Planning a trip to Bavaria, and wondering what are the best places to visit in Bavaria?

Bavaria is a state located in the heart of Southern Germany. It is known for its pristine landscapes, clean mountain air, magnificent mediaeval castles and palaces, mediaeval towns, and rich culture and heritage. And of course, the world-famous Octoberfest — the world’s largest Volksfest or beer festival.

But what to do in Bavaria? To help you prepare for your trip, we have created this list of some of the best things to do in Bavaria. 

Check it out!

7 Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a historicist palace dating back to 1869.

The castle is located on a hill overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria. This castle was a private residence for King Ludwig II of Bavaria until he died in 1886. Then the castle was opened to the public.

Neuschwanstein is known for its fairytale-like appearance. The castle is a very popular tourist attraction, and one of the best places to visit in Bavaria. About a million people visit the castle every year. Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous castles in Germany.

Take a tour to Neuschwanstein castle to explore the castle grounds and learn more about its history. You can easily join a guided tour from Munich. In fact, it’s one of the best day trips from Munich. There are a number of options to choose from. Use Get Your Guide to book the Neuschwanstein castle tour online.

Zugspitze & Eibsee

If you are exploring Bavaria, do not miss Germany’s highest peak, the Zugsptize.

At 2962 m above sea level, Zugsptize is a great hiking destination for outdoor lovers. Keep in mind that you will need climbing equipment if you want to get to the very top of the mountain.

However, there’re several routes to reach the peak. If you don’t want to do any technical hiking, choose the Reintal Valley Route. It takes two days to complete but doesn’t require any technical equipment. 

If you don’t like hiking, you can take a cable car to the top of Zugsptize. But if you don’t have much time, you can hike up the mountain, and take the cable car down. Late summer and early September is the best time to hike Zugspitze.

If you are hiking Zugspitze, do not miss Eibsee. It is a lake located at the foot of Zugspitze. If you are taking the cable car down the peak, it will take you down to Lake Eibsee.

Königssee & Berchtesgaden

Königssee is one of the deepest lakes in Germany.

Formed by glaciers, the lake stretches about 8 km and is about 1.7 km wide (at its widest point). Surrounded by steep mountains, the lake resembles a fjord. The highest of these mountains is about 2,700 m tall. Being one of the most beautiful spots in the state, this emerald-green lake is one of the best places to visit in Bavaria.

Nearby Berchtesgaden is one of the most well-known resort towns in Bavaria. Surrounded by the mountains of the Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden is the perfect spot for nature-seekers and sports enthusiasts. There are ski slopes, and a bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track.

Munich

Munich is the capital and most populous city of Bavaria.

It is also the third-largest city in Germany (after Berlin and Hamburg). Munich is a very important city, boasting rich history and amazing culture. The city was first mentioned in the 12th century, but it is believed that early settlements date back to the 7th–6th century BC.

However, Munich is most famous for the world’s largest Volksfest or beer festival — Oktoberfest. It is held annually in Munich, over a two-week period. The festival runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. Every year, about six million people from all over the world visit Munich to enjoy German beer, gorge on sausage, and have fun. Oktoberfest undoubtedly is one of the best festivals in Germany, if not in all of Europe!

The Concentration Camp of Dachau

Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany.

Opened on 22 March 1933, the camp was initially intended to incarcerate the political opponents of Nazi Germany. Eventually, it led to the imprisonment of Jews (during the Holocaust). The camp had over 188,000 prisoners, and about 41,500 people were killed there.

Now Dachau is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It has numerous religious memorials, reconstructed cells and barracks, as well as a museum, featuring photographs and documents that tell stories of the prisoners of Dachau.

It is very easy to get to Dachau from Munich as it is located about 22 km from the city. Dachau is one of the best places to visit near Munich.

Guided tours are offered in Dachau.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is Bavaria’s 2nd largest city.

The city’s main attraction is its Old Town, Altstadt. Altstadt was almost completely destroyed during WW2, but it has been restored to its prewar condition. The most prominent building in the Old Town is Nuremberg Castle which is considered to be one of the most impressive and intimidating mediaeval fortifications in Europe.

Besides the castle, there are a few other impressive historical buildings and structures to visit, such as the Church of Our Lady, St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Sebaldus Church, Albrecht Dürer’s House, and, of course, the historic city walls.

Nuremberg is, hands down, one of the most beautiful towns in Bavaria.

The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a scenic driving route that goes through the beautiful rolling countryside of Bavaria. The highlights of this route are 3 mediaeval cities of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. These 3 historical towns are particularly striking and are among the best places to visit in Bavaria. By the way, these 3 are the only towns in Germany that have completely intact city walls!

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber is considered to be one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns in Europe. With its half-timbered houses and the cobblestone lanes of the old town, Rothenburg is extremely picturesque and totally worth visiting!

Dinkelsbühl is a wonderful example of a German town of the 15th to 17th centuries. The historical town of Dinkelsbühl is surrounded by old mediaeval walls and towers. 

First mentioned in 898, Nördlingen is a pretty historical town with an impressive 15th-century church and a town hall which dates to the 13th century.

By the way, Neuschwanstein Castle (see No 1) and Hohenschwangau Castle are among the other highlights of the route. These castles are a must-see in Bavaria.

Bavaria Travel Tips

1. If you love parties and beer, do not miss Oktoberfest. It is held annually in Munich, over a two-week period. The festival runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. Every year, about six million people from all over the world visit Munich to enjoy German beer, gorge on sausage, and have fun. If it sounds like the perfect tourist attraction, come to Bavaria for this festival! Oktoberfest is one of the best things to do in Bavaria.
2. Bavaria is known for its beer. There are hundreds of breweries in Bavaria, and their beers have a range of colours, brewing methods and alcohol levels. Make sure you try some of the local beers!
3. Public transport is great in Bavaria (and the rest of Germany). So, it’s possible to explore Bavaria using trains and buses. 
4. But the best way to explore Bavaria (and especially the Romantic Road) is by a rental car. You will be able to stop everywhere you’d like, and see not only the largest and most popular towns, cities and tourist attractions but also smaller towns and villages.
5. Most large cities in Bavaria have great public transportation options.
6. The weather in Bavaria is unpredictable, especially in the mountains. We suggest you pack a windproof rain jacket and sturdy water-resistant shoes. Especially if you are travelling to Bavaria during the autumn or spring.
7. Summer and early autumn are the best time to visit Bavaria.