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17 Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Bavaria is the southern German region with a culture all of its own. In fact, many of Bavaria’s traditions and much of its cuisine are often conflated with Germany as a whole; beer halls, bratwurst, and that typical Bavarian architecture that makes everything feel as though it’s from a fairytale.

And in some ways – with its lofty mystical mountains, lush green valleys studded with forests, serene mirror-like lakes as big as seas, crumbling ruins, and still-standing castles – Bavaria really is like a fairytale. From its sublime nature to its charming medieval towns and villages, there’s almost no end to the best places in Bavaria you could be visiting on a trip to Germany.

17. Franconian Lake District

The Franconian Lake District is located in northern Bavaria southwest of Nuremberg. It’s made up of five lakes – Hahnenkammsee, Altmühlsee, Rothsee, Dennenloher See, and Brombachsee. The latter, in fact, was created by one of Germany’s largest-ever water-management projects.

Man-made or not, this and the other lakes form an unspoiled area that’s ripe for outdoor activities. Surrounded by meadows and small villages, the lakes are also ringed with several beaches, with water sports and hiking the order of the day. Camping, or staying in cozy guesthouses, has to be the best way to see the Franconian Lake District.

16. Nuremberg

The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a busy, lively city that’s popular with international travelers and locals alike all year. Best known for the Nuremberg Trials, this city was formerly the residence of German kings, and is the site of the fantastic Nuremberg Castle; built in 1495, it’s a medieval wonderland.

Much of the city was destroyed during World War II. Thankfully, most of the charming Altstadt (Old Town) was constructed afterward, using original stone no less, giving Nuremberg back its medieval charm. The city’s Christmas Market marks one of the most popular times to visit Nuremberg.

15. Landshut

Situated between Munich and Regensberg, Landshut is a pretty medieval town. It is best known for the Landshut Wedding, a quadrennial re-enactment of a medieval wedding, including jousting, feasting and knights’ tournaments.

One of its best sights has to be St. Martin’s Church. This brick Gothic church was built in 1389 and features a soaring spire, making it the tallest church in Bavaria. There’s also Trausnitz Castle, founded in 1204, that today boasts Renaissance architecture.

The Landtor area is a beautiful place for shopping, eating, and drinking amid the historic buildings of the Old Town. Landshut is also conveniently located close to Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, and the town boasts a surprising amount of lodgings set in charming heritage buildings.

14. Augsburg

One of the oldest cities in Germany, having been founded by the Romans in 15 BC, it’s also the largest town to be located on Germany’s Romantic Road. From the 13th century, Augsburg was actually an independent city-state – and a pretty wealthy one at that. Evidence of its former glory can still be seen today in the attractive buildings of the town, from the Baroque Town Hall to its 11th-century Romanesque cathedral.

Interestingly, Augsburg boasts the world’s oldest welfare housing, The Fuggerei. Built in 1516, these houses are still lived in to this day and remain very affordable. Today, Augsburg it’s a university town with many pubs and a welcoming pedestrianized zone.

13. Linderhof Palace

Situated in Schloss, southwest Bavaria, the Linderhof Palace is one of King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s crazy castle creations. It’s the smallest of the three royal palaces contrived by the ruler, and notably, the only one that Ludwig lived to see completed.

Modeled on Versailles, the Linderhof Palace features some extremely opulent Rococo style interiors, with an abundance of ornate carvings and gold leaf. It also features an intricate Moorish-style “Moroccan House,” as well as the man-made and very sparkling Venus Grotto. With its beautifully sculpted gardens – free to stroll around – its setting in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps provides a picturesque backdrop.

12. Wurzburg

The Main River slices through Würzburg, a town on the Romantic Road, giving it a charming riverside location. It’s a lovely place to explore, complete with a history of architecture and art, as well as some excellent wines.

The top sight in town is the Würzburg Residenz, a bold Baroque building – arguably, one of the most beautiful in Germany – complete with an iconic zig-zag staircase and home to the world’s largest fresco. There’s a lively student scene in town that makes it a fun place to stop off and enjoy local life in the intricacies of Würzburg’s cobbled streets.

11. Dinkelsbuhl

Dinkelsbühl was founded in the 8th century by Carolingian kings. Today, many Germans think of this town as Germany’s most beautiful, and it’s easy to see why. Set on the Romantic Road, most of Dinkelsbühl is made up of charming medieval houses painted in bright pastel colors that makes for something you’d see in a fairytale.

Wander the fortified walls, count the 18 towers, and be taken back in time. Every year, the townspeople celebrate their surrender to Sweden during the 17th-century 30 Years War; surrendering saved this beautiful spot from destruction.

10. Regensburg

Regensburg is located on the banks of the Danube and is famous for its very well preserved medieval heart. The icon of the city, however, is its stone bridge. This 12th-century structure straddles the river, with a whopping 16 arches making an impressive sight indeed.

Regensburg Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece with ornate spires and detailing dating back to the 13th century. There’s even a Roman-era city gate – the Porta Praetoria – built in 179 AD. The town is flanked by medieval towers, one of which is an imposing 50 meters tall. Needless to say, staying in Regensburg is like staying in a fantasy novel.

9. Lake Constance

Also known by its German name, Bodensee, Lake Constance is a glimmering turquoise alpine lake that borders Austria and Switzerland . The lake is fed by the Rhine River and is made up of two parts – the Untersee and the Obersee.

Best visited in the summer months, this 63-kilometer-long lake is edged by attractive resorts and campsites. There are also a few attractive cities, including Lindau, which is situated on an island full of medieval and half-timbered buildings

Swimming, sailing, and windsurfing, as well as hiking opportunities in the hills, make up the lake’s outdoor activities, while keen cyclists will enjoy the cycle path that encircles Lake Constance itself.

8. Franconian Switzerland

Franconian Switzerland is one of Germany’s oldest vacation destinations. The area was named by 19th-century poets and artists, who likened the sublime landscape in this part of Upper Franconia to that of Switzerland. The rest is history.

Located in a rural area, there are nevertheless many things to do. From boat trips along the River Wisent, exploring its thousands of caves and rock climbing, to discovering ruined castles and quaint villages, Franconian Switzerland also boasts the highest density of breweries in the world. This means every village in the area has at least one pub where you can enjoy a cold beer.

7. Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in Southern Bavaria and is an incredibly charming place to explore. Formerly two towns – Garmisch on one side of the river, and Partenkirchen on the other – they were conjoined by the Nazi government in 1935 prior to the 1936 Winter Olympics, held in the newly composite town.

Not only famous for houses boasting wood carvings and the Italian-influenced Bavarian frescoes, Lüftlmalerei, this Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also located in the shadow of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962 meters above sea level. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer – this alpine town has it all.

6. Chiemsee

Often dubbed “the Bavarian Sea,” Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and is a beautiful spot for a relaxing retreat on the water’s edge. The main resort town of Priena is a popular destination for wealthy Munichers, though there are several other towns to suit other types of travelers.

There is also a selection of islands to explore on the glassy waters of the lake, reachable by boat. One of these is Herrensel, where you’ll find one of King Ludwig’s castles – the Herrenchiemsee. Another palace influenced by Versailles, this 19th-century edifice was one of the most expensive buildings in Bavarian history. There’s also an Augustinian monastery located on Herrensel.

5. Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is an alpine town that features incredible views of the local icon – Watzmann. This is Germany’s third-highest mountain, creating a sublime backdrop to the town with its imposing 2,713 meters of granite. Other mountains flank the area, making Berchtesgaden beautiful beyond belief.

Hiking trails abound in the area during the summer, particularly around the nearby and very spectacular Konigssee. This is also where you’ll find a more unlikely sight – the Eagle’s Nest. A strangely dark tourist sight, the former mountain retreat of Hitler (who was afraid of heights) is now a restaurant and bar, complete with observatory platform.

Spread across seven hills at the point where the Regnez and Main Rivers meet, Bamberg is a very pretty Bavarian village. It boasts an Old Town that features a number of 11th-century buildings, such as Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral.

Because of its location on the two rivers, it’s been dubbed “Little Venice.” Here, you’ll find old fishermen’s houses that jostle for space along the waterfront. Amazingly, the old town hall of Bamberg is set on an island in the Regnez and is connected by two handsome stone arch bridges.

Famous for more than just Oktoberfest – taking place in the urban park of Englischer Garten – Munich is the Bavarian capital that bulges with bountiful beer halls and a beautiful old town to boot. The Altstadt is centered around the impressive Neo-Gothic Town Hall, with its iconic glockenspiel clock.

See also: Where to Stay in Munich

St Peter’s Church, dating from the 12th-century, seems to pierce the sky with its spire, while Frauenkirche Cathedral is alluring with its twin bell towers. When sightseeing in Munich has become too much, head to the historic Hofbrauhaus – a beerhouse dating back to 1589 – for steins of beer and a hearty feast.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful towns on the Romantic Road. Meaning “Red Fortress over the river Tauber,” this is the quintessential medieval Bavarian town, the type that comes from storybooks and sparks your imagination. It’s all timber buildings along delightful cobbled streets and a patchwork of pretty pastel colors.

One of the most famous things is the Rothenburg Christmas Market, held since the 15th century. Even with tourist crowds, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a beautiful place to explore. Staying here means you get the town to yourself as the daytrippers leave ; night brings the intriguing Nightwatchman’s Tour.

Thanks to its proximity to three castles, Füssen is one for all the castle enthusiasts out there. First of all, there’s Hohenschwangau, a handsomely ‘classic’ castle with turrets and towers, which is where King Ludwig II spent his childhood – possibly why he was so castle crazy.

There’s also Hohes Schloss, the late-Gothic castle with white walls and pretty red rooves. But the number one castle near Füssen is Neuschwanstein Castle; this is Ludwig II’s masterpiece. It’s so beautiful that even the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Walt Disney fame was directly inspired by it. Neuschwanstein is quite literally the stuff of fairytales.

Map of Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany

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20 of The Best Things to do in Bavaria

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Get ready to be blown away by Bavaria! These are the most amazing things to do in Bavaria that will inspire you to visit Germany.

When telling people we were traveling to Germany this summer, we didn’t exactly get the “ wow ” reception we usually do with places like France or Italy. But after spending 10 days exploring the jaw-dropping region of Bavaria, we can guarantee that a trip to Germany will rival any European vacation you have ever fantasized about.

Germany doesn’t have that romanticized reputation that other European destinations have but when you step foot in Bavaria, you’ll be transformed to a fairytale destination that will stay with you for years to come.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Bavaria Germany

The best way to get around Bavaria is by car, you can compare rental car prices at CarRentals.com

1. Explore Munich

We only had one day in Munich and it definitely wasn’t enough. But the best way to make the most of it is to take a cycling tour with Radius Tours.

Our guide Tim was born in Germany and grew up in both the United States and Kenya . He shared awesome facts about Munich and the history of the city. We saw all the top Munich attractions and historic sites as well as the downtown area and old town. And cycling was a fantastic and leisurely way to get around the city. Read more: Best Things to do in Munich, Germany

We highly recommend this tour as we managed to see most of the things to do in Munich that you see on all the lists and we only had 24 hours in the city! If you don’t take a tour, at least make your way to Marienplatz to see the magnificent main square and have a beer at Hofbrau house for a beer. It’s Munich’s largest beer hall and while it is touristy, it’s a must stop for first-time visitors.

Check out our video for more things to do in Munich.

Where to Stay in Munich

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn at Munich City West. It is close to the metro and is just two stops from the main square.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle

It’s the fairytale castle you’ve always dreamed about. Located an hour and forty-five minutes from Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bavaria.

But we suggest staying overnight in the area to get an early start. We arrived for sunrise and had the place all to ourselves. This is pretty rare for one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

How to Visit to Neuschwantstein Castle

By arriving well before sunrise, we drove right up to the restaurant at the top of the mountain and had a short walk to the castle. Once everything opens, cars are not allowed to drive up there and you either have to hike or take a horse carriage to the castle.

We managed to get a fantastic drone shot, but had to go off the property and fly from a field. No drones are allowed on the premises of Neuschwanstein Castle.

3. Hopfensee

The nearby village of Hopfensee was a beautiful and peaceful stop after the chaos of Neuschwanstein.

Hopfensee is a lovely place for lunch overlooking the warmest lake in the upper Bavarian Alps. There is a boardwalk along the waterfront and you can hike around the lake with the gorgeous views of the Bavarian Alps in the background.

Where to stay

We didn’t stay in this area, but we wish we did. I could have spent another full day exploring, hiking and checking out the castles near Hopfensee and Neuschwanstein.

Think the village of Hohenschwangau located below the castle of Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle would make for a great base. Check out the new Ameron Alpsee Neuschwanstein Resort and Spa located at the foot of both castles.

4. Chill Out in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

After our time at Hopfensee, we drove directly to Garmisch Partenkirchen where we made our base for a couple of days. There are so many things to do here that it warrants its own post, but here are some of the very best highlights from our time there.

Read our full post: Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen

5. Visit the 1936 Olympic Village

The town was home to the 1936 Winter Olympics and there are still relics of the Olympic village including the renovated ski jump center. But people come to this town for hiking or skiing and with good reason, the Alps here are stunning.

6. Marvel at the Alpspix

There are many gondolas that will take you into the mountains, but the Alpspix has them all beat. The viewing platform consists of two dizzying curved walkways leading out over a 1000 meter drop (3000 feet).

It offers staggering views of the surrounding mountains and an overhead view of Garmisch. If you buy a ticket for the Garmisch Classic, you can decide how you want to get back down.

Be sure to take the first gondola up to beat the tour buses. Like most of our trip to Bavaria, we had the place to ourselves because we were willing to get up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds.

The Alpspix was a highlight of our time in Bavaria and gave us some of the best views.

7. Take the Rail to Germany’s Highest Peak

Take the Cogwheel train up to Germany’s Highest Peak, the Zugsptize. There are many hiking trails to explore, so you can make a day of it and go hiking high in the Alps all around the area. There is even a trail that connects the Alspix to Zugzpitze.

You can also take another gondola to Hochalmbahn on a different part of the mountain to enjoy a leisurely downhill walk for 30 minutes before you hop on the last gondola that takes you back to the parking lot.

8. Take a Walk Along Partnach Gorge

We had seen many people recommend the Partnach Gorge when in Garmisch, but we didn’t know how truly magnificent it was until we saw it with our own eyes.

This gorge is a powerful display of water crashing through deep caverns. The narrow walkway is an adventure along the rushing water with only a couple of metal cables between you and the gorge. It is loud, it is wet, it is a bit scary, but it is truly amazing.

I am so glad that we made the time to take this hike. If you only have a short time, you can walk out and back, but if you have a day, continue on and do a round trip to explore more of the trails.

Where to Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Gastehaus Maria  is conveniently located in the old city. It is family run and has the most extraordinary views. We loved sitting on our balcony marveling at Germany’s highest peak while sipping a beer bought from their honor bar for a very reasonable 2 Euro.

Gastehaus Maria : Zoeppritzstrasse 20 82467 Garmisch Partenkirchen

Other must-dos in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Zugspitze – The Highest Peak in the German Alps
• Ettal Abbey – A beautiful Abbey just a short drive out of town.
• Linderhof Palace – King Ludwig’s smallest palace, but also the only one he saw finished.

Read our full guide to Garmisch at 14 Amazing Things to do in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

9. Explore Castle Herrenchiemsee

If you are a fan of the Palace of Versailles , you are going to love Castle Herrenchiemsee. King Ludwig II was a fan of Versailles and modeled his dream castle after it.

We caught the first boat out at 6:40 am and explored the grounds in complete privacy. Nobody else was on that boat save for a few staff. The castle and grounds are huge and it’s beautiful to explore. But be warned, the mosquitoes are tyrants and we wished we brought our bug spray with us.

Nothing opens until 9:00 am, so if you do arrive early, you won’t have anything to do but marvel at the statues and fountains, take photographs and wander the paths.

Make a day of it and explore the nearby islands. It’s worth making a day of it and taking the ferry over to the neighboring island of Fraueninsel to see the monastery that is still inhabited by Benedictine nuns.

Where to Stay in Prien am Chiemsee

Hotel Bayerischer was one of the more chic hotels we stayed in during our time in Bavaria. It’s located right downtown and has two fabulous restaurants. I wish we had two nights there, but alas, there is so much of Bavaria to see!

Hotel Bayerischer Hof Bernauer Straße 3 83209 Prien am Chiemsee

10. Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is another popular destination in Bavaria that makes for a great home base. Located along the Austrian border, it houses some very extraordinary peaks. There are many things to see in the area, so be sure to spend a day or two.

Where to Stay in Berchtesgaden

We took a reprieve from our road trip and enjoyed our time here at the Alpenhotel where we took advantage of the spa and a tasty restaurant. But there are a few things to do in the area as well including hiking, exploring the salt mines and lake cruises.

Alpenhotel Fischer Königseer Straße 51 83471 Berchtesgaden

11. Hintersee

Hintersee is a picturesque lake located just 20 minutes from Berchtesgaden. It’s also one of the most photographed places in Bavaria. We had a lot of early mornings in the region to

12. Eagle’s Nest

Eagle’s Nest is famous because it was the headquarters of Nazi meetings between Hitler and his top brass. It was designed to instill fear and show power with an impressive copper elevator cut through the mountain to take people to the top. Most of Eagle’s Nest was destroyed and even the stones from the fireplace (a gift from Mussolini to Hitler) were taken by allied forces.

People are intrigued to go because it is said that Hitler spent a lot of time there, but he avoided the place due to his fear of heights and he never did spend the night there.

This is a major stop on all the tour bus routes and if you don’t arrive early, you will be stuck waiting up to two hours to get a spot on the shuttle that takes you to the elevator. When you get to the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views, but you can have those views anywhere in the Alps of Germany.

It may have been a Nazi retreat but today it is a restaurant and beer garden and any relic that dates back to the days of Hitler were either destroyed or looted.

13. Kuchlsbauer Brewery

Bavaria has approximately 1500 breweries, so choosing a brewery tour can be daunting. But if you are looking for something unique, the Kuchlsbauer Brewery  in the town of Abensbert is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Bavaria!

It is located between Munich or Nuremberg and makes a good day trip from either.

This place reminded us of something Antonio Gaudi w ould have designed.Our tour started in Kunst Haus, a display dedicated to the works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, one of the most important Austrian artists of his time.

Kunst Haus is a unique design by Peter Pelikan, a Viennese architect who worked with Hundertwasser and kept the buildings around the brewery in the vein of Hundertwasser’s style.

14. Kuchlbauer Tower

The other highlight of the tour is the Kuchlbauer tower that was designed by Hundertwasser himself! It was originally going to be 70-metres high but was not allowed to be higher than the church steeple.

Following the death of Hundertwasser, Peter Pelikan forged on with his wishes and built the tower that today sits at about 35 meters high.

While the brewery tour itself is interesting, it’s the gallery and the tower that are truly impressive. This is certainly one of the most unique places to visit in Bavaria.

When you are done touring, be sure to stick around the beer garden for a bratwurst and beer. A true Bavarian tradition.

15. Befreihungshalle

A strange stop on our Bavarian tour was Liberation Hall. This monument was commissioned by King Ludwig I to commemorate the victory over Napolean. It is a solitary monument sitting high on a hill filled with striking winged statues representing the Goddesses of victory.

16. Weltenburg Abbey  – World’s Oldest Monastery

We continued on through our Bavaria tour to Weltenburg Abbey located on the Danube River. The monastery boasts the claim to fame of being the oldest monastery in the world dating back to 620. Certainly making it one of the oldest Bavaria points of interest on our trip!

17. World’s Oldest Brewery

It also houses the world’s oldest brewery in the main square. Be sure to go for a tour and grab a beer while you are visiting the Abbey. You can sit in the square and order a traditional Bavarian meal of schnitzel or bratwurst with your beer.

18. Danube Gorge Boat Tour

It’s busy during the day and the main draw is the boat tours along the river to explore the Danube Gorge. You can catch boats directly at Weltenburg Abbey, but be sure to ask if it returns. Some boats only go one way. The Danube Gorge is a designated nature reserve that is considered one of the most impressive portions of the Danube River.

Where to Stay

If you are looking for something unique, you can stay at Saint George’s monastery right in the Weltenburg Abbey.

Everything closes at 7pm, so it will feel a little strange to be in the square with nobody around. Even the staff of the hotel goes home at night. But there is an honor bar for food and drink and you can get up early to see the views free from crowds.

19. Nuremberg

When planning what to see in Bavaria, be sure to add Nuremberg on to your list. This fascinating ancient walled city packs a punch and there are many things to see and do. Read more: Fantastic Things to do in Nuremberg Germany

A highlight for us was taking the underground tour to explore the cellars of the city. This underground maze of tunnels once housed the cities beer keeping it cool and ready to drink. During WWII the cellars were used for safety during the air raids as Nuremberg was heavily hit during the conflict.

20. Documentation Centre and Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Nuremberg was hit so heavily because it was here that Nazi Rallies attracted up to 1 million people at a time. The city played a huge part in helping Hitler rise to power as he used it for his base of Nazi propaganda.

We didn’t think we’d spend much time at the Documentation Centre but it ended up being a gripping display honoring those where were victimized and murdered by the Nazi regime. It also demonstrates how Hitler rose to power and discusses what happened to the Nazis after the fall of the party.

It is difficult to experience these types of museums, but it is also important to see to remind us all how fragile freedom is and to never forget how quickly civilized societies can become tyrants.

If you want to learn more about this part of Germany’s history make sure to take a trip to the Dachau Concentration Camp near Munich when you are traveling to Bavaria.

Where to stay in Nuremberg

The Adina Apartment Hotel  was a great location in Nuremberg located right beside Germanic National Museum, the City Wall and just a short walk to the old town. It was modern, had a swimming pool, parking, and a great lounge.

21. Enjoy the Medieval City of Volkach

Franconia is Bavaria’s wine country located just a couple of hours outside Nuremberg. Located in Northern Bavaria, it is a picturesque destination that promotes quiet and romantic getaways for couples searching for delicious food and peaceful retreats.

Volkach is the town we based ourselves in and it is a lovely place that escaped allied bombings. With

22. Go for a Canoe Trip on the Old River Main

Being Canadian, this was definitely a highlight of our time in Franconia. It was the easiest paddling we’ve ever done with the canoe trip being downstream all the way!

Waterwalker Canoe center offers rentals that you can take out for the day to float down the River Main. The best part is, they offer regular pickups along the route, so you never have to paddle upstream.

The trip takes you through wine country where you will see vineyards, monasteries, and mansions lining the riverbanks. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine and make a day of it on the water. It’s one of the most romantic things you will do in Bavaria.

Book your tour today with Whitewalker Canoe

Where to Stay in Volkach

Romantikhotel Zur Schwane was a great historic hotel in the town centre that had a chic and modern design. It felt exactly what things should feel like in wine country. They can arrange tours and there’s a fantastic restaurant attached to the hotel.

Romantikhotel Zur Schwane Hauptstraße 12 97332 Volkach

What to do in Bavaria – The Video

Book your Flight to Bavaria, Germany

We flew with Condor Air to Frankfurt and found it to be an amazing budget alternative to the large airlines. Business class was a reasonable upgrade and they even offered people in coach upgrades on the day of the flight for 250 Euro. The service was excellent and with 170 degrees (“nearly”) lay flat seats, we slept like babies.

Condor offered us the same first class service at a fraction the price. We had a champagne welcome drink, a selection of wines and cheese, delicious meals (seriously, the pasta was the best I’ve had on a long haul flight. We’ll definitely be looking into Condor for our future flights to Europe.

Map of Bavaria Attractions

Click here for a link to our Bavaria Attractions on Google Maps

Bavaria is fascinating. It is the oldest state in all of Germany making for an interesting historic tour of the country. It’s also the largest state housing the jaw-dropping German Alps, vineyards, forests, and countless lakes.

If you are looking for something different for your vacation, this summer in Bavaria is something you’ll never forget.

• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen
• Top Historical Places to Visit in Berlin
• Where to Stay in Amsterdam
• Unique Vienna Attractions You Didn’t Know You Could Do

Our trip to Bavaria was sponsored by the Germany Tourism Board, for more information on Travel to Germany visit their website for travel ideas. 

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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19 thoughts on “20 of The Best Things to do in Bavaria”

Amazing blog, please keep on writing blogs like this, I like to read blogs like this, It is really amazing and interesting, also fun to read.

It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.

I loved ‘The Medieval City of Volkach’ . Its great place. I read your article. Its amazing. Thank you for sharing this information.

Bavaria is one of the most popular and most scenic travel destinations in Germany. Thanks for sharing your experience in Bavaria.

thank you for sharing this information .it is very good blog.and it is very helpful for me . so thank you once again

After going to Berlin a few years ago, I was a little less excited to see other parts of Germany. But the lure of Neuschwanstein Castle, a childhood bucket list item, brought me there. It was breathtaking and worth the visit, as were the other areas I saw in Bavaria. It is now in my soul and I’m eager to get back. Great opening to this post as I am sure many people feel the same! I loved Munich and can’t wait to see more of that area.

thank you for sharing this information. it is very good. and it is very helpful for me.

The first two paragraphs of this post is exactly what I thought about traveling to Germany…until I was there. I was fortunate enough to visit my cousin and his wife while he was stationed in Ramstein Air Base. Bavaria is beyond beautiful. It is a place I highly recommend people add to their travel list and a place I hope to return to.

your blog is very informative.thanks for your great post.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is my home-town and your post is just the best ad for Bavarian tourism. Thanks a lot!

love Bavaria, After reading your Article I will definitely plan my next holiday to go there.

Very Nice Post, Thank you for Sharing. Love to Go to Germany Once.

Great Post. thanks for sharing.

This is a part of the world that I would love to visit, but haven’t made it to yet. Neuschwanstein Castle is an obvious draw card but I would love to get up into the mountains and to visit some of the small historic villages of the area. Thanks for this great guide.

I look forward to doing some traveling in the near future as arbiters the keys a few good things recently. I need to get away and set my mind free because things are going through now is virtually running my mind up wall. I doubt that I’ll get to Bavaria, but I may make a second round back to Santa Barbara, California in the near future just to enjoy a weekend all to myself. 🙂

Neuschwanstein Castle is awesome

Informative post. I will definitely try

Absolutely love Bavaria. The architecture is nothing short of fantastic. The castles and that view at Hopfensee are glorious. I’m sure you enjoyed yourselves a lot. I’m adding Bavaria to my bucket list. Thanks for a great post. All the best in your travels!

Great Post. Thanks for sharing

Your Trip to Munich: The Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Munich International Airport Guide

Best Munich Hotels

Public Transportation

Day Trips From Munich

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Top Museums in Munich

Munich's English Garden

Complete Guide to Oktoberfest

Top Restaurants in Munich

Best Beer Halls

Top Beer Gardens

Guide to Munich's Hofbräuhaus

Top 10 Things to Do in Bavaria, Germany

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Bavaria is one of the most popular and most scenic travel destinations in Germany. For many, Bavaria means  sausage , beer, and lederhosen . If you want to escape the crowds and experience the down-to-earth Gemütlichkeit   Bavaria is famous for, make sure to spend time in some rural villages along the way. Stop in a town you never heard of before, head to a Gasthaus  (restaurant) for some Bavarian fare, buy some goodies in a local store, or go for a hike in the beautiful mountains and forests.

Here are the most exciting things to do in Bavaria, from city breaks, and nature spots, to castles, scenic drives , and historic sites.

Visit the Zugspitze

At 9,718 feet, the Zugspitze is the highest peak of Germany and is reachable by a 10-minute cable car or a 35-minute train. The platform at the top sits on the border of Austria and Germany, making it possible for tourists to quickly jaunt between countries and check out the view from both sides. On a totally clear day, it's possible to see not just Germany and Austria, but also Switzerland and Italy.

The best way to get to the peak is to take the cable car from Eibsee, which travels through the clouds on an unforgettable high-altitude journey. However, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, there is also a train that can take you to visit the mountain's glaciers. If you are arriving from Austria, you can also take a cable car from the town of Obermoos .

Visit the World's Oldest Brewery

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If you won't arrive in time for Oktoberfest, you can still get an authentic beer experience in Bavaria by visiting the world's oldest brewery. It's worth noting that two breweries claim the title, but they're both in Bavaria and both worth visiting if you're a fan of beer.

The Weihenstephan Abbey began brewing in the year 1040 and offers tours and tastings of its historic premises, which are still bottling beer to this day. However, the Weltenburg Abbey is technically the world's oldest monastic brewery, and Germany's oldest monastery, having begun its brewing operations in the year 1050. Located on a sandy riverbank on a bend in the Danube River, the Weltenburg Abbey makes for a lovely day trip and has a modern beer garden, where you can order your lunch with a beer-tasting.

Take in the City Sights of Munich

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Munich—or München— is the capital of Bavaria and the gateway to the Alps. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and offers first-class museums and traditional German architecture, a salute to Bavaria's royal past.

Whether you sun yourself in Munich's English Garden or make do with rainy day activities , Munich is the Germany most visitors dream of. From the sinuous tones of the clocktower in Marienplatz and the bustling energy of the beer halls , there is a lot of beauty and fun to be had in the city in addition to its great museums like the Deutsche Museum, the world's oldest science and technology museum, and fantastic restaurants like the historic Fraunhofer Wirsthaus .

Tour the Disney-Like Neuschwanstein Castle

Christopher Larson / TripSavvy

The world's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein, is nestled in the Bavarian Alps and comes straight out of a fairy tale. King Ludwig II designed his dream castle with the help of a theatrical set designer, and it has inspired modern fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland. For those who want to avoid a steep climb to the top—or have a fairytale moment—it's also possible to take a horse-drawn carriage up to the castle.

You can take a tour through the flamboyant castle's interior. Highlights include a gaudy grotto, the Throne Room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier, and the lavish Minstrels' Hall. The castle's design is an homage to the German composer Richard Wagner and takes its name from the fictional castle in his opera Lohengrin.

Drink Beer and Eat Sausage at Oktoberfest

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Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair and one of the best festivals in Germany . Every year, more than six million visitors from all over the world come to Munich to drink beer, eat sausage, and join together in song. Despite its name, the festival actually begins in mid-September and ends during the first week of October.

Oktoberfest is a steadfast tradition that has taken place since 1810 when a feast was held to celebrate the royal wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festival is famous for its huge beers in massive steins, but there is more to the Oktoberfest: link arms with locals, swing to the oompah of Bavarian bands, admire traditional costumes, enjoy hearty food, and get a good helping of German hospitality.

Visit Nuremberg, Bavaria's Second Largest City

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The 950-year old city of Nuremberg ( Nürnberg ) is alive with history. See the Imperial Castle, which was the residence of Germany’s Kaiser and kings; check out the romantic Old Town with original timber-framed buildings; rub the Schöner Brunnen fountain for luck, visit Albrecht Dürer’s House, and see the Nazi Rally Party Grounds.

During the holidays, the Old Town becomes a winter wonderland when Nuremberg celebrates its Christkindlmarkt , which is one of the country’s best Christmas markets. Need a warm-up? Order a plate of signature Nuremberg Rostbratwürste .

Take a Moment for Remembrance at Dachau

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

The concentration camp of Dachau , which is 18 miles northwest of Munich, was one of the first concentration camps in Nazi Germany and would serve as a model for all subsequent camps in the Third Reich. Dachau was one of the longest-running camps until it was liberated in April of 1945 by American troops who freed 32,000 survivors.

Dachau visitors follow the "path of the prisoner," walking the same way prisoners were forced to after they were brought to the camp. You will see the original prisoner baths, barracks, courtyards, and the crematorium, as well as an extensive exhibition.

Stroll Fairy-tale German Streets in Bamberg

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Located over seven hills, this Bavarian town is nicknamed the "Franconian Rome." Bamberg has one of Europe’s largest intact old town centers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its early medieval plan, winding narrow streets and half-timbered architecture is the holy grail of fairy-tale Germany.

But the city is more than just a gorgeous still life. The University of Bamberg brings in more than 10,000 students, the nearby U.S. army base has around 4,000 members and dependents, and there are nearly 7,000 foreign nationals that reside here.

The city is also well-known for its glorious beer tradition . Its many breweries and Biergartens are a continual source of entertainment, plus they offer a Bamberg specialty, Rauchbier (smoked beer).

Admire Medieval Architecture in Rothenburg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fortified town and is one of the most visited spots in Germany. Famous for its medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone lanes stretch from one wall to the other in this perfectly preserved town on Romantic Road , a 260-mile trail that travels from Würzburg to Fussen.

This medieval town has over a millennium of history, but after the bubonic plague depleted Rothenburg of its money and power, the city has been frozen in time with its 17th-century look. After it was bombed during the second world war, 40 percent of the town's historic buildings were reconstructed and restored.

Explore the Bavarian Alps

Holger Thalmann/Getty Images 

Whether you're walking, hiking, mountain biking, or skiing , the Alps are one of Bavaria’s (and Germany’s) premier holiday destinations. Running along the border between Germany and Austria, the Bavarian Alps are home to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, where you can go glacier skiing until May. Some of the most well-known resort towns in the German Alps are Oberstdorf, Füssen, Berchtesgaden , and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The Bavarian Alps are a year-round destination and offer opportunities to visit sobering historic attractions like the Eagle's Nest, which was a gift from the Nazi party for Hitler’s 50th birthday. Perched on a mountain summit close to the town of Berchtesgaden, its construction in 1938 was an architectural phenomenon. The chalet is now a restaurant and beer garden, both offering stunning views of the Bavarian mountains.

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

Germany's 500-Year-Old Beer Purity Law

The Best Places to Photograph Neuschwanstein Castle

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

Germany's Best Scenic Drives

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

48 Hours in Munich: The Ultimate Itinerary

Regensburg: Planning Your Trip

The Best Cities to Visit in Bavaria: Munich and Nuremberg

The Top Places to Visit in the South of Germany

Prague: Planning Your Trip

The Best UNESCO Sites in Germany

The Best Time to Visit Munich

Weather in Munich: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Top 10 Attractions in Germany

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Things to do in Bavaria: 20 beautiful places you must see [with map]

Bavaria will enchant you with its sights. Here in the south, you'll discover untouched nature , deep forests , gentle low mountain ranges , rugged mountain peaks in the Alps , turquoise-blue mountain lakes , idyllic half-timbered towns , old castles , and fairytale castles . We'll take you on a tour of Bavaria and reveal the 20 most beautiful sights (limiting it to "only" 20 attractions was damn hard). On our interactive map , you'll find an overview of all the highlights. And now have fun with the most worth seeing Bavarian attractions .

Hi! Wir sind Biggi & Flo

Wir nehmen dich als Reisejournalisten mit zu den schönsten Orten der Welt! Werbehinweis: Alle mit einem * markierten Links sind Werbelinks.

Discover Bavaria: Our top 10 sights at a glance

We’ll start by presenting our personal top 10 sights in Bavaria – briefly and succinctly. Bavaria is so beautiful 😊.

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Zugspitze with Eibsee
• Bamberg Old Town
• Königssee & Upper Lake
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• Castle of Burghausen
• Golden Hall Augsburg
• New castle Herrenchiemsee
• Munich Residence
• Romantic Road

Map with all sights in Bavaria

On our interactive map, you will find where to visit the top highlights in Bavaria:

[mapsmarker map=”234″]

1. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria’s top attraction

Neuschwanstein Castle , located in the beautiful Allgäu region, lands on our list of the most beautiful sights in Bavaria at number one. Neuschwanstein is certainly not a secret destination. The fairytale castle near Füssen in the south of the Free State attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. This also makes Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria’s most visited attraction .

Given the setting, that’s understandable. The castle, commissioned by Bavarian King Ludwig II, even served as a model for Walt Disney’s fairytale castle at the Disneyland Resort in California.

A guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is a must-do. To avoid long waits, be sure to buy your tickets in advance online. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the castle. But you can fully concentrate on the many exciting details and stories on the castle tour.

By the way, you have a great view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the Marienbrücke – definitely one of the most beautiful vantage points in Bavaria – to which you can either take a leisurely hike or take the shuttle bus. If you hike a little higher through the beautiful nature, you can see the imposing peaks of the Alps rising into the sky behind Neuschwanstein Castle- a fun and impressive thing to do here!

Also worth seeing are the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle (a guided tour of the royal castle is also recommended) and the idyllic Alpsee Lake , which is located between mountain peaks and is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria.

If possible, avoid the weekends, especially in summer and the vacation season in Bavaria. In the best case, visit Neuschwanstein Castle in the morning sometime during the week outside school vacations. Then it’s not quite so crowded around Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle is also very beautiful in winter when the dream castle and the surrounding mountains are powdered with snow.

2. Zugspitze with Eibsee – an unforgettable nature experience

The Zugspitze near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is 2962 meters high and is Germany’s highest mountain (here you can find a list of Germany’s highest mountains). It’s also one of the most famous tourist activities in Upper Bavaria.

We think: At least once in your life you should have stood on the Zugspitze and experienced the incredible distant view from almost 3000 meters into the Alpine foothills and the Alps. We have already hiked up the Zugspitze several times. Here we tell you how to get to the Zugspitze on foot. It’s not a secret place but still a wonderful place to go!

By the way, here you can find more beautiful hikes in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

If hiking is not your thing, take one of the two cable cars (from Eibsee or Ehrwald in Austria) or the rack railroad (from Garmisch-Partenkirchen) up to Germany’s highest mountain.

Unfortunately, the overbuilt summit plateau is a bit like Munich’s Oktoberfest. There is food and drink and countless beer benches outside. Peace and quiet only return to the summit when the last cable car descends into the valley. Then there are only a few mountaineers on the Zugspitze who spend the night in the Munich House (unfortunately, there areonly a few places to stay overnight). And that’s exactly what we recommend. Enjoy the sunset on the Zugspitze – and the sunrise in the morning. And without any crowds – a real micro adventure and an unforgettable nature experience.

Remember that even in the summer months it can get sensitively cold at this altitude, especially at night (even frost and snow are possible).

A seven-kilometer hike around the Eibsee lake at the foot of the Zugspitze is part of the must-do program when visiting the Zugspitze. The mountain lake is one of the most beautiful in the Alps and a popular excursion destination around Munich in summer and winter. By the way, the Eibsee is also one of the top photo spots and one of the best things to see in Bavaria.

Tip : For us, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most beautiful areas in Bavaria. Here you will find many more great highlights, such as the Partnachklamm .

3. Bamberg – Journey into the past

Bamberg , the “true capital of beer”, is one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Germany. We don’t want to highlight any particular sight here: you simply have to see the whole old town with its beautiful half-timbered houses and discover it during a day trip.

What to see in Bamberg? Must-see highlights in this Franconian city include the Old Town Hall, Little Venice, Bamberg Cathedral, and the New Residence with its Rose Garden. It’s just incredibly fun to stroll through the winding alleys and drink a beer or two in a beer garden or cellar.

Beer fans should visit the Franconian Brewery Museum Bamberg in the building of the monastery. We also recommend the 90-minute beer tour with a guide ( more information* ).

Great travel guide for your vacation in Germany

You want to discover not only Bavaria but the whole of Germany even more intensively? Then we recommend DK Eyewitness Munich and the Bavarian Alps ( buy it here* ). Have fun with this great travel guide. You must have a look at Lonely Planet Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest ( get it here* ).

4. Lake Königssee & Obersee – Experience Bavaria’s most beautiful nature firsthand

Lake Königssee in the Berchtesgaden National Park in southern Bavaria at the foot of the famous Watzmann massif is one of the most beautiful and famous mountain lakes in Bavaria and should not be missing from our list of top sights. Here you will experience the Alps and nature at its best.

You can explore a small part of the impressive mountain lake, which is reminiscent of a deep fjord in Norway, quite comfortably on foot, for example on the Malerwinkel circular trail. It’s a cool place to see!

The famous natural pools at Königssee are also close by. However, access is now strictly prohibited. If you are caught by the rangers at the pools or on the way there, you could face heavy fines.

So it’s better to stay on the signposted paths. In addition to the Malerwinkel circular trail, there is also the leisurely hike to the Achenkanzel with a fantastic view over Lake Königssee or the quite challenging Rinnkendlsteig, which leads to the famous church of St. Bartholomä . Here we tell you even more beautiful hikes in the Berchtesgadener Land.

If you like it more comfortably, book a boat trip on the Königssee . With the electric boat you can also reach the dock Salet . From here, a wide hiking trail without any major climbs leads in about 15 minutes to Obersee , another popular tourist attraction in Berchtesgadener Land. The view of the impressive mountain lake is breathtaking.

Here you can find even more sights in Berchtesgadener Land including great excursion tips for the whole family.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Bavaria’s most romantic town

Rothenburg ob der Tauber , one of the most romantic places and at the same time one of the most beautiful small towns in Bavaria, in the north of the Free State is another sight you should not miss.

The old town with its cute half-timbered houses is picturesquely beautiful. Be sure to stroll through the old alleys in the morning and enjoy the flair of the half-timbered town. An absolute highlight is the walkable city wall , which leads completely around the old town. From the city wall, you have fantastic views over the old roofs.

The most famous photo motif is the Plönlein . The Plönlein is a beautiful square with a small fountain. There is also a small, crooked half-timbered house in the triangle of two intersecting streets. Both streets are flanked by city gates and towers- a top thing to do in Bavaria!

It’s also worth taking a guided tour with the night watchman , who will tell you all kinds of interesting facts about Rothenburg and the history of the romantic town.

6. Castle of Burghausen – the longest castle in the world

In the small town of Burghausen on the Bavarian-Austrian border, you will find the longest castle in the world , another popular tourist attraction. At 1051 meters , the castle above the picturesque old town is considered the longest castle complex in Europe. In the Guinness Book of Records , Burghausen Castle even holds the title of “ longest castle in the world “. From the fortress, you have a great view of the city.

A large part of the castle complex with six courtyards, including a beer garden, you can visit for free and enjoy the great distant views. The castle museum, which is also worth a visit, charges admission.

Of course, a trip to the old town of Burghausen is also worthwhile. By the way, the castle hill was already settled in the Bronze Age (around the 16th century BC). The oldest parts of the huge fortress, which had an important military significance for centuries, probably date back to around the year 1025. A massive expansion of the castle complex took place in view of the approaching Turks in the year 1490.

In December, the castle hosts the famous Burgweihnacht , a very special Christmas market in Bavaria.

7. Golden Hall Augsburg – a top attraction in the Fugger city

The beautiful old town of Augsburg is always worth a visit. We would like to highlight one special feature here: the Golden Hall in the town hall of the old Fugger city.

The Golden Hall is considered one of the highlights of Renaissance interior design in Germany. Its ceiling is covered with gold leaf and there is no shortage of magnificent gold ornaments. Believe us, you will be amazed.

What else to do in Augsburg? Besides the Golden Hall, there are many other highlights in Augsburg, such as the Fuggerei, Augsburg Cathedral, and the Lech district.

Here you can find even more great sights in Augsburg.

8. New castle Herrenchiemsee – popular excursion destination

Lake Chiemsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria and a popular excursion and vacation destination in the summer. One of my good friends from Berlin spends two weeks every year with his children at the Chiemsee . The largest lake in Bavaria not only offers beautiful beaches. Of course, a steamboat trip on Lake Chiemsee is one of the must-dos in Bavaria.

A special highlight and for us, one of the top sights in Bavaria, is the New Herrenchiemsee Castle on the island of Herrenchiemsee. You can reach the largest island of the Chiemsee by excursion boat. A walk across the idyllically situated island with beer gardens is worthwhile. Herrenchiemsee Castle is a place you have to visit.

Like Neuschwanstein Castle, this worthwhile attraction was built by King Ludwig II, who was inspired by Versailles Castle near Paris. After the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, most of the complex unfortunately remained unfinished.

Today, the King Ludwig II Museum is located in the palace. In addition, the Herrenchiemsee Festival takes place once a year in the large hall of mirrors of the castle – this is also a very special highlight.

9. Munich Residence – an imposing palace complex

One of the most beautiful Bavarian sights is definitely the Residence in the state capital Munich . The magnificent city palace – the largest inner-city palace in Germany, by the way – once housed dukes, electors, and kings. Today you can visit the impressive complex with its imposing rooms as a tourist.

What is to see in the Residence? The museum is huge. Particularly impressive is the Antiquarium , a huge vaulted magnificent building. But you should not miss rooms like the Emperor’s Room or the Porcelain Chamber .

The Residence also includes the Hofgarten, which is a popular summer destination in the middle of the city.

During Advent, the Residenz hosts a beautiful Christmas market in one of the ten courtyards of the huge complex.

Absolutely worthwhile is a guided Munich tour with a guide ( book a city tour here* ). You can also find all the cool things to do in Munich here.

10. Romantic Road – the perfect road trip through Bavaria

The Romantic Road is our top sight number 10 in Bavaria. The Romantic Road is one of the most famous vacation roads in Germany (also worldwide) and leads since 1950 on 413 kilometers from Würzburg to Füssen at the edge of the Bavarian Alps (famous for Neuschwanstein Castle, our number 1 sight in Bavaria).

Of course, the Romantic Road follows existing roads – so no road was built here specifically for tourism. Over the decades, the route has been slightly modified a few times to preserve its rural character.

Not only Würzburg and Füssen are worth seeing. There are some beautiful towns along the way. What’s at the Romatic Road to do? Major stops include Wertheim (also known throughout Germany for Wertheim Village), Bad Mergentheim, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (our top sight number 5), Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Augsburg, Landsberg am Lech, and Schwangau.

Theoretically, you can easily manage the Romantic Road, a small part of which also runs through Baden-Württemberg, in one day.

But to see and experience something, you should plan at least five days for this great road trip through Bavaria.

By the way, here you can find our perfect road trip through Germany.

11. Emperor’s castle Nuremberg – top sightseeing in Middle Franconia

You simply have to see the Kaiserburg in Nuremberg . The landmark of Bavaria’s second-largest city , located in Middle Franconia, has served as a fortress, imperial residence, imperial castle, and Hohenzollern burgrave’s seat over the centuries, making it one of the most important castles in Europe in terms of history and architecture.

By the way, the Kaiserburg is located on the Felsenberg and stands high above the city. The view from the castle over Nuremberg is magnificent. In addition to the Imperial Castle, Nuremberg has a wonderful old town with many half-timbered buildings, through which it’s worth strolling.

Here we tell you all the sights in Nuremberg. In addition, you will find the most beautiful hikes around Nuremberg.

12. Kehlsteinhaus – popular destination in the Bavarian Alps

Another highlight on any trip to Bavaria are Kehlstein and Kehlsteinhaus in Berchtesgadener Land in the south of the Free State. The Kehlstein (1881 meters) towers above the Obersalzberg documentation and is one of the most visited peaks in the German Alps.

The Kehlsteinhaus looks back on a dark history. The building was once built by the NSDAP and served the Nazis as a representation building. Adolf Hitler and his followers were regularly on site. Today, only a photo exhibition reminds us of this dark part of German history. From the summit, you have a fantastic view of Watzmann and Königssee.

From the Obersalzberg parking lot ( Google Maps ), you can reach the Kehlstein summit on foot via a pleasant panoramic path in about three hours. Alternatively, you can take the bus (line 849; from the beginning of May until the end of October) to the Kehlsteinhaus. The last meters of altitude you overcome with a historic elevator.

Once you reach the summit, you should walk the Kehlstein circular route (1.5 kilometers, 100 meters in altitude). Remember to wear sturdy shoes to be comfortable and safe.

13. Danube Breakthrough & Weltenburg Monastery – Experience Nature

The Danube Breakthrough near Kelheim is also one of Bavaria’s most popular things to do. From Kelheim you take a boat to the Danube breakthrough near Weltenburg . The narrow passage in the Danube valley is known far beyond Germany. The nature here is simply beautiful.

Be sure to make a stop at Weltenburg Monastery with its famous beer garden. Also worth seeing is the Befreiungshalle Kelheim . In addition, the famous Valhalla is very close by.

14. Felsburg Tüchersfeld – landmark of Franconian Switzerland

Franconian Switzerland is one of the most scenic places in Bavaria. You can expect wacky rock formations in the midst of nature. One of the most famous things to do in Franconian Switzerland is the rock castle Tüchersfeld in the beautiful Püttlach valley.

Above the small village towers an imposing rock castle, which today is considered the coolest landmark of Franconian Switzerland . At the foot of the steeply towering rock are some beautiful half-timbered houses.

We guarantee you: you will be thrilled by this photo spot.

15. Steinerne Brücke Regensburg – historical sight

Regensburg is also worth seeing. By the way, Biggi studied here for a few years and knows her way around the beautiful city on the Danube. A very special highlight is the Steinerne Brücke (stone bridge), the landmark of Regensburg.

Construction of the imposing bridge began as early as 1135, making the Steinerne Brücke the oldest surviving bridge in Germany – and a very special sight for that reason alone.

A pact with the devil

Legend has it that the bridge builder made a bet with the cathedral builder as to which of them would be the first to complete his structure. The construction of the cathedral went faster, whereupon the builder of the bridge made a pact with the devil .

If he helped him, he would get the first three living souls to cross the bridge. The devil went along with the deal, and the bridge was completed before the cathedral. With a ruse, the bridge builder tricked the devil: He first sent a dog, a hen, and a rooster across the bridge.

In revenge, the devil wanted to destroy the bridge. But all he managed to do was to form a hump in the middle of the bridge. Right here, a monument was erected to the master bridge builder, showing him looking towards the cathedral. The statue is called Bruckmandl (bridge man) by the people of Regensburg.

16. Großer Arber – Highlight in the Bavarian Forest

The Bavarian Forest will enchant you with its beautiful nature. The Großer Arber (Great Arber) is with 1456 meters the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest and next to Zugspitze, Watzmann, and Brocken in Saxony-Anhalt one of the most famous mountains in Germany and should not be missing from our list of Bavarian top sights. The Große Arber is a popular hiking destination in summer and winter.

Very popular is the ascent from the Arbersee with the Arberseehaus via the Arberweg to the summit. The hike is – there and back – about eight kilometers long. There are almost 500 meters of altitude to overcome.

17. Devil’s Cave Pottenstein – the most beautiful cave in Bavaria

The Devil’s Cave Pottenstein is another cool thing to do in Franconian Switzerland, where there are more than 1000 caves. The Devil’s Cave Pottenstein in the district of Bayreuth is the largest of them and also very well developed for tourism. The show cave is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Germany.

You can explore the dripstone cave as part of a guided cave tour (about 45 minutes). You will dive deep into the Franconian underworld. Many impressive stalactites await you. The cave is about three kilometers long, about half of which you can visit on the guided tour.

18. Valhalla – Greece in Bavaria

In the famous memorial Valhalla near Regensburg, since 1842 – originally at the instigation of the Bavarian King Ludwig I – important personalities of “German tongue” are honored with marble busts and memorial plaques overlooking the Danube. In the imposing hall are busts of personalities such as Johannes Kepler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich v. Schiller, Richard Wagner, and Sophie Scholl.

For us, Valhalla is clearly one of the top things to do in Bavaria – if only because of its architecture, which reminds us very much of Greece.

19. Marienplatz Munich – meeting point in the village of millions

We would like to show you another of Munich’s sights: the Marienplatz . World famous is the New City Hall , completed in 1905, with its carillon.

The carillon in the town hall tower depicts the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V with Renate of Lorraine in 1568 and the Schäffler dance. After a plague epidemic, the barrel makers were the first to dare to go out on the streets again and cheer up the people of Munich by dancing, so the story goes.

The carillon can be seen daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., from March to October additionally at 5 p.m.. At 9 p.m., the night watchman also blows his horn while the “Münchner Kindl” (child of Munich) is being put to bed.

20. Würzburg Residence – Highlight in Lower Franconia

We don’t want to forget the Würzburg Residence in Lower Franconia. The magnificent baroque palace is one of the most important residence buildings in Europe. Since 1981, the complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

One highlight you definitely shouldn’t miss is the picturesque staircase with the largest continuous ceiling fresco in the world . You can visit around 40 of the 340 rooms, including the Mirror Cabinet decorated with reverse paintings on glass, the pompous Emperor’s Hall , and the White Hall , which, in contrast to the other rooms, appears plain and colorless.

You should also visit the richly decorated Court Church of the Most Holy Trinity , which is impressive not only because of its elaborate decoration but also because of its three oval dome vaults. In the courtyard garden , you can relax after a tour and enjoy the view of the residence and parts of the Lower Franconian metropolis.

We hope you enjoyed our travel tips with the most beautiful Bavarian sights and you spend an unforgettable vacation with us in the south of Germany 😊.

Florian Westermann

Florian is a travel journalist, photographer and co-founder of the travel blog Phototravellers . "Photography and the mountains are my passion. I've been to North America countless times, but I'm also fascinated by the Nordic countries, Italy and of course our home country Germany." By the way, here you can find my online photography course .

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