Neuschwanstein, the Zugspitze, Königssee and Munich — a guide to the highlights of Germany's storied south.
Germany's storybook south
Bavaria (Bayern) is Germany's largest state and its most instantly recognisable: snow-topped Alps, glassy lakes, baroque towns and beer gardens under chestnut trees. It is the Germany of the postcard — lederhosen and pretzels, brass bands and mountain backdrops — but it is also home to a buzzing capital, Munich, and some of Europe's most famous castles.
Neuschwanstein and the fairytale castles
Perched on a crag near Füssen, Neuschwanstein is the castle that inspired Disney — a 19th-century fantasy built for the reclusive King Ludwig II, all turrets and mountain views. It pairs naturally with the yellow Hohenschwangau castle just below, where Ludwig grew up, and with the Wieskirche, a rococo pilgrimage church that is a UNESCO site in its own right. Tickets for Neuschwanstein are timed and sell out, so book ahead.
Munich: Marienplatz, beer gardens and Oktoberfest
Munich's heart is Marienplatz, where the New Town Hall's Glockenspiel chimes and figures dance twice a day. A short walk away, the Englischer Garten is one of the largest city parks in the world — big enough to hold a Chinese pagoda beer garden and a permanent standing wave where surfers ride the Eisbach river year-round.
Beer-garden culture is a way of life here, and every autumn the city throws the world's biggest party: Oktoberfest, held from late September into early October on the Theresienwiese.
Oktoberfest: the world's biggest party
Every autumn Munich throws the largest folk festival on earth. Oktoberfest — locals call it the Wiesn, after the Theresienwiese fairground where it is held — runs for about 16 days from mid-to-late September into the first Sunday of October, and draws roughly six million visitors. It kicks off at noon on the opening Saturday, when the mayor taps the first keg and shouts 'O'zapft is!' — 'It's tapped!'
The tradition dates back to 1810, when the fair began as a celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig's wedding. Today fourteen giant tents seat thousands each; the beer is strong Märzen served in one-litre Maß mugs, poured only by Munich's six breweries, alongside pretzels, roast chicken and brass bands. Tables fill fast, so reserve ahead or arrive early — and book a bed months in advance, because the whole city sells out.
The Bavarian Alps: Zugspitze and Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the classic Alpine base and the gateway to the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak at 2,962 metres, reached by a cog railway and cable car to a summit that looks across four countries. It is a ski resort in winter and a hiking hub in summer, with the dramatic Partnach Gorge — a river slot cut deep into the rock — right on its doorstep.
Königssee and Berchtesgaden
Tucked into the far south-east corner, the Königssee is Germany's answer to a fjord: an emerald lake hemmed by sheer cliffs, so protected that only silent electric boats are allowed. They glide to the red-domed St. Bartholomä chapel on the far shore. Above it all, the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) crowns a ridge with panoramic Alpine views.
Storybook towns: Bamberg, Nuremberg and Rothenburg
Away from the peaks, Bavaria's towns are half the pleasure. Bamberg spreads its UNESCO old town over seven hills and pours a smoky Rauchbier found almost nowhere else. Nuremberg has an imperial castle and Germany's most famous Christmas market. And Rothenburg ob der Tauber, on the Romantic Road, is the picture-perfect walled medieval town — cobbles, towers and timbered houses.
When to go and getting around
Summer brings the Alps and lakes to life; December lights up the Christmas markets; and late September means Oktoberfest. Fly into Munich (MUC), the region's hub. Bavaria's trains are excellent for the cities, but a car earns its keep for the castles and Alpine valleys — and the Romantic Road ties many of the highlights into one scenic drive.
Plan it and book
Line up Munich, the castles and an Alpine day in our trip planner: it maps out the days, estimates the budget and builds your packing list, then hands you the hotel and flight links when you're ready.