Fairytale castles; sprawling forests; breathtaking views of the Alps. If these are on your travel bucket list, it might be time for a trip to Bavaria. Spanning the southeast of Germany, Bavaria is the largest state in the country by land area. This is good news for intrepid travellers, as it means there’s much to explore. And believe me, your first Bavarian experience will leave you coming back for more.
There’s a distinct identity to Bavaria that sets it apart from the rest of Germany. Fuelled by a carefree lust for life, Bavarians welcome both tradition and innovation. Munich, the capital, was heavily bombed during World War II, but is now a thriving tech hub looking to the future, home to both startups and established companies.
In contrast, Franconia, the state’s northern region, is renowned for its medieval towns and wine-growing culture that dates back to Roman times. Then there’s the southern section, which extends into the German Alps and is bordered by Austria, where you’ll find the stereotypical vision of Bavaria you have in your mind: Lederhosen, Bierzelt, and Biergarten.
Boasting a unique melting pot of history and culture – at a price that won’t break the bank – it’s easy to see why Bavaria made it onto Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list. Travelling to Bavaria from the UK is easy. Having made the trip many times, I’ve hopped on flights from Manchester, Leeds, Gatwick, and Stansted to major cities including Munich and Nuremberg, with fares starting from £25.
