Bavaria, Germany is located in the southeast region of the country. It has over 12.5 million inhabitants and is considered the largest German state constituting almost 20% of total land. I was so excited to be visiting an area rich with culture and, above all else, the annual Oktoberfest which happens to be the largest beer festival in the world. That, however, is just one of the many things to do while visiting.
I was lucky enough to have a well-rounded experience while abroad, and thought sharing my trip could better guide other tourists who may be in need of some direction.
First, I have to say that the Bavarian people were absolutely wonderful. They were so hospitable and didn't exude the air of superiority that so many other European countries tend to do. They, instead, were very sociable and inclined to help a traveler find their way around.
I will outline the best places to go while in Bavaria but please take note that these are just a few. It would take years to detail all Bavarian possibilities so I just stuck with the ones I found to be the best.
In the small town of Altötting, you will find the Holy Chapel. This structure houses the famous wooden image of Our Lady of Altötting, a black Madonna, and, if you're interested in a more macabre attraction, it has the hearts of 21 Bavarian rulers and the famous general Tilly.
Amberg has a lot of attractions to visit as well. Churches, theaters and museums line the small town and offer hours of adventure and fun. However, the most notable attraction for me was St Martin's Church. It was built during the late Gothic period and is considered one of the most important churches in the Upper Palatinate. It is a beautiful architectural discovery and I was completely enthralled with its artistry.
Ansbach is a village abundant with gardens, churches and museums. Margrave's Palace is situated in this town and it is one of the most important 18th century palaces in Franconia. Here, I was able to see a state collection of Ansbach faience and porcelain. It was amazing!
I was also lucky enough to visit two main attractions in Bad Reichenhall, a small basin framed by hills that is absolutely breathtaking. The beautiful Predigtstuhl offered the most gorgeous views of the town. If you're afraid of heights be sure you bring someone to hold your hand! Alternately, St Zeno's Church was very much to my liking. A former Augustinian monastery, this church has amazing architectural details such as the western gate to the beautiful and stylish interiors. Definitely worth a look!
I am a naturalist, so when I learned of the Bavarian Forest and I was so incredibly excited to be honest, they're right. The rolling wooded hills in eastern Bavaria and beautiful. The small village hidden in this beautiful area of the buildings in the countryside you like to walk through and walk through are able to do!
One of the most important city of Bayreuth. E 'homes some of the greatest architecture, museums and churches that Germany has to over. The Margrave's Opera House has a baroque interior and has weekly festivities for tourists. You can easily travel back to 1745 when you step through the doorway. A very fun adventure!
The Lindau Harbor was exquisite! Located on the south side of this island town, the old lighthouse is completely charming. It is surrounded by some of the most amazing landmarks such as the Bavarian lion and gives panoramic views of the Alps. The Lindau Old Town is perfect for the walking traveler, much like myself. The streets are beautifully preserved and lined with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses - you can also see fountains, arcades and stop by the pavement cafes.
If you're looking for something a bit more regal you can visit Landshut's Burg Trausnitz. This little town was founded by Duke Ludwig in 1204 and has a late Romanesque chapel. The foliage is sprawling and includes an Italian style palace that was rebuilt by Prince William in 1568. It's not often you can enjoy Italy in Germany!
Our last stop will be Wasserburg that sits atop a peninsula as it's pretty much enclosed by the Wasserburg Inn. All I can say is if you want enchantment this is the place to go - it was absolutely stunning. I wish I could go on and on about the beauty and reverie of Bavaria but, alas, I cannot. To truly experience something you have to get lost in it yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment