Bavaria Map
Bavaria, the southeast corner of Germany, could take months to fully explore
Bavaria forms the largest state or region within Germany. The capital of Bavaria is Munich. Over 12 million people live in Bavaria.
Bavaria is a great place to explore. It's dense with things to do, from famous castles like Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau near Füssen, to the compelling city of Munich and the somber remains of Dachau. You won't be bored spending a few weeks in Bavaria.
There are airports near Nurnburg and Munich. The Munich airport is considered one of the best in Europe.
Map of Bavaria © James Martin, licensed to About.com
Cities of Bavaria - North to South
Bayreuth is the capital of Upper Franconia. A typical Bavarian market town with the town hall smack in the middle, Beyreuth is perhaps best known as the residence of Richard Wagner, who moved to the city in 1872 and stayed until his death in 1883. Margrave's Opera house is considered to be one of the finest Baroque halls of Europe. The Bayreuth Festival is a yearly celebration of Wagner's works that take place in the Bayreuth Festpielhaus. Tickets are difficult to procure. A tour may be your best way to see the festival.
Wurzburg is a vibrant university town surrounded by vineyards with many architectural splendors.
Nurnburg or Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria, located 105 miles northwest of Munich. It is a very attractive medieval walled city, and has a very famous Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt). It is a fine, compact city for walking.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (pictures) is everyone's favorite Romantic Road destination, and Germany's best-preserved walled town, according to Rick Steves. Medieval torture afficionados will enjoy the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum.
Dinkelsbuhl is smack in the center of the Romantic road. It's a good shopping town with lots of artist's studios, a very evocative walled city; you can patrol with the night watchman. See a Virtual Tour of Dinkelsbuhl.
Regensburg - The medieval town of Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bavarian Jazz Festival takes place here in summer, usually in July.
Passau is a university town in a beautiful setting at the junction of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers. In antiquity Passau was an ancient Roman colony and became the largest diocese of the Holy Roman Empire. Later it became known for its sword manufacturing. The organ in St. Stephens Cathedral has 17,774 pipes, according to Wikipedia.
Augsburg has a "rich history dating back to the Roman empire. Dubbed both "The Renaissance City" and "Mozart City", it has been an important center of trade down through the ages. During the Renaissance, Augsburg was a main cultural center which is reflected in the fine Rococo architecture in the city."
Munich is the major city to visit in Bavaria.Plan on at least 3-4 days here. You can take a day trip to Dachau from Munich.
Altötting is famous for the Gnadenkapelle (Chapel of the Miraculous Image), of one of the most visited shrines in Germany. The heart of King Ludwig II of Neuschwanstein fame is here in an urn. You don't want to miss that.
Oberammergau is famous for its passion play (plan for the next one in 2010), but for shoppers it's the place to buy wood carvings. Winter sports are big here, as well as at nearby spa town Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Füssen, the highest town in Bavaria, is the closest town with a railway station to tourist must-see castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. You can get a bus to the castles. Füssen is but three miles from the Austrian border, and an interesting place to spend a night.
Other Bavaria Maps
Bavaria is served by Munich's Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC). For a map of Munich and the Airport, along with other information for navigating the airport, see our Munich Airport Map.
To Follow the touchstones of the early years of Pope Benedict's life, see The Pope's Bavaria.
Germany Maps
For more information on visiting other destinations in Germany see our Map of Germany and Travel Resources. Also see: Germany State Map.
Rail Passes and Information
See our listing of German Rail Passes for more information on Getting around germany by rail. For a map of the main rail lines in Germany, see our Germany Rail Map.
