From rural mountain hamlets to booming cities, Bavaria treads the line between tradition and innovation. Beneath soaring Alpine peaks lie lush meadows, enchanting forests, secluded lakes, walled medieval towns and the occasional castle. Enjoy a stein alongside locals in a raucous beer hall and embrace the region’s welcoming atmosphere of Gemütlichkeit (coziness). 

Perhaps best known for hosting Oktoberfest, Munich draws visitors year-round with its blend of small-town charm and big-city sophistication. You’ll find plenty of enormous beer halls and Bavarian waitresses dressed in traditional dirndls, yet this cosmopolitan city is also an important center of German art and industry. Check out the exceptional science and technology exhibits at the Deutsches Museum and discover a bounty of art in the Kunstareal (art district). Admire the 15th-century Frauenkirche, the city’s landmark cathedral. Sip coffee at one of the trendy cafés lining Gärtnerplatz, a leafy plaza popular with the bohemian set.

Rising from the craggy Bavarian foothills near the Austrian border are the exuberant turrets and towers of Neuschwanstein castle, an architectural oddity commissioned by King Ludwig II. The fantastical structure was designed as a tribute to composer Richard Wagner and motifs from his opera are present throughout. Look for murals in the bedroom showing characters from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde and wall frescos depicting scenes from Tannhäuser in the lavish Sängersaal (Singers' Hall).

Part of Germany’s iconic Romantic Road, historic Würzburg is known for its fine wines and stately architecture. Explore the town’s UNESCO-listed Residenz, a sumptuous palace considered to be among the most beautiful Baroque structures in the country. Marvel at the vast ceiling fresco above the palace’s grand staircase.

Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg, is another popular stop off, particularly for those interested in history. A long-time cultural and intellectual center, Nuremberg later became a hub for Nazi party rallies and the boycott of Jewish businesses. Explore the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, the courthouse where Nazi war criminals were tried for crimes against world peace. Its dark history aside, modern Nuremberg is a busy commercial city known for its boisterous beer bars and its Christmas market, where vendors sell gingerbread, mulled wine and handcrafted ornaments. 

Munich is Bavaria’s main transport hub and is well connected to the surrounding region by air and rail. You can reach most areas of Bavaria by train although Eastern Bavaria and the Alps are best explored by car. With its rustic settlements and sophisticated cities, staggering scenery and amiable beer halls, Bavaria’s charms are manifold.

Q: Should I book a car while on vacation in Bavaria?

A: Many travelers choose to use public transportation or ride-sharing when they're vacationing in Munich and Augsburg. It's a great way of avoiding pesky parking fees and having to navigate through heavy city traffic. But if you're planning to head out of town and explore the region of Bavaria or elsewhere, you may like to think about booking a set of wheels. Get your road trip adventure off to an awesome start by casting your eye over our handy guide to Cheap Car Hire in Bavaria.

Q: Which airports can I fly in to for a vacation to Bavaria?

A: Flights into and out of Bavaria generally operate from one of these top airport terminals:

• Munich (MUC-Franz Josef Strauss Intl.): 12,616 international flights per month.
• Nuremberg (NUE-Nuremberg Airport): 1,089 international flights per month.
• Memmingen (FMM-Allgaeu): 419 international flights per month.

Q: What are the most popular types of hotels for a vacation to Bavaria?

A: Many visitors spend their getaways in hotels. Some like the comfort and amenities of apartments or guest houses, while others favor pensions. Whatever you're after, Bavaria has ample options for all budgets.

Q: What does a Bavaria vacation booking with Expedia include?

A: There are no limits. We have the usual offerings, like Bavaria hotels, cars and flights. We've also got tons of attractions and experiences to have a look at. Lock in just one of these options or a combo of a few.

Q: What is the best way to save money on my vacation to Bavaria?

A: You'll be handsomely rewarded when you book a Bavaria vacation package with Expedia. Bundle your Flights, Hotels and Experiences and enjoy terrific discounts, such as up to 42% off select properties. You'll soon be staring at your dream getaway at a price that'll knock your socks off.

Q: What are the best things to do in Bavaria?

A: Starting your getaway in Munich? You'll find that many people enjoy heading to Zenith The Cultural Hall, TonHalle München and Englischer Garden.

If Augsburg is your next checkpoint, you'll also want to visit Augsburg Christmas Market, Congress Centre Augsburg and SGL arena.

And if your final stop is Wuerzburg, we'd recommend making time for Neumünster, Dom St Kilian and BBK-Galerie im Kulturspeicher.

*Savings based on all vacation package bookings with Flight + Hotel on Expedia.com from January through December 2020, as compared to price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages. For Free Flight or 100% Off Flight deals, package savings is greater than or equal to the current cost of one component, when both are priced separately.