From mountains and lakes to vibrant cities. Picturesque villages and fairy-tale castles
to breath-taking cathedrals and dazzling churches. Travelers to Germany have plenty of reasons
to visit Bavaria.
So what are the most popular spots?
Bamberg? Or Passau?
Franconia or Upper Bavaria? Which cities and regions are at the top of the list?
For years, Germany's southernmost state has been the number 1 tourist destination.
Of course, like everywhere else, the Coronavirus has taken its toll. In 2021, the second pandemic year,
19.6 million people visited. Compare that to 2019, the record year before the crisis,
when there were 40 million visitors!
Let's check out the top 3 most visited parts of Bavaria!
In 3rd place is Allgäu, in the far south
of the state, on the border with Austria. In 2021, 3.25 million guests came to enjoy
its picture-postcard landscapes.
Allgäu is also home to spectacular sights like Neuschwanstein, on the edge of the alps.
The fairy-tale castle was built by King Ludwig II,
at the end of the 19th Century. With around 180,000 visitors in 2021, Neuschwanstein remains
Bavaria's most visited castle.
Wintersports enthusiasts also flock to southern
Bavaria during the ski-season. Especially around Allgäu's 2 highest peaks, the Nebelhorn
and the Fellhorn. Even though the effects of climate change are being felt there, the
region still has some of the most reliable snow in Germany.
Second in our top 3 Bavarian destinations is Franconia, in the north of the state.
4.5 million tourists came here in 2021. The region is famous for its historic towns. Like Bamberg,
with its beautifully preserved old-town. It's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
Its most famous building is Bamberg Cathedral. Inside, visitors will also find
another city landmark: the Bamberg Horseman, a statue from the 13th century.
Unusually for Bavaria as a whole, vineyards are a typical sight around the Franconian
city of Würzburg. Towering above Würzburg is the Marienberg Fortress. For 500 years,
the complex served as the residence of the bishop-princes. Today, it's home to a regional
museum of art and culture.
As early as the Middle Ages, Würzburg
was an important economic and religious centre. It was severely damaged during World War 2,
but many of its historic buildings have since been reconstructed.
Würzburg's most famous landmark is also its most popular meeting place.
The Old Main Bridge spans the river of the same name. On warm summer evenings, locals and visitors
alike come here to relax with a glass of Franconian wine.
So which part of Bavaria is the most popular tourist destination?
At number 1 on the list is: Upper Bavaria. In 2021, more
than 8 million people came to the south-eastern part of the state, to enjoy spectacular sights
like the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2,962 meters.
In winter, you can also ski on the glacier below the summit.
Another outstanding peak is the Watzmann.
At 2,713 meters, it s the third-highest mountain in Germany, towering over the town of Berchtesgaden.
Upper Bavaria is also known for its many lakes. The largest is Chiemsee,
which has the nickname of The Bavarian Sea. There's also Walchensee, one of the highest and
most pristine lakes in Germany.
Above all, Upper Bavaria is a paradise for nature-lovers
especially those who like to experience the world on foot or by bicycle.
The alpine landscapes are spectacular, whether it's the Karwendel or the Wettersteins Mountains.
And what about Bavarian cities? Which are the most popular with tourists?
In 3rd place is Regensburg. In 2021, the city on the Danube River welcomed over 330,000 guests.
Its old town is one of the best preserved in Germany. Thanks to its historic monuments, Regensburg
became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Its famous landmark is Regensburg Cathedral.
Along with Cologne Cathedral, it's one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in the country.
The old town hall also bears witness to the
historical importance of this medieval city. For almost 150 years, representatives of the
Holy Roman Empire gathered here for a parliament known as the Perpetual Diet.
The second-most-visited Bavarian city is Nuremberg. In 2021, almost 800,000 tourists came here.
The castle stands out on the skyline, while the historic central market features
the Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady , as well as the Sch ner Brunnen fountain.
Nuremberg was almost completely destroyed during World War II. But the major historic
buildings have been restored.
A great many visitors come during the Christmas season.
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world,
and one of the largest in Germany. Normally, about 2 million people visit the main market every year.
For the last 2 years, the Christkindlesmarkt has had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
But organizers are optimistic for 2022. Nuremberg's Christmas market dates all the
Nuremberg's Christmas market dates all the way back to the 17th century.
And it's still the perfect place to try out
local specialties, such as the city's famous sausages, Nürnberger Rostbratwurst.
And market-goers can stay warm with a glass or two of mulled wine, known as Glühwein.
And the number 1 destination for tourists- visiting Bavaria? Munich. In 2021, 3,1 million guests came here.
With a population of more than 1,5 million,
the Bavarian capital is also the state's largest city.
The first stop for many tourists is the Marienplatz with its striking city hall. Together with
the Frauenkirche, the neo-baroque building forms the iconic silhouette of the Bavarian city.
When it comes to culture, there are also a large number of museums in Munich.
The Alte Pinakothek is a world-class art museum,
showcasing paintings from the Middle Ages to the mid-18th century.
But the biggest draw for visitors to Munich is the city's iconic Oktoberfest. The pandemic
aside, an average of 6 million revellers come here every year. Coronavirus forced the Oktoberfest
to be cancelled twice, but this year marks its long-awaited return.
Besides rides and tradition, Oktoberfest is all about coming together to celebrate.
So maybe it's no wonder that for years Bavaria has been Germany's top tourist destination.