In this episode, Diana Gonzalez with Bavaria, Germany Tourism joins us to talk about the beautiful state of Bavaria and why it’s a great family vacation destination.
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Tell us about Bavaria, Germany.
Bavaria, located in southeast Germany, is the largest of its 16 states and its the #1 destination.
Munich, the capital city and 3rd largest city in Germany, is a major hub to fly into. Traveling around the state is very easy via train or car, from north to south is about a 4-hour drive.
Every region of Bavaria is full of charm, culture, unique offerings, and wonderful people.
What makes Bavaria a great family destination?
There is such a great variety of things to see and do for families year around in Bavaria…from palaces and castles, museums and festivals, and nature and outdoors.
Here are some of the highlights of each region.
Franconia, the northern part region, has a lake district, 10 nature parks, the Franconian wine region, the highest density of breweries in the world, and the charming city of Nuremberg.
Burg Rabenstein is a fun castle to visit for families with cultural events and a falconry center. You can even stay in the castle.
In Upper Bavaria, you’ll find Munich and Germany’s highest mountain, which is very popular year-round with summer and winter sports.
Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria’s largest lake, is about 90 minutes from Munich. Also called the Bavarian Sea, you’ll find Bavaria’s “Versailles,” King Ludwig II’s castle, Herrenchiemsee, on the island in the middle. Every day, boats ferry visitors across to visit the castle.
Eastern Bavaria is home to the Bavarian Forest, the largest forested area in Europe, and charming towns Passau and UNESCO World Heritage Site Regensburg.
Allgäu/Bavaria Swabia, Bavaria’s southwest region, is full of nature, mountains, and lakes. It’s home to one of Germany’s top attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle.
Also built for King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein is on a rugged cliff against a scenic mountain backdrop and was intended to embody the true spirit of the medieval German castle. You’ll definitely recognize it as it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
In the middle of the clear lake, Lake Constance, surrounded by a luscious green environment and snow-covered mountains, lies the island Lindau im Bodensee, a unique location with unique charm.
What are suitable family activities each season in Bavaria?
Bavaria is a Winter wonderland perfect for winter sports fans with snowboarding, skiing, and tobogganing.
The Alps in the south are home to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Skiers and non-skiers alike will love it. Take the cable car to the top and enjoy restaurant Panorama 2962 for breathtaking views. There’s also a bunny hill you can sled any time of year.
Spring is a perfect season for hiking in Bavaria. There are hiking trails across the state.
Munich is lovely in the spring. English Garden, one of the biggest urban parks in the world (bigger than Central Park), is a top attraction in the city where you’ll also find locals surfing on the river.
Train from Munich to Nuremberg to see the Imperial Castle, the Transport Museum and Toy Museum, all great for kids.
In Summer, the Franconian Lake Region has swimming, diving, windsurfing, fishing, and boating, as well as beaches, biking, and hiking trails.
It’s a great time to visit PLAYMOBIL FunPark, 20 minutes outside Nuremberg, and LEGOLAND® Germany, an hour outside Munich.
The forests in Bavaria are full of glorious colors in Autumn.
The Weingut, Franconian Wine Region is a great fall destination. You can visit the many local vineyards and wineries, and some even allow you to participate in the harvest.
Fairs and festivals across the state in the fall, including Oktoberfest in Munich.
Christmas in Germany is magical. Just about every city and town has a Christmas Market or Christkindlesmarkt. Nuremberg is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in the world, and Munich has 32 Christmas Markets.
*Note from KeeKee’s Big Adventures…We holidayed in Bavaria for Christmas one year visiting Regensberg (the cutest markets I’ve been to and a Castle Christmas Market outside of town), Nuremberg, and Coburg. We even stayed in a castle for Christmas outside of Coburg, Schloss Hohenstein. It was a fairytale.*
There are also lovely ‘drives’ to explore throughout the year, like the Romantic Road, Castle Route, and the German Alpine Road.
The People and Cuisine of Bavaria
No matter where you go, you’ll find delicious food and welcoming people.
Food across the region is delicious, and each has its specialties. There’s something for everyone to enjoy like specialty sausages, freshly baked pretzels, Käsespätzle (cheesy noodle dish), and Kaiserschmarren, the alpine region dessert of fluffy shredded pancake.
Meet some of the locals in Bavaria, from bakers and chefs to shop owners and winemakers, in these great videos.
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Explore more of Bavaria and the many vacation options on the website, including ideas for families. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you for joining us, Diana!
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* All images are copyright of Bavaria Tourism, erlebe.bayern.