Upper Bavaria Travel Guide (Bavaria/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Upper Bavaria
List of Places to Visit in Upper Bavaria
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Upper Bavaria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Bavaria
Best Things to Do in Upper Bavaria: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Bavaria
Food and Drink Scene of Upper Bavaria
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Upper Bavaria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Upper Bavaria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Upper Bavaria
Best Time to Visit Upper Bavaria
Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Bavaria
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Upper Bavaria
- Health in Upper Bavaria
Getting to Upper Bavaria: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Upper Bavaria
Where to Go Next from Upper Bavaria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Upper Bavaria, situated in the heart of Europe, is a captivating region of Germany that showcases natural beauty, rich culture, and exhilarating adventure. From its soaring mountains, deep valleys, crystalline lakes, and charming cities, to its rustic villages, world-renowned beer culture, and mouth-watering local cuisine, Upper Bavaria is a destination that has something for every traveler.

Introduction to Upper Bavaria

Bavaria is the largest state in Germany and Upper Bavaria is one of its seven regions. It is home to cosmopolitan Munich and alpine villages, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and history buffs. The region is also widely known for its famous Oktoberfest beer festival, held annually in Munich, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world.

List of Places to Visit in Upper Bavaria

Upper Bavaria is a treasure trove of destinations and attractions that celebrate its rich history and natural beauty. Here is a list of the must-visit places in Upper Bavaria:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Munich’s historical landmarks: Marienplatz, Hofbräuhaus, Nymphenburg Palace, and Residenz Palace
Neuschwanstein Castle
Deutsches Museum, Munich
The Bavarian National Museum, Munich
The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Natural Attractions of Upper Bavaria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak
Lake Starnberg
Partnach Gorge, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Berchtesgaden National Park
The Bavarian Forest National Park
Eibsee Lake, Grainau
Königssee

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Bavaria

Upper Bavaria offers an extensive network of well-marked hiking and biking trails. Some of the most popular routes in the region are:

Eagle’s Nest Trail
Starnberger See Trail
Zugspitze Round Trail
Ruhpolding Biking Trail
Isar Cycle Path

Best Things to Do in Upper Bavaria: Activities and Tours

Go on a scenic drive on the Romantic Road
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour in Berchtesgaden
Learn how to make pretzels and other Bavarian delicacies
Take a boat tour on Lake Chiemsee
Go skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Enjoy a beer spa at a local brewery

Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Bavaria

Here is a sample week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip to Upper Bavaria:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Explore Munich’s historical landmarks
Day 2	Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle
Day 3	Hike in the Bavarian Alps at Zugspitze or Karwendel
Day 4	Visit Berchtesgaden and explore Königssee lake
Day 5	Take a tour of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Day 6	Enjoy outdoor activities in Chiemsee lake or Starnberger lake
Day 7	Spend the day in the town of Regensburg and explore its UNESCO-listed sites

Food and Drink Scene of Upper Bavaria

Upper Bavarian cuisine is so much more than just the world-famous beer and pretzels. It offers a plethora of traditional dishes and drinks that hit the right spot.

Must-Try Dishes

Schnitzel
Weisswurst, or white sausages
Leberknödel, a liver dumpling
Spätzle
Kaiserschmarrn, a sweet fluffy pancake

Local Beverages

Beer, from local breweries and taverns
Apfelwein, apple cider
Obstler, a fruit brandy
Weißbier, wheat beer

Where to Stay in Upper Bavaria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Upper Bavaria has a wide range of accommodation options that suit every traveler’s need. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels or rustic guesthouses, there’s an option for you.

Some of the best places to stay in Upper Bavaria are:

Hotel Laimer Hof, Munich
Berchtesgaden Youth Hostel
Hotel Königshof, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Alpenhof Murnau, Murnau
Boutique Hotel Villa am See, Feldafing

What to Buy in Upper Bavaria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Upper Bavaria is home to unique souvenirs and products that represent the region’s culture and traditions. Here are some products you can bring back home:

Beer steins and mugs
Hand-painted ceramic plates
Traditional Bavarian clothing
Lebkuchen, gingerbread made in Nuremberg
Bavarian cheeses
Alpine herbs and spices

Local Culture and Customs of Upper Bavaria

Bavarian culture and traditions are an integral part of its identity. The people of Upper Bavaria celebrate their heritage through music, dance, and local festivals. Some customs and traditions to consider:

Wearing Dirndls and Lederhosen
Celebrating Oktoberfest
Listening to traditional Bavarian music played on the harmonica
Going to a Krampuslauf, a parade where performers dressed as Krampus, a demon-like character, run through the streets.

Best Time to Visit Upper Bavaria

Visit Upper Bavaria between April to October for mild weather and a full calendar of events and activities. Summer is the peak tourist season, and the region is buzzing with festivals and outdoor events. Winter is also a great time to visit the region, especially if you’re planning a ski trip or want to experience Christmas markets in Munich.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Bavaria

Do:

Learn some basic German phrases
Respect locals’ conservative dress and customs
Try local beer and cuisine
Travel with cash, as many places do not accept cards.

Don’t:

Be late to appointments or events
Make excessive noise after 10 pm
Jaywalk
Leave a tip less than 10-15% in restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Upper Bavaria

Germany, in general, is a safe destination, and Upper Bavaria is no exception. However, be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas, and beware of high traffic areas.

Health in Upper Bavaria

No specific health risks are associated with traveling to Upper Bavaria. Ensure that you have appropriate travel health insurance and seek medical attention in case of an emergency.

Getting to Upper Bavaria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upper Bavaria

Munich Airport
Nuremberg Airport
Salzburg Airport

Bus Stations Near Upper Bavaria

Munich Central Bus Station
Nuremberg Central Bus Station
Ulm Central Bus Station

Other Options

Train: Deutsche Bahn offers fast, comfortable, and reliable train services from major European cities to Bavaria.
Car Rental: Renting a car is an excellent option if you’re planning to explore the countryside or small towns.

How to Get Around in Upper Bavaria

Upper Bavaria has a well-connected transportation system that includes trains, buses, and trams. The Bayern-Ticket, a regional transport ticket, offers unlimited travel on public transport in Bavaria for a day.

Where to Go Next from Upper Bavaria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Upper Bavaria has several day-trip options, including:

Salzburg, Austria
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Regensburg
Augsburg
Nuremberg

Conclusion

Upper Bavaria is a destination that guarantees an unforgettable travel experience showcasing natural beauty, rich culture, and exhilarating adventure. From alpine magnificence to historical landmarks, local delicacies to traditional clothes, Upper Bavaria is a destination that offers something special for everyone. Plan your visit today and get ready to explore one of Europe’s most captivating regions.