Travel Weekly asked four specialists to tell us about their favourite Bavarian destination. Here’s what they said:
Allgau
Savita Seth, programme development manager, Moswin Tours
“Some of the most beautiful and diverse countryside in Bavaria is in the south-west in a region known as the Allgau. The landscape varies from the imposing peaks of the Alps to the lakes and rolling pastures of the foothills. The area is ideal for hikers and cyclists, while sailing on the lakes is another option.
“It is a great place for escaping the hustle and bustle of life. I like it because it is so peaceful. You can visit farming villages that still practise traditional methods of agriculture or you can enjoy the tranquillity of the lake shores, watching the sun glinting in the clean, clear waters. The main places to stay are the pretty and charming towns of Fussen and Mittenwald. Alternatively, visitors could opt for self-catering accommodation in villages like Hopfen am See or the holiday village of Reichenbach.
“A trip to Hohenschwangau is a must. I would also strongly recommend a visit to the Wieskirche (The Church in the Meadow), one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in Germany. There are lots of tourists but it is worth going because the sumptuous interior of the church is breathtaking.”
Rothenburg
Mohamed Bhimani, managing director, German Travel Centre
“I have developed a great fondness for many of Germany’s cities and find it hard to pinpoint a favourite. However, I do find the charming Bavarian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber one of the most appealing. It is situated on a hill on the Romantic Road tourist route.
“Rothenburg is described as the medieval capital of Germany. I think this is why it is one of the most visited towns in Europe, attracting 1.5m visitors a year.
“One sight not to be missed is the Kahe Wohlfahrt, a store featuring the world’s largest selection of Christmas decorations and gifts, which is open all year.
“I also enjoy the historic traditions of Rothenburg. During the 30-year war (1618-1648) the town was captured many times. On one occasion the lord mayor saved the town by sinking three litres of wine in a single gulp – and event recreated every Whitsun when locals in period costume take part in the so-called ‘Master Draught.’
Berchtesgaden
Rachel Taber, director, Taber Holidays
“The Alpine villages of the Berchtesgaden region, in southeastern Bavaria, are so picturesque that they are often featured in photographs for jigsaw puzzles.
“At the heart of the region is the town of Berchtesgaden, which has developed over the centuries around its palace, formerly an Augustinian priory and later used as a holiday residence by the kings of Bavaria. It has a pretty centre with shops selling souvenirs.
“The area also encompasses the village of Schonau, on Lake Kînigssee. Boat trips are operated on the lake using electric-powered vessels to protect the environment. From Schînau a cable car ascends 10,800ft to the top of Jenner Mountain, where there are tremendous views of the surrounding countryside as far as Austria. Local sightseeing tours are operated to Hitler’s mountain retreat – Eagle’s Nest – and to the Salt Mine, where visitors, dressed in traditional miners’ garb, are taken by miners’ train 2,000ft into the mountain.
“There are hiking trails for all aptitudes and numerous other activities, from ballooning to white-water rafting. Excursion possibilities include the Ludwig Castle of Herrenchiemsee, modelled on the Palace of Versailles, and the old spa resort of Bad Reichenhall.”
Bamberg
Hans Woerndl, managing director UK, DER Travel Service
“Bamberg, in the northern Bavaria region known as Franconia, is one of Bavaria’s hidden gems. Known as the ‘Rome of the North’ because it stands on seven hills, it is a jewel of the Baroque period, but thankfully it is not over-run by tourists.
“The Old Town is very well preserved, it emerged relatively unscathed from the Second World War, so it is a fine example of a typical, traditional medium-sized, German town. Places to see include Alte Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built on an island in the middle of the River Regnitz, the Baroque Neue Residenz palace and the Renaissance buildings of the Alte Hofhaltung.
“The Cathedral, an unusual blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, contains the mysterious 13th century statue of the Bamberg Reiter (Bamburg Rider) – mysterious because nobody knows who the statue depicts.
“There are good rail connections with Nuremberg, the gateway to Franconia, and nearby towns like Coburg, home of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, and Bayreuth, known for its famous Wagner Festival.
“The countryside near Bamberg is referred to as Franconian Switzerland, an area of lush meadows, Dolomite outcrops, deep caves and lovely villages. The Franconian cuisine is also well worth sampling.”