Frommer’s describes the Bavarian Alps as Germany’s “best mountainous landscape”. This beautiful area of culture, natural excursions and castles worthy of storybook illustrations, is located in Germany’s southwest corner along the Austrian border. Opportunities abound for every season, from skiing in the winter and hiking or cycling in the summer to palace and castle visits and stunning vista views year round.
In a series of nine blog posts we’ll guide you through this mountainous region of the former kingdom, now the state of Bavaria. We’ll start with our first on a description of the state’s capital, Munich.
Munich is about an hour from the Bavarian Alps and an ideal doorway to this intriguing landscape. You can fly into its international airport with easy access to the city centre. Major ‘Autobahnen’ (motorways) also drive in and out of Munich making it a natural stopping point during your exploration of the alpine region at its doorstep. Plus there is so much to see and do in one of Germany’s larger cities, making a stay for several nights a worthwhile plan.
If history is your game, you may want to check out some of Munich’s cathedrals, such as Theatinerkirche, a Baroque-style church from the late 1600s. For arts and culture, Munich boasts many art galleries and museums as well as the Bavarian Opera House. Some of the galleries are located in the Bogenhausen district with streetscapes oozing Art Nouveau.
If you desire luxury boutiques and shops, like Armani and Bulgari, visit Maximilianstrasse, also known as the city’s Golden Mile; the area has remnants of impressive architecture from the time of King Maximilian II’s reign. For those who are nocturnal, Munich also offers its worthy share of nightlife. Locals and tourists alike enjoy live music, pubs, outdoor events and beer gardens well after the sun sets. And of course, Munich hosts the globally famed Oktoberfest!!
Whether you are beginning your Bavarian tour in Munich or plan to stop by in the midst of your travels, the Bavarian capital will welcome you with both relaxing and exciting hospitality.
Stay tuned for our second blog of the series on Bavaria’s fascinating traditions and culture.
