Bavaria is famous for beer, the lively city of Munich, and now as the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI. Bavaria is one of the most-visited regions of Germany, and why not? It has beautiful forests and lakes, castles, and some pretty important pilgrimage sites...not to mention the beer. Here are my picks for the top guidebooks to Bavaria.
1. Lonely Planet Munich and Bavaria
The best of Bavaria from the Lonely Planet, a great guide for the independent traveler, also includes Munich information. Highly rated by travelers who've used it. Don't have a car? One of Lonely Planet's strengths is that they assume lots of travelers will chose public transportation, so you'll get lots of good info on trains and buses.
2. Bavaria - Cadogan Guide
Detailed guidebook about Bavaria from Cadogan guides.3. Eyewitness Travel Guide Munich and the Bavarian Alps
Eyewitness guides have lots of photos and diagrams. This guide includes color-coded sections on Munich, Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria, the Allgau, and Northern Swabia and a survival guide.4. Drive Around Bavaria & the Austrian Tyrol
This book covers the countryside of Bavaria, Tyrol ski resorts, and cities of Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. It has road maps with driving directions and suggestions for walking routes around cities and towns.5. The Land of Ludwig II
This book covers the Royal Castles and Residences in Upper Bavaria and Swabia.6. Signpost Guide Bavaria and the Austrian Tyrol
288 page guide to Bavaria and neighboring Austria from Thomas Cook. Great drives--recommended for people in Bavaria with a car. Reviewers have dinged this one for confusing maps and praised it for organization and stunning photography.