Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of the country. It is the largest German state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany. Its capital is Munich in Upper Bavaria.
Munich is a southern city located near the Alps. This wonderfully charming 800-year-old city is the capital of Bavaria and the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest.
Bavaria is a stunning region of Germany boasting many sparkling lakes, national parks and countless nature conservation areas, making it heaven on earth for holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts alike. Bavaria's medieval castles and small towns, magnificent palaces and baroque churches, not to mention its urban centers, provide the perfect setting for everything from traditional festivals to high opera. Bavaria, Germany is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern.
Bavaria's regions contain countless highlights and endless beauty. Monarchs, abbots, priests, townspeople and renowned architects from bygone centuries have left a legacy of amazing architectural monuments and picturesque villages, all complemented by stunning natural scenery.
Bavaria's towns boast spacious pedestrian zones, shopping streets and cutting-edge economic, cultural and social life. Every town has a historical centre and has retained its individual charm through its own history.
Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria. One of the oldest urban centres in Germany it was founded in the year 15 B.C. by the Roman emperor Augustus. Augsburg achieved its greatest prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries through international trade and the banking business of the Fugger and Welser dynasties. The remarkable Renaissance buildings on the lakeshore originated in this period. The city is famous among literature fans as the birthplace of Bertold Brecht and is known to children because of the Augsburger Puppenkiste puppet theatre.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the epitome of a medieval town. Tiny cobbled alleyways, gabled houses and towers form a picturesque skyline. There are fantastic views from its ancient fortress with mighty town walls and formidable towers dating from the 13th and 14th.
Bavaria also produces fine wine in the Franconia region. The Oktoberfest, Neuschwanstein Castle and the magnificent Alpine scenery attract more foreign tourists than does any other federal state. Yet the slogan “Laptop and Lederhose” demonstrates that there is more to Bavaria than just a lively tradition. Its economy, which is stronger than that of Sweden, boasts global brands such as BMW, Audi, Siemens, MAN and EADS (Airbus). Munich, the state capital, is home to more publishers than any other German city. And even outside Munich, Germany’s largest state is thriving: the annual Wagner Festival in Bayreuth is sold out every year, as is the Passion Play in Oberammergau, held once every ten years.
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