While Munich may be the best know city in Bavaria, it is home to a number of fascinating and beautiful cities, including Nuremberg, Regensburg and Augsburg, none of which should be missed on a trip to Bavaria.

So whatever you are looking for, be it the castles, museums, opera houses or beer gardens of Munich, or the breathtaking mountains, lakes and forests of the Alps, Bavaria delivers in stunning style.
 

©e-travelguide.info 2003 - 2009