Experience the impressive versatility of Upper Bavaria

Upper Bavaria: picturesque panoramic landscapes

The well-known Alpine region is home to the two highest mountains in Germany – the Zugspitze at 2,962 m and the Watzmann at 2,713 m. The mountains are a year-round delight for winter and summer sports enthusiasts. Via ferrata across rock faces over a thousand metres in height prove a tantalising draw for visitors to the impressive Berchtesgaden National Park – state-registered mountain guides lead you to the top. Hikers can also enjoy the distinctive cultural landscapes such as the rolling meadows known as “Buckelwiesen”. Dating back to the end of the Würm ice age, these natural formations of humps and hollows are a special feature that only exist in this form in the Alpine region. Since the eighth century, local people have mown the meadows by hand using scythes. In this way they preserve a valuable natural asset and the habitat of rare flora and fauna.

The wonderful countryside of Upper Bavaria won the heart of the Fairy Tale King Ludwig II, who chose to build castles here – Linderhof in the Ammergauer Alps and Herrenchiemsee on the island of the same name in the middle of Lake Chiemsee. The “Bavarian Sea”, as it is also called, is Bavaria’s largest lake. Every day, boats ferry visitors across Lake Chiemsee to the castle. Following in the footsteps of Ludwig II, they can still get a sense of the royal flair and marvel at the grand halls of “Bavaria’s Versailles”. Those who wish to find out more about the life of the Fairy Tale King are advised to visit the Bavarian State Exhibition “Forests, mountains and royal dreams”, which runs from May 2018 in Ettal Abbey.

Traditional handicrafts

Upper Bavaria has some fascinating traditions. For centuries, these have been passed down through the generations. Goldsmiths follow tried and tested methods to create special pieces of jewellery. Gamsbart binders are meticulous in their preparation of high-quality decorations for the typical Bavarian costume – in a custom dating back to the 18th century.

Tradition and pleasure in Upper Bavaria

Munich, often called the “cosmopolitan city with a heart”, is a veritable temple for gourmets in every respect. Right in the centre of the city, in the Viktualienmarkt, around 110 traders in a space more than 18,000 square metres in size offer the finest specialities from all over the world. Naturally, you can also find local delicacies such as Obazda (cheese delicacy), fresh Brezen (Bavarian pretzels) or Leberkäse (meat loaf) in this traditional market.

Tradition also plays a huge role in the festivals of Upper Bavaria: every year, the locals celebrate with great processions such as the Leonhardiritt. They spend many hours lovingly decorating their horses and carriages, don typical costumes and honour the patron saint of farm animals, as they have done for almost 200 years. The Almabtrieb on Lake Königssee is a very special experience for humans and animals alike: for more than a century, the motorised wooden boats have carried the “lake cows” home.

Upper Bavaria: an overview of the 2018 highlights

• At the “Brass Wiesn” held in Eching in August, locals and visitors celebrate with traditional folk music and modern beats.
• The Leonhardiritt on 6 November is a rather more reflective affair. The processions such as those in Bad Tölz or Preisendorf near Hohenlinden are followed by many spectators, who come together to honour the patron saint of animals.
• Residenz Week 2018 gives visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of the Bavarian nobility. In the splendid halls of the Munich Residence you can listen to the sounds of musical gems from the Baroque and Renaissance eras.