Beautiful Bavaria: Alps, Castles and Palaces

You cannot head to Munich without visiting its beautiful alpine region, Bavaria. Waterfalls scrape along the mountains’ rough cliffs, while lush meadows inside its layers open to crystal blue and green lakes, and clouds soar through majestic peaks. If you’re not visualizing a romantic postcard picture in your head yet, then maybe you’ll also need a tour of King Ludwig II’s enchanting castles, Lake Koenigsee and the town of Berchtesgaden. Once the Kingdom of Bavaria, the people may still call themselves Bavarian, despite its location on the German-Austrian Border.

Bavaria is a perfect place for skiing or summering, and tourists will want to begin with a trek through Berchtesgaden National Park, just outside of Austria’s Salzburg. Hiking trails, kayaking and mountain biking are a few outdoor activities, and while we recommend taking a boat ride through Lake Koenigsee in the summer, you may be able to ice skate on it during the winter! Perhaps the work of glacial recessions, Lake Koenigsee and Berchtesgaden National Park provide an impressive landscape, as steep mountain gorges and endless skies seem to sweep on forever, with the lake’s reflecting waters. Depending on the season, you may also ski, white-water raft or fish. However, if you’re interested in a unique indoor activity, consider touring the Salt Mines in Obersalzburg. A train snakes inside the mysterious mountain range, where caverns and little lakes stream through the cool interior of the Alps, teaching guests how salt is made.

While in Obersalzburg, you’ll find the Eagle’s Nest, a chalet style retreat built for Adolph Hitler for his 50th birthday. Obersalzburg is often associated with the Nazi hierarchy (Hitler supposedly finished writing Mein Kampf here), with ruins of Berghof remaining. While the Bavarian government and U.S. Army destroyed Berghof (they did not want any monuments that would tribute Hitler’s reign) history-hungry travelers can still tour the Eagle’s Nest. It is buried in a mountain half a mile up, and while it can be difficult for transportation to get to because of its height, steep and slim driving trail, tours typically run from May through October depending on the weather. Reportedly Hitler actually spent very little time here, as he was afraid of heights.

Just below, you’ll find the medieval town of Berchtesgaden, a favorite vacation spot for King Ludwig II. Finally, if you’re inspired, we suggest making visits to Ludwig’s three most beautiful, peculiar and interesting castles of Bavaria:

Located in Southwestern Bavaria between Hohenschwangau and Fussen, Neuschwanstein Castle’s fairy tale like towers and 19th century style architecture make it the most famous and recognizable castle and Walt Disney’s inspiration for his Cinderella Castle.

Herrenchiemsee Palace, built on an island in Lake Chimesse, was meant to be Ludwig’s response to the Palace of Versailles, and features more than 20 staterooms, grand staircases and a Hall of Mirrors.

Our favorite, Linderhof Palace, is located just outside of Oberammergau, where the famous Passion Play is performed once every 10 years. Linderhof, Ludwig II’s smallest castle built in Rococo style, was originally inherited from his father, and became Ludwig II’s final resting place (he did not live to see its completion). While he was known for being more than a bit “mad,” his castles and palaces are so eclectic and entertaining, that after his death, they were opened to the paying public, in order to pay off his debt.

Other areas of interest as day trips from Munich include Dachau and Augsburg.

City of the Week: Munich, Germany

Located in southeastern Germany, Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and one of Germany’s cultural treasures. Nestled just above the Bavarian Alps, Munich’s folklore, historic center, art and city-savvy lifestyle attract Germans nationwide, as well as ex-patriots. So don’t be surprised when you find a great mix of people, as opposed to just the average Bavarian living in the city. In fact, when heading to Munich, you’ll want to leave the kids at home, as Munich’s nightlife accommodates the single working-professional.

To get a good idea of Munich, you’ll need a bit of a history lesson first. The city stands after two world wars, with an Italian influence, as Italy and Germany were once allies. Italian restaurants, language and cars may fool you into believing you’re in Italy. But alas, once you notice how clean the streets are and see the locals working for a living; you’ll remember where you are. Especially since Germans are just as proud of their own products and cars. BMW –that’s Bavarian Motorwerks—(or Bayern in Bavarian), as well as Mercedes-Benz and Rolls Royce are based in Munich, with other manufacturers like Volkswagen located just to the north.


When Munich’s citizens aren’t busy buying or building cars, they’re at a Biergarten or a soccer stadium, cheering on Germany’s best team at the new Allianz Stadium, FC Bayern Munchen. It is important to note that the team also follows suit with Munich’s mix of culture, as players have included Danes, Belgians, Swedes and Prussians—perhaps conceding with Munich’s tradition to keep Bavarians in Munich a minority.

Join us on Wednesday as we stroll through medieval Munich, eat some bratwurst at a favorite Biergarten, and tour Olympiapark Munchen— where the 1972 Olympic games where held. Friday, we’ll head to the Bavarian Alps, with a tour through Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, Lake Koenigsee and more!