Bavaria is by far the most popular vacation area in Germany. It is a large state of great diversity with interesting sights and excellent facilities for visitors.

Bavaria is the oldest continuous political entity in Germany. It was founded around 555. However, longevity should not be confused with stability or monotony. Bavaria’s fortunes and borders changed frequently although the past three hundred years things looked mostly upwards.

The attractions of Bavaria are varied. It ranges from larger cities such as Munich (München) and Nuremberg (Nürnberg) with excellent museums and urban facilities to small, neat villages with surprising architecture and art treasures. The most amazing Baroque and Rococo churches and monasteries are often far from major modern towns.

Much of Bavaria is covered by forests while the Alps in the south are excellent for mountaineering and winter sports. Water generally abounds with ample opportunities for water sports. Hiking and cycling is popular throughout Bavaria with many dedicated routes.

Bavarian cuisine is generally hearty but not strange to the western palate. Even in the smaller towns lighter variations of traditional recipes are common. Germans generally have no hang-ups with carbohydrates. Vegetarians may have a hard time especially if eggs and cheese are cut out.

Bavaria is famous for its beer – most breweries are small and only supply locally. The wine from the Franconian (Franken) region is famous and prices often still surprisingly low.

This online guide to some parts of Bavaria covers only some of the lesser-known sights. They are by no means undiscovered but they simply did not survive the final edit for inclusion in my Munich & Bavaria Adventure Guide (Hunter Publishing). This is unfortunate as there are some real jewels along the byways of rural Bavaria.