An Insider’s Guide to Bavaria

Spanning from Munich to Salzburg in southeast Germany, Bavaria is a picturesque region adorned with fairytale villages, delightful beer gardens, glacial lakes, and breathtaking views of the Alps. Whether you’re exploring breweries and museums in Munich, cycling through the pre-Alps, or getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the real-life castle that inspired Walt Disney, this tiny region is a fantasy playground that caters to a variety of tastes.

In the interview below, we caught up with Experience Designer Mario Koch, and Region Expert Florian Marbach, as they share what you can expect on a trip to Bavaria. 

Bavaria is adorned with classic pre-alpine scenery, from postcard-perfect rolling hills dotted with dome-shaped churches to baroque art and the sound of cowbells. It’s also the only region in Germany boasting the Alps! There’s so much opportunity to embark on challenging bike rides and hiking that range from scenic walks to multi-day treks in the mountains. The moderate mountain heights mean you don't have to venture far for an authentic alpine experience.

As the wealthiest German state, you’re never far from a well-polished road. The infrastructure makes travel here smooth and flawless, whether you’re going by bike, train, car, or on foot. The local way of life also attracts a population drawn to the outdoors, who still uphold strong traditional values. 

It's not uncommon to see people wearing lederhosen in their daily lives, because that’s what they have been doing for hundreds of years! It’s also fascinating to hear the region’s distinct dialect still spoken, setting them apart with their own unique language.

It's a diverse mix, from families looking for an active vacation to travellers who want beautiful hikes, grand hotels, and relaxed evenings with minimal transfers. We've had father-son duos keen on biking and large groups looking for cultural-focused experiences. There’s also interest in events like the Sound of Music, and that, culminating with incredible hotels and short distances makes a wonderful experience because we are able to reach new places in a lovely way.

If time is limited, I'd suggest exploring Munich and then heading southeast to Salzburg, where you can visit your first beer garden in the pre-Alps region before heading to one of Bavaria’s lakes for outdoor activities. The area is great for biking, hiking, kayaking, and more adventurous pursuits like canyoning. Among the lakes, Tegernsee Lake stands out as the most scenic, boasting six 5-star hotels. It can get quite busy, so knowing the best times to visit and the ideal spots to take people is important!

If you have more time or prefer not to head to Salzburg from Munich, I suggest going southwest to explore the possibilities around Neuschwanstein Castle. While it can get crowded, we have the advantage of getting our travellers in early, before the crowds arrive. We can also arrange visits to breweries where we have connections with the brewmasters and cooking classes where you'll roam around gardens to pick your own ingredients.

Bavarian cuisine effortlessly embraces regional, kilometre-zero, and seasonal ingredients as a way of life rather than just a trend—a tradition passed down through generations. On our active days, expect lunch in rustic alpine huts, where you'll savour farm-fresh cuisine like cheese, buttermilk, cold cuts, freshly baked bread and garden-fresh salads. 

Dinners offer so many options. In cities like Munich and Salzburg, you have everything from fusion cuisine to Michelin-starred establishments. In smaller towns, young chefs are taking the reins, serving contemporary twists on traditional Alpine dishes.

One of my top picks in Munich is the Residenz München, known for its grotto and baroque theatre. The Schloss Neuschwanstein and other castles associated with King Ludwig are also must-sees. His reclusive nature set him apart, but his unique taste in opera and architecture led him to build these magnificent medieval-inspired castles in the 19th century.

Another favourite is Lindahorf Palace. Unlike other medieval castles, Lindahorf was built to resemble the taste of its owner, particularly influenced by Richard Wagner's opera. The palace's interiors are covered in frescos designed to mimic stage sets, making it really special for cultural enthusiasts.

I also love showing travellers Bavaria’s multifaceted history that often goes beyond common knowledge. From Munich's Third Reich history to exploring Eagle’s Nest, the local access and insider information we provide are all thanks to our guides who have devoted their lives to understanding the history of Bavaria. Their passion goes beyond the typical visitor's understanding.