Bavaria vacation packages

How to reach Bavaria

• Flight time: Flights from London to Munich, Bavaria’s main city, take around 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours.

• Transfer time: Munich's airport, located 35 km north of the city, is connected to the Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz by the S1 and S8 trains, which run frequently and take about 40 minutes. You can also take an airport bus, which takes around 45 minutes, or a taxi, taking around 30 minutes.

• Price: A single ticket on the S-Bahn from the airport to the city center costs around $12.30. Airport buses cost approximately $11.65 one-way, while taxi fares range between $53 to $75.

Best time to visit Bavaria

With various attractions year-round, deciding when to visit Bavaria depends on your travel priorities.

• April to June: Late spring offers more settled weather with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F, rainfall is moderate (around 2–3 inches), and there are around 7–9 hours of sunshine daily.

• July to August: This is the high season, and most places are quite busy. Temperatures climb to 77°F or higher, ideal for lake swimming, beer gardens, and the region’s many festivals. Rainfall is usually low, about 2.4–3.1 inches, with up to 10 hours of sunshine.

• September to November: The weather starts to cool, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 64°F. Autumn is perfect for exploring Bavaria’s picturesque countryside and enjoying Oktoberfest, which runs from late September to early October. The Germans refer to the harvest season as “golden October” for a reason.

• December to March: If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, head to the Bavarian Alps, where snowfall is plentiful. Christmas markets are a major attraction in cities like Munich and Nuremberg. Temperatures range from 23°F to 41°F, with about 1.2–2.4 inches of rainfall; expect about 3–5 hours of sunshine daily.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: German is the official language, but most people in Bavaria speak a good standard of English.

• Local habits and customs: Bavaria has many wonderful traditions, including beer, lederhosen, and dirndls. While Munich is one of Germany’s most cosmopolitan cities, smaller towns maintain more conservative customs. To tip in a café, round your bill up to the next $0.50 or $1.

• Health and safety: Bavaria is an extremely safe region, with low crime rates. Healthcare is excellent, and you should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to medical services if needed. Tap water is safe to drink across Bavaria.

• Currency: Germany uses the Euro (€), with credit and debit cards accepted in most restaurants and shops. However, it’s a good idea to carry cash when visiting more rural areas.

• Getting around: Traveling around Bavaria is relatively straightforward, with Munich’s suburban rail system extending far into the surrounding countryside, and other major population centers connected by Autobahn and rail. Where train services end, buses take over, linking the most important tourist sites relatively frequently. Cycling is also a pleasure here.

• Electricity and plug types: Germany uses 230 volts AC with standard European two-pin plugs. UK travelers will need a plug adapter.

• Time zone: Bavaria follows Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travelers can visit Bavaria visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Bavaria

Bavaria offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from high culture to viticulture, and beer to breathtaking scenery. The eastern part of Bavaria is known for its expansive forests, while the north features Franconia's vineyards and nature parks, along with well-preserved, charming medieval towns.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest): This famous mountain retreat, associated with Hitler, provides stunning views that are sure to captivate you.

• The Donaudurchbruch at Kelheim: Experience spectacular scenery, impressive architecture, and delicious beer along this magnificent segment of the Danube.

• Zugspitze: As Germany’s tallest peak, Zugspitze offers incredible alpine views. Take a cable car to the top and, on a clear day, enjoy sights of four different countries.

The best districts

• Altstadt, Munich: A lively and vibrant metropolis with a captivating lifestyle: stroll through Marienplatz, home of the famous Glockenspiel, or savor a stein of beer at one of the city's many traditional beer halls.

• Bamberg: Known for its charming historic center and unique smoked beer, Bamberg is a compact city ideal for an extended visit.

• Nuremberg Altstadt: Explore the highs and lows of German history, from the city's imperial monuments to visible relics of the Nazi era.

• Augsburg: Discover Renaissance architecture mixed with a vibrant nightlife in Augsburg’s beautiful old town, reflecting the city’s historic wealth.

Museums

• The Bier & Oktoberfest Museum: Housed in a charming old residence, this museum explores the 5000-year history of beer production and the origins of Oktoberfest, born from the wedding festivities of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Parks and gardens

• English Garden, Munich: Watch the surfers on the swift river at the garden's base on Prinzregentenstrasse, then head uphill for a Hofbräu beer and sausage at the Chinese Tower, or dare to sunbathe in the nudist area at the garden's heart.

• Herrenchiemsee: Located on an island in the "Bavarian Sea," this unfinished homage to Versailles by King Ludwig II boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and recalls the flamboyance of Bavaria’s eccentric monarch.

Historical monuments

• Neuschwanstein Castle: King Ludwig II’s most extravagant creation merges Wagnerian inspiration with an impressive Alpine location, creating a romantic fantasy from the age of chivalry.

• Wieskirche: This magnificent church embodies the flair and extravagance of Bavaria's heavenly interiors.

• Würzburg Residence: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

Day trips in the area

• Murnau am Staffelsee: With its tidy facades, lively cafés, and scenic location near the Ammergauer Alps, this classic Alpine lake resort sits about 500 meters from the Staffelsee shores.

• Berchtesgadener Land: Resembling a figure-eight, this area extends deep into Austria's Salzburger Land, rich with stunning scenery and poignant reminders of the Third Reich’s elite.

Activities for families in Bavaria

Bavaria offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, enough to keep you busy for weeks:

• Danube Boat trips: During summer, Wurm & Köck tourist boats offer trips from Passau’s Danube quays ranging from brief 45-minute tours around the river convergence to longer cruises downstream to Linz.

• Aquariums and zoos: Munich’s Hellabrunn Zoo features animals in spacious, naturalistic settings, including the giraffe savannah and the polar bear habitat.

• Castles: Kids love exploring castles, and Bavaria boasts plenty, from the theatrical marvel of Neuschwanstein to King Ludwig’s unfinished Versailles homage at Hohenschwangau.

Free things to do in Bavaria

While Bavarian vacations may not always be cheap, various ways exist to save money.

• Christmas markets: Experience the magic of Bavarian Christmas markets, a centuries-old tradition. Munich’s Marienplatz market is brimming with atmosphere and perfect for handicrafts, while the Münchener Freiheit market is more relaxed with better food options.

• Free events and festivals: Beyond Oktoberfest, there's the lesser-known Gäubodenfest in Straubing, a 10-day event in August featuring a traditional parade with brass bands and peasant costumes, and it's Bavaria's second-largest folk festival.

Nature and outdoor activities in Bavaria

The Bavarian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round:

• Skiing: Enjoy the views from Zugspitze’s high-altitude slopes or tackle the Kandahar run in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany’s largest winter resort.

• Hiking: Bavaria offers stunning hiking opportunities, with the Königssteig trail being a highlight. This 5km route runs beneath a ridge eastward to Kofel and descends into the valley near Oberammergau, with an easier descent available from the Kolbensattelhütte.

• Cycling: Bavaria has a network of well-maintained cycling routes, with the Chiemsee Uferweg being a standout. This 70km path circles the lake, providing plenty of bathing spots. Bikes are available to rent from Fahrradhaus Prien on Hallwanger Str. 22.

• Nature watching: The Bavarian Forest, a mountain and pine forest range extending into the Czech Republic, is home to deer, otters, and pygmy owls—perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Local dishes in Bavaria

Bavaria, often associated with beer halls and Lederhosen, offers a hearty pig-fest featuring generous portions of Schweinshaxe (roast knuckle) and Rippchen (roast ribs). It's the sausage capital of Germany, and the beer is, of course, legendary.

Some typical dishes

• Weißwurst: Bavaria’s signature white sausage, typically enjoyed as a breakfast dish, served with sweet mustard and pretzels.

• Schweinshaxe: A large, crispy pork knuckle that would fit right in at a medieval feast, usually served with potato dumplings or sauerkraut.

Street food

• Bratwurst: The ubiquitous sausage available nationwide, varying by region. In Bavaria, they are finger-sized and usually made with finely minced pork and marjoram.

Meat dishes

• Wiener Schnitzel: A Bavarian favorite, this breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet is served with potato salad or fries.

• Leberkäse: Similar to meatloaf, this hearty baked loaf is a delicious mix of finely chopped pork and beef.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Steckerlfisch: Grilled fish (usually mackerel or trout) on a stick, commonly served at beer gardens or festivals like Oktoberfest.

Sweets and desserts

• Bayerische Creme: A creamy dessert flavored with vanilla, served with fruit compote.

• Apfelstrudel: Bavaria’s version of the classic apple strudel, made with flaky pastry and spiced apples, often served with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

Local drinks

• Beer: Bavarian beer specialties include Augustiner, Paulaner, Franziskaner, and Löwenbräu; Erdinger and Schneider brands are also popular, though brewed outside the city.

• Schnapps: High-proof Schnapps spirits come in a variety of regional flavors that rival beer; the most common variety in Bavaria is Kirschwasser (cherry Schnapps).