These are the best places to visit in Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural treasures. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to charming medieval towns and world-famous beer gardens: This southern German state offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for alpine adventures, a city-lover who cannot get enough of strolling through picturesque streets or you just like to relax at some beautiful lakes: Bavaria will not leave you disappointed. When travelling Bavaria, these are the best places to visit.

Neuschwanstein Castle: Visit the fairy tale castle

Welcome to a fairy tale. One of the common images that represents Bavaria and the South of Germany is the Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s obvious that the castle cannot be missing on the list of best places to visit in Bavaria.

The majestic building directly in the mountains was built by the last Bavarian King and is the main tourist attraction ever since. The castle is located in Füssen, a small city in the Allgäu with the most beautiful scenery. It is both an incredible view to watch the castle from below and to hike up the hill to enjoy the view from above. If you are interested in the interior of the castle, there are different tours available each day. You can also visit the Castle Hohenschwangau which is just nearby and known as the home of the parents of King Ludwig II.

One thing is for sure: The area will make you feel like you’re walking through a wonderland. During every season, the Neuschwanstein Castle offers one of a kind view and amazes millions of visitors each year. In the winter time you’ll be amazed by the white snow covering the landscape and during the summer month you can jump into the Lake Alpsee which is just near the castle.

A trip to the Zugspitze and the famous Lake Eibsee

You cannot miss the highest summit of Germany when travelling Bavaria. The Zugspitze is located in the very South of Bavaria, close to the border to Austria. An absolute highlight, next to the peak itself, is the Lake Eibsee – one of the most beautiful alpine lakes of Germany or even Europe. With its clear water and the stunning view of the rocky mountains, Lake Eibsee is definitely one of the best places to visit in Bavaria.

The lake is located right at the bottom of the Zugspitze. You can spend a day walking around the shore. If you are lucky, you will see a beautiful reflection of the mountain in the water while you take a walk around the shore. It can easily be combined with a gondola trip to the top of the Zugspitze. For the ultimate experience, you can rent a boat or take the SUP over the lake. Who wouldn’t love to paddle below Germany’s highest mountain? An absolute bucketlist experience!

The Lake Eibsee is located near the city of Garmisch Patenkirchen, directly at the boarder to Austria. The best time to visit the lake is directly in the morning. You can take beautiful pictures without crowds of tourists and you witness the morning light over the country´s highest peak. For many travellers, this is the number one place in Germany and a memory that will stay forever. Even the locals are surprised to see how beautiful their country actually is and how much it has to offer.

Munich: Explore the Bavarian culture in the capital

Your journey through Bavaria will most likely start in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. While the city is not the most beautiful stop on your route, it still should not be missed. Many international travellers see Munich as the city of soccer, beer and the Oktoberfest. Surely, these are all important attributes of the city. And yet it is so much more of things to do.

When in Munich, make sure to visit the Olympia Park and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the city. Stroll through the city center and over the Marienplatz. Take a walk along the Isar and watch the locals surf on the Eisbach River. And of course, do not forget to have a beer in a local pub and wander through the Englischer Garten. For the sport fans, a tour through the Allianz Arena is also a Must-Do.

Visit the beautiful lakes with mountain views

One thing that Bavaria does offer like barely any other place in the world: Lakes. While some are located up in the mountains and can only be reached after some hiking, others are more easily to access. A great place to get some insights in the Allgäu. After visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle, you can take some time to explore the surrounding area. You will find multiple picturesque lakes, one of them named the Hopfensee.

Drive to the small village of Hopfen by the lake and take a walk around. You will not only get to see an amazing view of the mountains but as well experience the laid-back lifestyle of Bavaria. The Hopfensee is a popular place for tourists to relax and enjoy nature. You can even rent a boat in summer and get an ultimate experience. Seeing the mountains in the background, the reflection in the water and the peace around you is one of the reasons, why many travellers love Bavaria and decide to stay longer as planned.

Other beautiful lakes in the area are the Attlesee, the Forggensee, the Alpsee or the Alatsee.

Lake Constance: Explore the city of Lindau

Another highlight of the best places to visit in Bavaria is Lake Constance. Lake Constance is one of the biggest lakes in Europe and has its boarders in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Even Bavaria has its part around the shore and the city of Lindau is the ideal chance for you to explore the beautiful place.

Lindau is located right at the shore of the lake, one part of the city stretched over the bridge to a small island. In some corners, Lindau feels like Southern Europe. It has this special charm, almost Mediterranean.

On Lindau Island are different beaches and accesses to the water. During summer, a swim in the lake or a boat ride is an absolute must. You can enjoy a coffee in the harbor and feel the sun on your skin. During winter, Lindau has as well a beautiful Christmas Market directly by the water. Even the locals love to take some time out and enjoy the special flair that Lindau has to offer. From Lindau, you can as well take the ferry across the lake and explore more areas of the Lake Constance.

Berchtesgaden National Park – Nature at Its Best

For outdoor enthusiasts, Berchtesgaden National Park offers some of Bavaria’s most stunning scenery. It is mostly a place to be for outdoor lovers and photography junkies. The highlights in the area are the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), a historical site offering panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps and the famous Königssee. The crystal-clear alpine lake is surrounded by towering mountains and looks just like out of the books.

Go on a hike in the alps

It would not be a trip to Bavaria without a hike. Ideal places for such adventures are Berchtesgaden or the Allgäu. You will find a great variety of different tracks. From medium hikes to about long tour lasting up to several hours. If you are lazy, you can also take a gondola and enjoy the view from the top. There are various routes offering just that, so do not worry: There is something for everybody.

Hiking, for many Bavarians, is the best thing to experience the landscape and get some contrast from work and their daily life. Especially down in the south, you will experience a true hiking culture and most visitors are eager to join. So, make sure to take some hiking boots when visiting Bavaria. This is also a great chance to do some photography and capture the countryside!

Explore the historic Bavarian cities: Würzburg, Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl and more

Apart from the incredible natures and the capital Munich, Bavaria also has to offer a great choice of beautiful cities. While there is not the Number one city you should see, you can choose yourself and see which stops fit best in your route through Bavaria or Germany. Here are some beautiful cities which invite you to explore more of the variety of Bavaria and should not be missed among the best places to visit in Bavaria:

• Würzburg: One of the bigger cities in Northern Bavaria is Würzburg. The young and vibrant cities is surrounded by vineyards and offers amazing views from the castle.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: This is a Christmas Capital located in the North of Bavaria. It is small but beautiful and especially worth a visit during the Christmas season.
• Bamberg: The picturesque town of Bamberg is often called the “Franconian Rome” due to its seven hills and historic architecture. Must-see attractions include the Cathedral and the Old Town Hall.
• Dinkelsbühl: Dinkelsbühl is a hidden gem in Bavaria. The Old Town is one of the prettiest in all of Germany.
• Passau: Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau is a charming Bavarian town known for its diversity. You can take a cruise on the river or wander through the charming alleys.
• Regensburg: Situated on the Danube River, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s most charming historic cities. Do not miss out on the Stone Bridge and the Cathedral.