Bavaria: 5 must-see places

Bavaria is not just about Munich, Nuremberg, Memmingen, or Regensburg, which are the most familiar to travelers. The largest region of Germany has a lot to offer its guests! We've prepared a list of the top 5 places in Bavaria that you absolutely must see when traveling to this region.

1. Bavarian Forest

The Bavarian Forest (German: Bayerischer Wald) is a nature reserve, but an extraordinary one. It's famous for being the only place where you can walk among the treetops of ancient spruces and even touch them with your hand, all while enjoying the most beautiful views of the valley. How? By strolling along the Wald Wipfel Weg (German: "Path Over the Forest"), a 370-meter-long wooden bridge built 30 meters above the ground, right among the sprawling firs, beeches, and pines! It's just like when you built a treehouse in the yard as a kid, remember? There's plenty to do in the reserve as well: 25 stations where you can study the local flora and fauna, learn to recognize local birds by their calls, and even master some rock climbing skills.

How to get there: Take a train to the town of Straubing, then transfer to bus No. 6096 to St. Englmar — Maibrunn station. Admission costs €8 (adults), €4 (children under 18), and is free for kids under 7.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle — A Living Legend

This architectural marvel is best described as a magical castle — the jewel of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle is famous for its luxurious interiors and murals themed around Wagner's operas and Germanic sagas, each of which is a true masterpiece.

The castle is located near the town of Füssen, which you can reach by train from Munich, and from Füssen station, take bus No. 78. The ticket price is €13.

Tip: Close to Neuschwanstein Castle, you'll find another royal residence — Hohenschwangau Castle. You can visit both if you purchase the combined "Royal" tour ticket, which costs around €23.

3. The Painted Village of Oberammergau

Let it not be said that all Germans are conservative and indifferent to beauty! The proof lies in the village with the hard-to-pronounce name, Oberammergau. Visit here to admire the main attraction — the painted houses adorned with frescoes inspired by German legends and fairy tales, traditional motifs, and just beautifully intricate patterns. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale — a true open-air art gallery!

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Tip: Every 10 years, Oberammergau hosts a theatrical festival featuring performances based on the Passion of Christ. The next one will take place in 2020.

4. The Nibelungen Route

Even if you're not familiar with the saga of the Nibelungs, this tourist route is sure to interest you, if only because there's so much to see along the way. Imagine yourself as a brave knight (or a fair maiden) and set off on a journey — through the Rhine Valley, from the legendary city of Worms, the ancient capital of kings, to Würzburg. Along the way, you'll encounter Auerbach Castle, the Eberstadt Caves, Worms Cathedral, and the Nibelungen Festival.

For detailed information about the route, click here.

5. The Salt Caves of Berchtesgaden

This is a fantastic way to spend your time in a unique setting! A tour through the underground caves where salt was once mined will leave a lasting impression. Along with other tourists, you'll make several descents and ascents, explore different halls and tunnels, and even cross an underground lake!

Where: The caves are located at SÜDSALZ GmbH, Bergwerkstraße 83, D-83471 Berchtesgaden.

Cost: Adult ticket €17, child (under 16) ticket €9.50.