Bavaria Travel Guide
Think half-timbered towns, storybook castles that cling to mountain slopes, and beer gardens where long tables turn strangers into friends. Bavaria is Germany’s largest state, stretching from the vineyards of Franconia to the snow-capped Alps on the Austrian border. Munich sets the tone with world-class museums and lively traditions, but the magic lives just as strongly in places like Nuremberg, Bamberg, Regensburg, and the emerald valleys around Berchtesgaden.
When to Visit Bavaria?
Late spring and early autumn are the sweet spots in Bavaria, with May to June and September to early October offering mild temperatures, colorful landscapes, and fewer crowds than high summer. Winter is a different kind of wonderful if you are chasing Christmas markets or alpine skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, while July and August bring festival buzz alongside busier sights. Curious about timing your trip like a pro? Dive into the full When to Visit Bavaria guide for seasonal picks and insider timing tips.
How to Get to Bavaria?
Munich Airport is the main international gateway, with Nuremberg and Memmingen serving additional routes. High-speed ICE trains link Bavaria to Berlin, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich, while regional trains make it easy to hop between cities and small towns on a Bavaria Ticket. If you are driving, major autobahns like the A8 and A9 cut across the state and open up scenic day trips to lakes and castles. Planning the best route for your style and budget is easy in our detailed How to Get to Bavaria guide.
What to Do in Bavaria?
- Explore Munich’s Marienplatz, see the Glockenspiel, and climb St Peter’s Church for city views
- Tour Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau near Füssen and walk the Marienbrücke for the postcard shot
- Take the electric boat on Lake Königssee to St Bartholomä and hike into Berchtesgaden National Park
- Wander Nuremberg’s Old Town and Imperial Castle, then learn at the Documentation Center
- Sip smoky Rauchbier in Bamberg and stroll its UNESCO listed old quarter of bridges and breweries
- Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with its medieval walls and night watchman tour
- Ride the cable car to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, for glacier views and alpine trails
- Warm up in Erding Therme, one of Europe’s largest thermal spa complexes, near Munich
- Day trip to Regensburg for its stone bridge, riverside cafés, and Gothic cathedral
- Reflect at Dachau Memorial Site for important context on 20th century history
What to Eat in Bavaria?
Start your day Bavarian style with Weisswurst and a pretzel, then work your way to crispy pork knuckle with crackling, cheese spread Obatzda, potato dumplings, and hearty Leberknödel soup. Save room for sweet Dampfnudel or Apfelstrudel and pair it all with a Helles, Dunkel, or Weissbier in a sunny beer garden. For a delicious deep dive, see our full What to Eat in Bavaria guide.
What to Buy from Bavaria?
Bring home a hand painted beer stein, Allgäu mountain cheese, or a jar of sweet Bavarian mustard. In winter, look for Nuremberg Lebkuchen and delicate glass ornaments, while year round you will find quality loden wool, traditional Tracht accessories like suspenders and felt hats, and Franconian wines in distinctive Bocksbeutel bottles. For clever shopping routes and market picks, browse our What to Buy from Bavaria guide.
Bavaria Nightlife
Bavaria’s evenings run on two speeds. In Munich, start in a beer hall like the Hofbräuhaus or a leafy beer garden, then move to cocktail bars in Glockenbach and clubs around Werksviertel Mitte. University towns such as Regensburg and Würzburg buzz with live music and riverside bars, while Bamberg tempts with a cozy crawl through historic breweries. Want more late night ideas by neighborhood and vibe? Jump to the Bavaria Nightlife guide.
Bavaria Festivals and Fairs
| Event or Festival | Month | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Oktoberfest Munich | September to early October | The world’s largest beer festival with tents, rides, parades, and traditional dress |
| Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt | Late November to December | Iconic Christmas market with stalls, spiced treats, and twinkling lights |
| Starkbierfest Munich | March | Strong beer fest on the Nockherberg with hearty food and local satire |
| Bayreuth Festival | July to August | Legendary Wagner opera performances in a purpose built theater |
| Munich Film Festival | Late June to early July | Screenings, premieres, and industry events across the city |
| Regensburg Dult | May and August | A traditional Bavarian folk fair with food, music, and rides |
| Augsburg Plärrer | Spring and late summer | Family friendly fair with beer tents and classic funfair attractions |
| Oberammergau Passion Play | Once a decade May to October | Historic village wide production performed by local residents |
Bavaria Important Days and Holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 6 January | Epiphany observed in Bavaria |
| Variable March or April | Good Friday |
| Variable March or April | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 40 days after Easter | Ascension Day |
| 50 days after Easter | Whit Monday Pentecost Monday |
| Late May or June | Corpus Christi public holiday in Bavaria |
| 8 August | Augsburg Peace Festival city of Augsburg only |
| 15 August | Assumption of Mary many Catholic communities |
| 3 October | German Unity Day |
| 1 November | All Saints’ Day public holiday in Bavaria |
| 25 to 26 December | Christmas and St Stephen’s Day |
Bavaria Travel Tips and Things to Know
- Shops are generally closed on Sundays so plan groceries and shopping on weekdays or Saturdays
- Cash is still handy in smaller towns and beer gardens though cards are increasingly accepted
- Validate regional tickets and consider the Bavaria Ticket for flexible day trips on local trains
- Tipping is simple round up small bills or add about 5 to 10 percent and hand it to your server
- Dress modestly in churches and carry a light scarf for shoulders on warm days
- Layers are your friend mountain weather can change quickly even in summer
- Driving is efficient but watch for environmental zones where a green sticker is required
- For big events like Oktoberfest reserve tables and rooms well ahead or visit on weekdays
Bavaria rewards slow travel, letting you blend museum mornings with alpine afternoons and evenings under chestnut trees. If you are building your perfect route through castles, lakes, and old towns, check out our Places to Visit in Bavaria guide for a ready made shortlist that matches different travel styles.
