Going deep South: Munich and Upper Bavaria
Anyone coming to Bavaria is drawn to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. With its imposing architecture, legendary beer gardens, a young craft beer scene, the English Garden, and the Isar River, which meanders through the city as a pulse generator and party zone, the metropolis of 1.5 million people is a no-brainer for newbies and returners. Exploring from Munich is highly recommended, spending a few days to also discover the surrounding countryside.
In the southeast, just under two hours by train from Munich, you will find the town of Burghausen on the border with Austria. Quite unknown it is home to the world's longest castle. If you walk down the slope with a view of the main castle on your left, you will come across the old town with its colourful townhouses and narrow alleys. On the right, lake Wöhrsee invites you for a swim or a water-side walk, followed perfectly by a gelato in the town square.
To the south of Munich lies Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is usually crowded by Munich locals enjoying its beautiful mountain hikes. But connoisseurs turn off beforehand and drive past Ettal Monastery and Linderhof Castle. The little sister of Neuschwanstein was the home of the fairytale King Ludwig II, and the last Bavarian monarch rightly earned his reputation. In the castle, for example, you will find an original tablecloth ("Tischlein Deckdich") and if you keep your eyes open in the gardens, you can marvel at the romantic Moroccan House. The visit can be combined with an excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle or a trip to the rushing Partnachklamm gorge and the crystal-clear Eibsee lake via a 50-minute drive.
Where to stay: Sofitel Munich Bayerpost (from 279 euros in a double room), Mercure Hotel Munich am Olympiapark (from 79 euros in a double room), ibis Styles Munich City West (from 99 euros in a double room).
Wet Wet West in the "Ländle": Lake Constance
On Lake Constance, those interested in culture, nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and gourmets will find their happy place. In summer, you can explore the shores of the "Swabian Sea" by bike or on the water by canoe, kayak, pedal boat, or SUP paddle board. In early autumn, walk through the colourful vineyards to cozy inns and enjoy the great apple harvest. The city of Constance is ideal for a day trip and has plenty of surprises and historical treasures. The district of Niederburg is especially lovely with its well-preserved old town, lake-view cafés sights such as imposing Imperia.
A day trip to the beautiful town of Meersburg is also a must-see in the region. It is only a 15-minute ferry ride from Constance. Here you can visit the oldest inhabited castle in Germany and an old town full of half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the trip to the “flower island” of Mainau. This year's island theme is "Schlossjuwel & Gartenrausch" and pays tribute to the island's history. Oversized baroque flower dresses offer unique photo opportunities.
Where to stay: ibis Styles Friedrichshafen (from 107 euros in a double room), ibis Styles Singen (expected to open in October. From 92 euros in a double room).
The golden middle: Cityhopping through Franconia and the Upper Palatinate
This route includes the historic cities of Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Regensburg in just one trip. All three cities can be easily connected by train. Let's start in the northernmost of the three historic cities: Bamberg. The medieval residential town with its many churches was built on seven hills; that's why the town is also called "Franconian Rome". The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful late medieval town centres in Germany. At the same time, Bamberg is the secret capital of beer due to its density of breweries - visitors can even earn a beer diploma.
Just an hour's train ride south is a paradise for city travellers: Nuremberg. A stroll through the alleys lined with half-timbered houses and underground rock passages plunges you deep into the Middle Ages. The 15-minute climb to the Kaiserburg is worth it for the view alone. Right next door, the artists' quarter and hip cafés provide a wonderful contrast. For refreshment, there are Nuremberg bratwursts and a glass of Franconian wine - preferably with a view of the Pegnitz River from one of the terraces. Those who crave sweets after "Drei im Weckla": Nuremberg gingerbread tastes good at any time of year - and it's also available as a summer version.
The train journey from here to Regensburg, which showes many traces of the Romans, takes around one and a half hours. The old town is considered an outstanding example of a medieval trading city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat trip to the Weltenburg Monastery with its breath-taking views. It is located directly on the bend of the Danube in one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Germany.
Where to stay: ibis Styles Bamberg (from 93 euros in a double room), Novotel Regensburg (from 105 euros in a double room), Novotel Nuernberg Centre Ville (from 107 euros in a double room).
Off to the East: Berlin, Brandenburg and Dresden
The lively German capital Berlin always has new discoveries in store. The "Öffis" (public transport) is the easiest way through the city and into the surrounding area. And there is plenty to discover just outside of the city borders. For example, Potsdam is only 35 kilometers away. The former fishing village turned over the centuries into a magnificent residential city. A visit to Sanssouci Palace and Park is a must. You can enjoy a different kind of sightseeing by boat with a tour of the river Havel sailing by many castles and unique sights located near the river banks.
Just over 30 kilometers to the south of Berlin is one of Central Europe's fascinating primeval forest landscapes: the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. Even today, the flat Spreewald barges are the traditional means of transport in this labyrinth of waterways winding through the forest. The best way to explore the impressive nature, mysticism, and tranquillity of the vast, green landscape is from one of these barges, carefully driven by a ferryman.
If you want to add two more days, we recommend a tour to Dresden and a hiking trip to “Saxon Switzerland”. The baroque city on the Elbe serves as a starting point for an impressive nature experience: just a stone's throw away, on the border to the Czech Republic, you will find impressive rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the famous Bastei Bridge, dense forests, beautiful hiking trails, and charming little cafés.
Where to stay: Mercure Hotel Wittenbergplatz (from 119 euros in a double room), Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof (from 237 euros in a double room).
Up to the north: Hamburg and the German sea
Hamburg is the perfect starting point for adventures on land and water - for example, for a trip to Helgoland. Even the journey by high-speed catamaran is an experience. The landmark of Germany's only high seas island is the “Lange Anna”, an almost 50-meter-high surf cliff. The view of the endless North Sea from there is immensely calming.
By land, you can reach the "crown of the Hanseatic League" from Hamburg in just one hour: Lübeck with its multitude of passageways, gateways, and backyards in the old town. A look at the Holsten Gate, emblazoned on many German two-euro coins, is indispensable. Right next door, those with a sweet tooth will learn all about the noble confection made from almonds and sugar in the Marzipan Museum.
Just a stone's throw away is the "City of the Seven Lakes", Schwerin - many small shops and cafés, half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, the cathedral, and market square invite you to stroll around and enjoy a slower pace. Schwerin's idyllic city harbor blows you away with picturesque views - without any signs of industry at all, but with plenty of peaceful sailing boats.
A night on the Kiel Fjord rounds off the Northern Germany tour. On the waterfront, with lots of seagulls, cozy parks, cool shops, and cafés, you will end your trip in the Nordic noble Kiel. Here you can look out over ships, sailing yachts, lighthouses, and beaches for many last times. Holtenauer Straße is your place to go if you are watching out for a souvenir or two.
Where to stay: Mövenpick Hamburg (from 153 euros in a double room), ibis Styles Hamburg-Barmbeck (from 75 euros in a double room).
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