Bavaria is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in Germany. Here, you’ll find natural beauty with the Alps and lakes, castles and palaces, and charming cities that resemble fairy tale movies, all steeped in tradition.
At Viagem Alemanha, we take great pleasure in introducing travelers to the beauty of this state with our specialized guides and consultancy, crafting the perfect travel plan for you! In today’s post, we’ll share a bit of the history and beauty of this region!
We have a post discussing other locations in Bavaria, check it out here!
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
History of Bavaria
Bavaria’s history dates back to ancient times, initially inhabited by Germanic tribes and later dominated by the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region became part of the Frankish Kingdom. During the Middle Ages, Bavaria was consolidated as a duchy under the leadership of the Agilolfings and later the Wittelsbachs, who ruled the region for nearly a thousand years, from the 12th century until 1918. After World War I, Bavaria became a free state and part of the Weimar Republic.
Cities of Bavaria
Munich (München)
The capital and largest city of Bavaria, Munich is renowned for its rich history, impressive architecture, and the world-famous Oktoberfest. Munich is an old city with touches of modernity. You’ll find many architectural styles in Munich, along with a special street filled with small shops.
Highlights include the famous Marienplatz, the beautiful Asamkirche church, and Nymphenburg Palace. But Munich has much more to offer, such as the BMW Museum, Allianz Arena, and more!
Nuremberg (Nürnberg)
Nuremberg was the stage for significant historical events, especially during the Holy Roman Empire and later during the Nuremberg Trials after World War II. As the second largest city in Bavaria, it features an imposing castle and a well-preserved old town surrounded by walls dating back to 1140. Nuremberg also boasts numerous museums, including the Documentation Center at the former Nazi party rally grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, where post-WWII trials and condemnations took place.
Augsburg
One of the oldest cities in Germany, founded in 15 BC by the Romans, Augsburg has a rich history tied to the Roman Empire and was a significant center during the Protestant Reformation. The city is famous for its old Renaissance buildings, the Fuggerei (the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use), and the Schaezlerpalais, a Rococo palace housing works by masters like Holbein and Dürer. Augsburg’s water management system, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 16th-century hydraulic engineering masterpiece. Other attractions include Augsburg Cathedral, the Maximilian Museum, which offers a comprehensive view of local history and culture, and the Botanical Garden with its themed gardens.
Regensburg
Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century, Regensburg boasts a well-preserved historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the iconic 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval engineering masterpiece. Another landmark is St. Peter’s Cathedral, with its 105-meter-high Gothic towers and stunning stained glass windows.
Nearby is the impressive Walhalla, a memorial built by King Ludwig I between 1830 and 1842. This Greek neoclassical-style temple is located on a hill with breathtaking views of the Danube River. Inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, Walhalla was designed by architect Leo von Klenze and serves as a “hall of fame” to honor significant figures in German history, including rulers, scientists, artists, and writers.
Würzburg
Würzburg is famous for its Residence, a Baroque palace listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also a vital center for wine production in the Franconia region.
A main highlight of the city is the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th century. The palace is known for its grand staircase and magnificent gardens designed by the same landscapers as Versailles. Another iconic site is the Marienberg Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and the Main River. The fortress houses a museum with an extensive collection of works by sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. The Alte Mainbrücke, Würzburg’s classic stone bridge and the oldest in the city, is another must-see.
Additionally, Würzburg is a perfect destination for wine lovers, with famous vineyards and historic wineries like Juliusspital, which offers tastings and tours.
Bamberg
Due to its well-preserved Old Town architecture, Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is divided between the “mountain city,” with seven hills, and the “island city.” The island city, often called “Little Venice,” is the former fishermen’s district, now home to various shops and typical restaurants. The most famous sites are the Old Town Hall, built in the middle of the Regnitz River, and the beautiful half-timbered houses along the river.
Bamberg’s beer tradition dates back around 1000 years. The city is a great place to discover new flavors at the numerous traditional breweries!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a gem of medieval Germany. Beyond the iconic corner of Rothenburg, called Plönlein, the city has historic walls surrounding it, a square, and narrow streets with charming half-timbered houses.
With over 1000 years of history and despite the bombings it received in 1945, the city was rebuilt without losing its beautiful essence!
Rothenburg is one of the main highlights of the Romantic Road and should not be missed on your trip to Germany!
Want to discover many other places that suit you in Germany? Travel with our personalized itineraries and discover the best of this country!
Füssen
Füssen is a charming town at the foot of the Alps, known for its rich history and natural beauty. The town is famous for its proximity to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, built by King Ludwig II. Füssen’s historic center is filled with well-preserved medieval architecture, such as the Hohes Schloss (High Castle) and St. Mang’s Abbey, both offering museums and impressive views. The cobblestone streets and colorful houses against the backdrop of the beautiful Alps make the town even more inviting!
Passau
Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. The city is famous for its baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest church organ, with over 17,000 pipes.
Another must-see is the Veste Oberhaus, a medieval fortress built in 1219, offering panoramic views of the city and rivers. The fortress houses a museum that explores local history, including exhibitions on medieval weaponry and the lives of the prince-bishops who ruled the region.
The Dreiflüsseeck, or “Three Rivers Corner,” is where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet, creating a natural spectacle with different water colors blending. This spot is perfect for a leisurely walk and appreciating the region’s natural beauty.
Curiosities
Bavaria has a strong brewing tradition, with more than 600 breweries in the state, meaning it has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the world.
The region is known for its traditional attire, “Tracht,” which includes “Lederhosen” (leather shorts) for men and the “Dirndl,” a folk dress for women.
Bavaria also has a strong tradition in folk music and dance, with local festivals where these traditions are vividly celebrated.
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