Located in the south of Germany, Bavaria is the country’s largest Bundesland, or state. It is divided in four regions: Allgäu/Bavarian Swabia, Franconia, Upper Bavaria and Eastern Bavaria. The Allgäu is known for its natural beauty, with majestic peaks and peaceful lakes, as well as for its many charming old towns. Franconia is internationally recognized for its beer and wine culture, as well as its beautiful medieval towns and castles. Germany’s highest mountains can be found in Upper Bavaria (the Watzmann and the Zugspitze), which make this area ideal for outdoor adventure sports all year round. And finally, Eastern Bavaria is home to the largest forested area in Europe (known as Bayerischer Wald, or Bavarian Forest).

Bavaria also has many cities and towns worth exploring. Munich, the capital city, is famous for its many beer gardens, cultural activities, and stunning architecture. The city is great for shopping and dining, offering everything from traditional Bavarian food to Michelin-starred international cuisine. It is also the country’s best destination for the famous Oktoberfest, which attracts tourist from all over the world every year.

The city of Regensburg is an hour north of Munich. It is located right on the Danube and has a beautiful, well-preserved medieval old town. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many historic Romanesque and Gothic buildings. The charming city of Nurnberg, in Franken, is known for its traditional small sausages (known as Nürnberger Bratwürste) and also hosts one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, the Christkindlesmarkt.