Popular Tourist Attractions in Bavaria

When it comes to travel and tourism, Bavaria is a destination in Germany that enjoys a thriving trade and is hugely popular amongst visitors wishing to enjoy a memorable and special European vacation. You will find a vast array of places to visit, things to do, sights to enjoy, and places to stay throughout Bavaria, which forms the southernmost state of Germany. The capital city of Bavaria, which is Munich, is a popular choice amongst visitors to the area, as are the beautiful and majestic Bavarian Alps. With over twelve million residents throughout Bavaria you will find yourself in a vibrant and colourful destination when you visit the area, and with so much to see and do here there is something to suit every member of your party or family. You can visit a variety of major cities throughout Bavaria in addition to Munich, and this includes Nuremburg, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Furth, Augsburg, and Erlangen.

Enjoy the natural beauty to be found in Bavaria

The unique and wonderful destination of Bavaria is also a place of fabulous natural beauty, with some incredible natural sites to visit. This includes, of course, the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, rivers such as the famous River Danube, lakes including Lake Constance, and parks such as the Bavarian Forest National Park. Boasting a long and fascinating history as well as distinct culture that stands out from other parts of Germany, this is an area that will provide you with a truly memorable and unique vacation experience. You will also find many attractions, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which is famed as the model of the Sleeping Beauty castle as used by Walt Disney. Enjoy the beauty and unique theme of the Romantic Road which runs through the area, as well as museums, galleries, historic sites and attractions, cultural delights, and recreational facilities. A range of events and festivities such as the famous and lively Oktoberfest will help to add to your experience when you visit Bavaria. Also due to host matches for the soccer World Cup 2006, Bavaria is set to enjoy an even larger influx of visitors this year.

Other attractions throughout Bavaria

In addition to all of the above attractions and facilities you will enjoy a vast array of additional amenities in Bavaria, from excellent shopping to lively nightlife. A great range of eateries will enable you to enjoy both local and international cuisine, with Bavaria being a destination that is far more focussed on cuisine that much of the rest of Germany. You will also find a great choice of accommodations throughout Bavaria, so no matter which part of this area you wish to stay in you can enjoy lodgings that offer comfort and great service at affordable prices and to suit all needs. In short, a vacation to any part of Bavaria is one that you will remember for a long time to come, and this is certainly an area you are likely to want to return to.

About the Author

Ken Morris frequently pens articles on areas associated with history. You might find out more about his articles on Bavaria over at http://www.munich-to-vienna-via-salzburg.com/munich/bavaria.html and many different sources for Bavaria knowledge.

Top 10 cities for beer lovers

Munich’s Oktoberfest has come and gone, but that’s no reason for beer lovers to sit home and drown their sorrows in a frosty mug. The world is full of destinations where the natives know – and love – their beer, and where you can sample some local brew all year long. We sipped our way around the world and came up with ten great destinations for beer lovers – how about a visit to a German city that’s home to over a dozen beer gardens? Or perhaps a visit to the world’s oldest brewpub is more your pint of ale? And we can all probably agree that a city in Asia where beer is sold in vending machines is definitely worth a visit. So no matter how you say “cheers” – whether Prost! Na zdraví! Kampai! Salúd! – our list will help you raise a glass around the globe.

1. Amsterdam
2. Berlin
3. Brugge
4. Burlington
5. Dublin
6. Mexico City
7. Montreal, Quebec
   
8. Portland, Oregon
   
9. Prague
10. Sapporo, Japan

List courtesy of MSNBC.com

German Vacation Destinations - Munich

Arguably one of Germany's most celebrated, famous, and visited cities; Munich is a popular spot for visitors from across the globe ranging from ordinary tourists to jet-setting celebrities. Munich has sights, attractions, and events for everyone. The city is a bustling metropolis filled with modern flair and classic culture at the same time.

Munich is home to many castles, landmarks, and churches will keep the fine arts lover, history buff, and anyone else busy for days, even weeks, trying to see them all.

Considered to be the "must-see" destination for visitors to Munich, the Nymphenburg Palace was built in the 17th century as a gift from Ferdinand Maria to his wife, Henriette. His heir, Maximilian Emanuel, expanded to the palace by adding symmetrical buildings that span from the central structure. The Nymphenburg Palace also features a large landscaped park with meticulously manicured lawns, trees, shrubs, and fountains. The associated pavilions include Amalienburg, a hall that is secular in shape and lined with mirrors; Badenburg, which houses the first modern heated pool; Pagodenburg, which was built with a mixture of French and Oriental designs; and Magdaleneklause, which was constructed to resemble ruins and built to honor Mary Magdalen.

The astounding BMW Museum features the history and technological advances of BMW. Motor sports fans will enjoy the history of BMW's role in sports racing and its array of various prototypes on display. The BMW Museum is currently temporarily closed to the public for renovation, but will reopen in early 2007.

Historic churches of note that are often visited in Munich include Alter Peter or the Church of Saint Peter, the Cathedral Church of our Lady, Theatinerkirche, and Asamkirche.

Munich is the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest festival and houses the Beer and Oktoberfest museum, which is open year round. The museum gives visitors a lesson in the history of beer and Oktoberfest and is housed in one of Munich's oldest historical buildings.

The Oktoberfest festival celebrates Bavarian Beer and lasts for several weeks each year starting in September and ending in October. The tradition is nearly 200 years old and is probably Munich's largest attraction each year. Festival events include the Oktoberfest Costume and Rifleman's Parade, open-air music, beer tents, and distinct German cuisine feasts. Oktoberfest draws over six million visitors each year, with rates of attendance increasing with each passing year.

Munich is a very modern and cosmopolitan city and is an imperative hub to the high-fashion and glamour industry. Famous, world-renowned artists, designers, clothiers, actors, and models flock to the city to set trends, be seen, and make themselves known to the world.

It is also a very active community for the family and outdoors enthusiasts. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, towering over 2,900 meters above sea level. The Munich Zoo is a popular attraction and houses over 460 species of domestic and exotic animals. It has the distinction of being the first "geo zoo" in the world. Finally, the Isar River is a well-loved target for rafting fans for its natural beauty.

About the Author

Puripong Koomsin is the owner of Travel Europe Guide German Vacation Destinations - Munich