- Munich is the best base, with day trips to Neuschwanstein, the Alps and Salzburg
- Oktoberfest runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October, so book hotels very early
- Regional trains and the Bayern-Ticket day pass make getting around cheap
- Christmas markets in Munich and Nuremberg are some of Germany's best
- Airports
- Munich (MUC), Nuremberg (NUE), Memmingen (FMM)
- Best time to go
- May-September for the Alps; late November-December for Christmas markets
- Type
- Region
Bavaria is the Germany of popular imagination: lederhosen and beer halls, onion-domed churches, Alpine lakes and the turrets of King Ludwig II's castles. Germany's largest state also has elegant Munich, medieval Nuremberg and the half-timbered towns of the Romantic Road, plus some of the country's best walking and skiing in the Alps along the Austrian border.
It works brilliantly as a city break with day trips, or a slower holiday in the mountains. For the rest of the country, see our Germany guide.
Where to stay
- Munich – the capital, with grand museums, beer gardens and the English Garden park. Stay in the Altstadt for the sights or Maxvorstadt and Schwabing for a local feel; areas near the main station are practical and cheaper.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen – an Alpine resort beneath the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain. Good for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
- Berchtesgaden – in the south-east corner, with the Königssee lake and Berchtesgaden National Park, close to Salzburg.
- Füssen – a small town in the Allgäu near Neuschwanstein, quiet once the day-trippers leave.
- Nuremberg – a historic walled city with a castle, excellent museums and a famous Christmas market.
Things to do
- Neuschwanstein Castle – Ludwig II's fantasy castle in the foothills of the Alps; book a timed tour ahead.
- Munich's old town and museums – Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel, the Residenz palace, the Alte Pinakothek and the Deutsches Museum.
- Beer halls and gardens – from the Hofbräuhaus to the Chinese Tower beer garden in the English Garden.
- The Zugspitze – cog railway and cable cars to the summit at nearly 3,000m.
- Königssee – electric boats glide across the lake to the onion-domed church of St Bartholomä.
- The Romantic Road – a scenic route through Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and other medieval towns.
- Christmas markets – Munich's Christkindlmarkt and Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt; see our Christmas markets guide.
Getting there and around
Munich Airport has frequent direct flights from London and several regional UK airports, taking about 1h50 from London. Nuremberg has fewer routes, and Memmingen, in the Allgäu, is used by some budget airlines. The S-Bahn links Munich Airport with the city centre in about 40 minutes.
Bavaria's rail network is excellent. The Bayern-Ticket gives a day of unlimited travel on regional trains and most local transport across the state for one or a group of up to five people, making day trips from Munich to Füssen, Garmisch or Nuremberg very good value. Check current prices before travelling. A car is useful for the Romantic Road and Alpine valleys.
When to go
May to September is best for the Alps, lakes and beer gardens, with long, warm days. Oktoberfest, from mid-September to the first Sunday in October, is huge fun but sends Munich hotel prices soaring. Late November to Christmas Eve brings the markets. January to March is ski season in the Alps.
Top attractions in Bavaria
Bavaria on the map
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Neuschwanstein as a day trip from Munich?
Yes. Trains to Füssen take about two hours, followed by a short bus ride to Hohenschwangau. It makes a long day, so book a tour time that leaves room for the journey.
When is Oktoberfest?
It usually starts on a Saturday in mid to late September and runs for just over two weeks, ending on the first Sunday in October or on 3 October if later. Check exact dates for your year.
Is Bavaria good for a family holiday?
Very. Lakes, mountain railways, castles, summer toboggan runs and the Deutsches Museum all appeal to children, and trains make getting around easy.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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