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Plan Your Trip to Bavaria: Best of Bavaria Tourism

By Management

Bavaria, Germany

Known for its beer, sausages, Oktoberfest and lederhosen, Bavaria is Germany’s largest federal state and one of its most popular tourist destinations. It's also one of the most independent-minded regions. Home to cities like Munich (the capital) and Nuremberg, Bavaria is also cherished for its hilly countryside, where such gorgeous sites as Hohenschwangau Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle (the model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland) and Linderhof and HerrenChiemsee Palaces can be found.
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Bavaria travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Day Trip Options

Some travelers recommended Garmisch-Partenkirchen as a day trip from Munich, highlighting attractions such as the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, and picturesque lakes like Eibsee. Regional trains are suggested as the best mode of transportation for this trip.

Historic Towns and Castles

For those interested in historic towns and castles, Rothenburg and Neuschwanstein Castle are popular options. Rothenburg offers a medieval atmosphere and is recommended for an overnight stay to avoid the day-tripper crowds. Neuschwanstein is famed for its fairy-tale architecture, and it's advised to purchase tour tickets in advance.

Alternative Scenic Locations

Travelers have also mentioned Salzburg as a worthwhile day trip for its rich musical history and scenic views. The train is recommended for travel to Salzburg, providing a comfortable and scenic route.

Additional Recommendations

Other suggested day trips include a visit to Nuremberg for its historical significance, particularly related to WW2, and the picturesque town of Füssen, known for its authentic old castle.

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Accommodation Preferences

According to forum posts, many travelers prefer places that are not only scenic but also ideal for families and offer easy access to local attractions. Munich was frequently mentioned as a central base due to its connectivity and proximity to other Bavarian towns and cities. For a more unique experience, some travelers suggested staying in smaller towns like Mittenwald or Berchtesgaden, which offer beautiful Alpine scenery and quieter environments.

Family-Friendly Options

For families traveling with children, farm stays in locations like REIT im Winkl were recommended as they provide a family-friendly atmosphere and activities suitable for kids. Additionally, towns such as Füssen and Berchtesgaden were highlighted for their easy hikes and opportunities to explore nature, making them perfect for family outings.

Historical and Quiet Towns

Travelers looking for a blend of history and tranquility suggested towns like Bamberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. These towns are renowned for their well-preserved medieval centers and offer a quiet, yet culturally rich experience.

Access and Transportation

Ease of access is a critical factor for many; therefore, proximity to major train routes and availability of public transportation are important. Nuremberg was noted for its excellent train connections, making it a practical base for exploring other parts of Bavaria and beyond.

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Scenic Routes and Tickets

According to forum posts, Bavaria offers scenic train routes such as Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and on to Innsbruck via Mittenwald, praised as the most beautiful ride in Bavaria. A Regioticket Werdenfels + Innsbruck can be purchased for 32 EUR, providing flexibility and covering this route.

Regional Day Tickets

Travelers have called out the Bayern Ticket as a beneficial option for regional travel within Bavaria. This ticket allows for travel on regional trains and costs 36 EUR for two travelers, with additional costs for more passengers. It is valid after 9 am on weekdays and any time on weekends, suitable for day trips from Munich to destinations like Salzburg.

Deutschlandticket Usage

Some users mentioned the Deutschlandticket, priced at 49 euros, which covers local transportation across Germany but excludes long-distance trains like EC, IC, ICE. This ticket is described as economical for extensive travel within Bavaria over a month, but it requires subscription cancellation by the 10th of each month to avoid additional charges.

Practical Tips

For those planning extensive travel, such as from Munich to Neuschwanstein or further afield, local trains are a recommended option. However, it's noted that long-distance travel might involve barriers like noise protection walls and less scenic views.

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Best Time for Visits

According to forum posts, to avoid crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle, it's recommended to visit Marienbrücke early in the morning. Some travelers have suggested being on the bridge 30-45 minutes before sunrise to capture stunning photographs without the crowds.

Ticket and Tour Information

Forum users advised booking tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle tours in advance due to high demand, especially during peak tourist seasons. Some travelers have shared that the inside tour is worth it, even though only a few rooms are finished, as they showcase extravagant designs.

Photography Tips

For photography enthusiasts, travelers have called out Marienbrücke as the most popular viewpoint for pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle. However, it's noted that the bridge can get extremely crowded, and lines can be long. An alternative suggestion includes finding vantage points from nearby villages or using camera zooms for distant views.

Accommodation Suggestions

Some travelers said staying in Füssen offers more options for dining and evening walks, enhancing the overall experience of visiting the castle and surrounding areas.

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Bayern Ticket Purchase

According to forum posts, the Bayern Ticket can be purchased on the day of travel or one day before from Deutsche Bahn or MVV ticket machines at stations. Travelers have called out that these tickets are always available and do not sell out, so there's no advantage to buying them in advance. The ticket is valid for an entire day and it's non-refundable once purchased.

Bayern Ticket Usage

Some travelers mentioned that after purchasing the Bayern Ticket, it must be filled out with the names of all travelers before use. It is valid for all regional trains and most local public transportation within Bavaria but does not cover high-speed ICE trains or international travel beyond Salzburg Hbf. The ticket offers flexibility as you can use it on any regional train on the date of validity without the need to book specific trains.

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Overview of the German Rail Pass

The German Rail Pass allows for flexible travel on long-distance trains such as the ICE across Germany. According to forum posts, it is particularly useful for travelers planning multiple long-distance trips without returning to the initial city, such as traveling from Munich to Berlin and then to Frankfurt.

Limitations and Recommendations

Some travelers noted that the German Rail Pass does not cover local transport options like buses or trams. For local and regional travel, alternatives like the Bayern Ticket or regional day tickets are more economical, especially since they also provide access to public transportation within cities.

Usage and Purchasing Options

Travelers can purchase the German Rail Pass not only in Germany but also internationally and can choose between consecutive or flexible day options. The Rail Pass is available for different durations, such as 5, 10, or 15 days, catering to various travel needs and lengths of stay in Germany.

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Transportation Options

According to forum posts, travelers recommend using public transportation like trains and buses to visit Berchtesgaden. Direct trains and bus connections are available from major cities like Munich. For instance, travelers can change trains in Freilassing or Salzburg to reach Berchtesgaden.

Accommodation Advice

Some travelers suggest booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel times such as public holidays and school vacations, when the area is particularly busy. This ensures availability and potentially better rates.

Activity Planning

For many users, Berchtesgaden offers a variety of activities, including visiting historical sites like the Dokumentation Obersalzberg and taking boat rides on Königssee Lake. Travelers recommend planning these activities ahead of time to maximize the visit, considering some sites may require significant travel time within the region.

Day Trip Suggestions

Travelers have called out that combining multiple distant attractions, like Berchtesgaden and Herrenchiemsee Castle, into a single day trip from Munich may not be feasible due to the long travel times involved. Focusing on nearby attractions or dedicating a full day for each can enhance the experience.

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Christmas Market Recommendations

According to forum posts, Nuremberg is highly recommended for its famous Christmas market, particularly noted for its historic setting and the unique Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Travelers have also praised the Christmas market in Regensburg, especially the atmospheric Thurn und Taxis market held in the palace grounds.

Market Atmosphere

Some travelers have called out the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz for its large scale and central location, although it is noted to be busier and more commercial. For a more enchanting experience, the posts suggest visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which offers a smaller, more intimate market setting that captures a traditional German Christmas spirit.

Alternative Towns

Travelers have mentioned smaller towns like Passau for their charming Christmas markets. The market in Passau is described as nice and is easily accessible by train, making it a convenient day trip from larger cities like Munich or Regensburg.

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