Welcome to Bavaria
Bavaria is a mountainous land in the southeast of Germany rich in both history and culture, where Oktoberfest—an annual festival featuring beer, sausage, and lederhosen—draws in revelers in their droves. The festival is held in Munich, the Bavarian capital, which boasts some of the finest architecture in Europe. But Bavaria is a vast area with much to offer beyond Munich—from the walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to King Ludwig II's unfinished island castle of Herrenchiemsee, you won't be short on things to do. With that in mind, tours that link several sights are often the best way to experience the region. Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, can easily be combined with the villages of Oberammergau and Hohenschwangau on a day trip from Munich. Private tours take visitors into the Bavarian wilderness, from the high mountains to the deep lake of Berchtesgaden National Park, as well as the area's dense forests where a local guide is your best bet for exploring. For sports enthusiasts, the Bavarian Alps offer ski resorts that are cozier and less expensive than those in neighboring countries. Finally, many people choose to visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site on guided tours which provide insight into a dark chapter in German history.
