Things to do in  Bavaria

With its snow-white limestone facade and fanciful turrets peeking out from the forested mountain tops of the Hohenschwangau valley, Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) could easily have been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. In a way, it has—the German castle famously inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The royal interiors are as enchanting as the views over the surrounding wooded peaks and emerald plains below.

Inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France, Bavaria’s 19th-century Linderhof Castle is one of the country’s most magnificent structures. The smallest in a trio of elaborate royal palaces built by King Ludwig II (also known as the “Mad King”), Linderhof was the only one he saw completed.

Spanning the northern part of Bavaria, the Franconia region of Germany is best known for its picturesque medieval towns and large number of breweries. Locals refer to themselves as Franconians rather than Bavarian and the region has maintained its own culture, cuisine, and dialect. With vineyard dotted countryside, idyllic riverside towns, and plenty of hilltop castles, the region is undeniably scenic.

Adolf Hitler's Nazi government opened the Dachau Concentration Camp in 1933. Today, the remains are a memorial to more than 40,000 people who were killed here, as well as the 200,000-plus who were imprisoned here. The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site has been a place of memory and education since 1965, 20 years after American troops liberated Dachau.

A public plaza in the center of Munich, Marienplatz is full of history—it’s been the city’s main square and central heart of Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) since 1158. Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and possibly the busiest location in all of Munich, with crowds of locals and tourists visiting its landmarks, shops, and restaurants on foot from early morning until late at night.

Hemmed in by Italianesque palaces, grand concert halls, and Baroque churches—Odeonsplatz is a testament to Munich’s storied past and the site of some of the city’s key historic events. At the northern end of Munich Old Town (Altstadt), the busy public square is the gateway to the Hofgarten gardens and the Munich Residenz.

A Munich landmark, the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady (Frauenkirche) features two 325-foot (99-meter) towers topped by spherical domes. According to local ordinance, no other building in the city may be taller than this, preserving the cathedral’s central position on the skyline of Bavaria’s capital.

Munich's historic Viktualienmarkt is the city’s main destination for gourmet Bavarian goods. Its stalls—many family-run for generations—overflow with exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, truffles, flowers, spices, sausages and hams, artisanal cheeses, honey, and much more. Snack as you go or gather items for a picnic at the nearby park.

One of the largest urban parks in the world, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is Munich’s most popular green space, boasting over 48 miles (78 kilometers) of walking and cycling trails. It offers plenty to explore, including a Japanese teahouse, a boating lake, and traditional beer gardens.

Elaborately adorned rooms and royal art collections define the Munich Residence, the former royal palace of the Bavarian Monarch. This landmark is the largest city palace in Germany, containing museum displays spread across 130 rooms, including collections of porcelain, silver, antiquities, and paintings.

Occupying a commanding mountain perch above Berchtesgaden village, Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) is today a summertime chalet-restaurant; however, in its former life, it was a power symbol for Hitler’s Nazi regime. There is a small exhibition on-site, but those curious about its World War II history can stop at the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg, home to original underground bunkers and exhibits, or join a WWII-themed tour.

Explore a piece of Munich’s history with a visit to St. Peter’s Church or Peterskirche, a Roman Catholic church built in the 12th century. The building is known for its Gothic paintings, sculptures, and a ceiling fresco, plus panoramic views from its spire. Colored rings at the lower platform reveal details about the view from the spire; a white ring means the Alps are visible.

Among the most scenic historic towns in the Bavarian Alps, Oberammergau is known for its traditional wood carving and the colorful frescoes that adorn its centuries-old buildings. However, the town’s biggest claim to fame is the Passion Play—held every 10 years and dating to 1634, the performance tells the story of Jesus’ last days.

King’s Square is a square in Munich that dates back to the 19th century when King Ludwig I commissioned two temple-like museums inspired by the Acropolis in Athens. Notable sites include the Propylaea, the Glyptothek, and the State Collections of Antiquities. The area also holds significance as a site for Nazi rallies during World War II.

With its glassy blue waters framed by jagged mountains and lush alpine meadows, King’s Lake (Königssee) is one of Bavaria’s most beautiful. The natural wonder lies within Berchtesgaden National Park, offering a majestic backdrop for hiking and cruises.