Bavaria

Bavaria - A blend of nature and culture

Our Great world has so many beautiful places to see, but if someone wants to go to a place where he wants to get every bite of culture, loneliness and exotic beauty, then Bavaria would be a perfect destination.

Bavaria is a federal state of Germany having Munich as its capital. Its hallmarks are in its huge natural surroundings, rich culture and healthy and peaceful air with laidback Bavarian mountains. For holiday seekers the Bavarian lakes, natural parks, conservation sites, magnificent churches and palaces are a haven. Bavaria is a perfect blend of culture and nature. To date the Bavarian people celebrate their traditional festivals with the same fervor and enthusiasm.

Every town has its own individual charm and historical dignity and it is these that attract visitors from all over. Other than the scenic natural beauty, Bavaria attracts people with its cosmopolitan charm, art treasures, world-class museums, alpine nature, traditional customs, art galleries, high technology, beer gardens, haute cuisine, boisterous nightlife, operas, Munich’s famous Hofbräuhaus and the even famous Oktoberfest. In other words, Bavaria is a mixture of both cosmopolitan charm and unspoilt natural beauty and this makes it a unique holiday destination.

History – marred by wars and prosperity

The name Bavaria (‘Baiuvari’) means ‘ men of baria’ which may be Bohemia, which was the land of Marcomanni. Bavaria was originally inhabited by Celts. Later it became a part of Roman Province. It was strongly affected by Roman traditions and this can be seen today also. Most of Bavarian people are Roman Catholics.

Although Bavarian people speak German language, they are not like most other German groups who migrated from another place. On the contrary, they were the people left behind by Roman withdrawal in 5^th century AD. This Roman settlement remained until the rise of Napoleon. Napoleon abolished the Roman Empire and this converted Bavaria into a kingdom in 1806. ‘Bavaria’ was first highlighted in the history by Franks in 551 and they started the first administration of dukes. First duke was Garibald I, a member of popular Agilolfing family. From here started the series of Agilolfing dukes that lasted until 788. Bavarian law was written in between 739 and 748. For many centuries, Franks resisted the threat of slaves in the East. Dukes were elected by the people, and their election confirmed the reign of the Frankish kings. Five Noble families existed in providing the former division of people. Nobles were followed by the Freeborn and then the Freedmen. This reign of monarchy, started in Bavaria, ended with the end of World War I in 1919. During World War II, like other parts of Germany, this federal state was also divested. Ever since Bavaria has prospered and had been converted into an industrial hub.

Bavaria boasts to be one of the largest economies of the world crossing 434-billion Euro mark during 2007. Some large companies had made their headquarters in this state, like BMW, Siemens, Allianz, Puma AG, Adidas AG etc. Here, what is unique is the combination of hard work, hospitality, beauty and high technology. These all together made Bavaria an important center of economic growth.

Geography - an overwhelming destination for nature lovers

Bavaria is the largest state of Germany having an area of 70.553 km² (27,241 square miles). It shares its borders with Czech Republic on the East, Austria on the southeast and South, Baden-Wurttemberg on the west, Hesse on the northwest and Thuringia and Saxony on the North.

Bavarian region is rich in soft rolling hills and several rivers including Danubem Isar, Main and Inn flowing through this state. It is bound by mountain ranges including the Bavarian Alps as well as the Bohemian Forest. Bavaria is divided into Upper and Lower Bavaria, Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia, Swabia and Upper Palatinate. Upper Bavaria along with the Austrian border raise to the Bavarian Alps, culminating to Zugspitze, the highest peak of Germany.

Between the Bohemian Forest and the Alps lies Franconian Jura plateau that forms the Czech Republic’s border. The lower Bavaria is comprised of a part of the plateau and a part of the Bohemian Forest. North Bavaria includes the main valley and the Frankenwald, the Fichtelgebirge. And in South Bavaria, Swabia is a part of Danubian Plateau.

For those who love it warm the best time to visit Bavaria is summer. Temperature in summer is statistically around 70°F and 20°F in winter. The warmest month during summer is July. Temperature variation between day and night during summer is moderate. The annual average precipitation is 35.60 inches and it is evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month is also July, with average rainfall receipt of about 3.89 inches.

Bavaria - a place of merry-making people

Bavarian people like to give more stress on food and drinks. As beer gardens are found in abundance in Bavaria, beer flows freely during festivals. Purity law is held high, wherein beer is made only with water, barley and hops.

People and attractions make this a must visit

There are different sightseeing attractions in Bavaria. Schloss Herrenchiemsee Castle situated at Herren Island, is the most popular of them. This castle was build by King Ludwig II in 19^th century. This palace consists of a Hall of Fame that attracts millions of tourists every year. The palace has so many things similar to the Versailles of Paris.

Munich takes pride in hosting the Oktoberfest festival every year that is one of the most popular festivals in the state. Another attraction is the Deutsches Museum in Munich. This museum highlights the science and technology advances done throughout the world. Another attraction the state is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Rothenburg is one the most visited medieval walled city of Germany. Here is a picture of a part of the city seen from the top of the wall. Most of the wall has a walkway on the top throughout the city.

One can hike down the Tauber River valley to see the Double Bridge built in 13^th century, 1330. The romantic road of Rothenburg follows the northsouth route goes through several breathtaking scenic and historic cities. One can also visit the Ulm city. This city is quite famous for its churches. World’s tallest church tower is situated here. The tower is 528-feet tall and occupies as seen as one of the skyline icons of the city. Further, down south near Memmingen there is Ottobeuren Church. This church is famous for Baroque style architecture and is a feast to eyes.

Another church, the Wies, lies in the northeast of Fussen. Another attractive place to visit is the Neuschwanstein castle build by Ludwig II, the king of Bavaria in 19^th century. This castle was his residence. This castle is built on the side of German border with Austria. This is the most famous castle of Germany. Walt Disney used this castle in his films. At the backdrop lies the Alps and this increases the pictorial beauty of this castle.

At the east of Neuschwanstein, there lies Linderhof. This is a small residence with several gardens and some old buildings. The king used this residence for his personal purposes. It also consists of an artificial cave with a small lake inside it. The King would sit in a boat in this lake and watch the performance of play on the side of the lake.

And, last but not the least, there lays the German Alps creating border with Austria. This range covers half of the state creating a wonderful site for visitors. German Alps is most prominent from Neuschwanstein castle, the home of King Ludwig. Zugspitze, the highest peak of German Alps can be seen clearly from here. A gondola or a small train is also created to take the visitors to the top of Wendelstein, a small mountain nearby. From here the whole area of Bavaria having Alps on one side, looks excellent.

Loads of things to do when you are here in Bavaria

Bavaria has a long and rich culture. It has maintained its dignity and presence throughout the Germany. Bavaria is called a Free State of Germany. Many German plays depict the unique role of Bavaria within Germany. Bavaria boasts of 11 universities, some great libraries, archives and 32 theaters. The Marien chapel is the oldest chapel in the entire Germany. The cathedrals of Augsburg, Bamberg and Freising are the oldest ecclesiastical buildings in the state. The Fugger chapel is regarded as the first renaissance building in Germany.

Bavaria is famous for its Rococo and Baroque architecture. There are four UNESCO world heritage sites in this place. The Ducal and Episcopal residence in Wurzburg, the church of Wies at Steingaden and historical town of Bamberg and Regensburg are places of great interest to the visitors here. Famous personalities were born in Bavaria such as painter Hans Holbein, composers- Orlando di Lasso, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss, scientists - Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen and Rudolf Diesel, philosopher Oswald Spengler.

Bavarians take pride of their traditions. During festivals, traditional dress called Tracht is worn. Century-old songs and music are played. In nursery schools, dialect songs are taught to kids. People take pride in showing their traditions and old customs to others, which is a thing to be learnt. Bavaria is also famous for its festivals ‘Octoberfest’ in Munich and ‘Christkindlsmarket’ in Nuremberg. In fact festivals occur throughout the year in Bavaria.

During January-February, they celebrate festivals like ‘Hornschlittenrennen’ and ‘Fasching’. ‘Hornschlitten’ is a traditional sledge used to carry hay and wood across the valley during winter in the medieval times. Today, this traditional carriage is used during festivals. People during this festival wear costumes and race across the valley with horse driven sledges or carriages.

Fasching is another festival celebrated during early January. People then wear old demonic masks and walk down the streets in processions making a different noise. During March–April, they celebrate ‘Starkbierzeit’ and ‘Palmsonntag’. ‘Starkbierzeit’ in actually is a strong beer period. During this festival, people drink strong lent beers. These beers are given different name ending with ‘ator’ like ‘Delicator’, ‘Animator’ etc. On the other hand ‘Palmsonntag’ means ‘Palm Sunday’. This festival is celebrated during the Sundays. Sunday is believed as religious feast day. During May-June, they celebrate ‘Maibaumaufstellen’, ‘Pfingsten’, ‘Fronleichnam’ and ‘Sonnwendfeiern’. ‘Maibaumaufstellen’ is Maypole raising game. In this festival, different people compete with each other raising their own Maypole. The most majestic pole is praised. These poles are colored and decorated and raised without any technical assistance.

‘Pfingsten’ is again a very interesting festival in which people wearing costumes ride across on decorated horses to a church outside the town and again come back in the same way. ‘Fronleichnam’ is worth visiting at the lake procession held near Murnau at lake Staffelsee, where hundreds of people meet in small boats for a mass celebration, done by the local priest.

‘Sonnwendfeiern’ is an old custom in which people welcome summer by illuminating fire in mountains, hills etc. In the months of July–August, people celebrate ‘Ritterspiele’ and ‘Further Drachenstich’. ’Ritterspiele’ is a knight tournament held for example in Kaltenberg. Participants from different parts create an incomparable environment. Here they enjoy the lifestyle of Knights. ‘Drachenstich’ is another important celebration. In this festival, a parade of 1500 people in costume move across the town and in between this parade, a historical play ‘Drachenstich’ means ‘slaying of dragons’ is acted. This play is the oldest play in the whole Germany. People celebrate ‘Viehscheid’ and ‘Oktoberfest’ between Sep-Oct months. In ‘Viehscheid’, cows are driven back along the hill and the lead cow is decorated with ornaments and huge bells. While ‘Oktoberfest’ is yet another noisy beer festival one cannot afford to miss and it’s just a great excuse where you can booze beer to hearts content. During November-December, people celebrate the most popular festival i.e. Christkindlmarkt, wherein Christmas markets are decked up just three days before Christmas.

Transportation

There are many ways to go to Bavaria. Munich is connected to many cities throughout the world. Most convenient mode for transportation is train. Train tickets are also not too costly. Moreover, train tickets can be used in buses or trams unless the ticket had expired.

Buses are also available throughout the Germany to go to Munich. In Bavaria, many guided tours are available on buses to visit the important places in the state.

Thus, Bavaria seems a modest yet perfect destination for families, children as well as romancing couples. So, buck up money, some good planning and pack your way to this place.