Bavaria

Prost to Bavaria!

Officially called the Free State of Bavaria, Bavaria is a region in southwest Germany. Rich in markets, nature, delicious food and drink - it’s bursting with things to do!

Bavaria is world-famous as the home of Oktoberfest. The largest beer and travelling funfair festival in the world is held in the biggest fairground in Munich called the Theresienwiese. Over 16-18 days, visitors can enjoy the amusement attractions, Bavarian food and beers. Why not take full advantage of the experience and invest in the traditional costumes like the Dirnhl which is a blouse under a bodice with a high waisted skirt and an apron.  Show off your legs in the Lederhosen which are knee length leather breeches! Interesting fact about Oktoberfest - it’s the only festival in the world that has a flea circus and has a “group” of around 60 fleas that entertain children.

Having the world’s largest beer festival, it’s no surprise that Bavaria is home to many abbey breweries that vary from the traditional to the contemporary in style. With so many to explore, you’ll have your tankard filled up in no time! Weltenburg Abbey is located on the Danube Gorge and is said to have been founded in the year 600. The star of the brewery is the Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel and this award-winning creamy beer has won the Gold Award at the World Beer Cup in the USA three times! The Bavarian State Brewery of Weihenstephan in Freising is noted for being the oldest brewery in the world that’s still in existence and brews 16 different types of beer.

There’s no better time to explore Bavaria than at Christmas as it is famed for its spectacular Christmas markets. Kempten: Long Night of Shopping takes place on the first Saturday in Advent and is set up on Hildegardplatz in front of the St. Lawrence Basilica. This late-night shopping experience is made extra special with fire blowers and choir singing. Dossenbergerhof in Günzburg's old town is transformed into a Christmas village from 1^st – 5^th December. Enjoy stage performances from artists and music groups whilst browsing handmade goods. A visit to the world famous Christkindlesmarkt is a must with stalls that are packed with handcrafted goods that will make for wonderful stocking fillers. Whilst you’re there, try the Nuremberg Lebkuchen (a gingerbread) and the Nuremberg red beer from the Altstadthof home brewery.

If you love to explore the great outdoors, then Bavaria is the spot for you. How about snowshoeing through the Bavarian Forest or take it up a notch and cross-country ski between the peaks of Großer Arber and Brotjacklriegel? Whether you enjoy fast paced to the slow moving, enjoy the many rivers that Bavaria has to offer, hop onboard a boat or a raft and if you don’t fancy getting your feet wet, you can walk along the riverbank.

Erlangen may be Bavaria’s smallest city, but there’s no shortage of adventures to be found. Known as the ‘comic capital’ of Germany, wander through the multiple gardens and discover some amazing sculptures and art that will stop you in your tracks.

When in Munich, Bavaria’s capital, explore Olympiapark, which was created for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The Gärtnerplatzviertel is a buzzing district and it’s alive with delicious restaurants serving German dishes such as currywurst (steamed and fried pork sausages seasoned with curried ketchup) and a host of pop-up fashion, furniture and vinyl stores just waiting to be discovered.

Did you know that BMW is over 100 years old? Visit the BMW Museum and learn all about the history of the dynamic brand that is constantly innovating the joy of driving.

Whatever speed you enjoy life, whether it’s bustling festivals, discovering local arts, sampling craft beer or exploring the wilds of the great outdoors, Bavaria has something to match every appetite.