It may be Northern Europe, but the south of Germany shines positively. From amber in giant beer mugs to the golden sun of Freiburg and the brilliance of the magnificent alpine lakes, Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg give warmth in many ways.
When you are not climbing majestic mountains and lush meadows or walking through medieval streets and alleys, the charms of this region are best appreciated by car. The roads in Germany are excellent and the landscapes of the region can make you want to stop and look in amazement. So, with all the German tourist destinations sold out, here are some of our favorite attractions in two of the most picturesque states in the country.
Listen to music in the hills of Bavaria
The coast of Regensburg is home to one of the two Roman relics still standing north of the Alps, and it is remarkable. What was once an isolated Roman camp turned into a convenient stop for Charlemagne and the Carolingians. Ultimately, the construction of a stone bridge over the Danube in the 10th century AD turned Regensburg into an important regional trade center, and it occupied this position until the discovery of America shifted trade routes to the west.
Unlike the rest of Germany, Regensburg suffered a lot during the Second World War, which means that its maze of streets and alleys remains almost the same as a thousand years ago (or even two!). Even the Stone Bridge is intact, and it’s nice to walk along it in the footsteps of the Crusaders who were once on a long march to Jerusalem (although I hope you won’t be as busy with the holy war as they were).
While the atmosphere of the Middle Ages is extremely joyful, Regensburg is still as lively as ever. Of course, there are both serious and unusual museums (golf lovers, be careful), but history is there for interaction. Don’t miss, for example, the Wurstkuhl near the stone bridge, where sausages, sauerkraut and Bavarian sweet mustard have been served since 1135.
You will be glad that you ate an extra sausage when you find yourself in the Bavarian Alps. Even if you are not hiking, the height and the impressive views alone are enough to get hungry and eat something delicious. Germany is home to only a small (relatively, that is) part of the Alps, but the proximity of the peaks to such a large center as Munich means that they are not only accessible, but also allow you to admire the mountains that suddenly rise from the central German plain.
You can admire the Alps from behind the windshield of a car or from behind the edge of a large beer mug on the wooden terrace of a ski chalet, but if you have the opportunity to go hiking, be sure to do it. The exhaustion of several hours of climbing makes the magnificent feeling of turning and the view of jagged snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see even more pleasant. You won’t be the first to jump into spontaneous yodeling (as soon as you catch your breath).
Some of the best places for hiking in Germany are in the Berchtesgaden National Park, as well as on the most picturesque mountain lake in the region – Koenigssee. To enjoy both, try the hike that goes from the southern tip of the Konigssee to the obersee.
Sunbathing in the sun in central Germany: Baden-Wuerttemberg
Bavaria has the Alps, but Baden-Wuerttemberg has the Black Forest. Start with Schwabentor in Freiburg im Breisgau: day trippers can walk 800 meters to the charming observation tower at the top of the Schlossberg, then explore the gabled houses, medieval streets and fabulous squares before taking the Schlossbergbahn cable car for dinner on schnitzel, wheat beer and a nap..
Serious hikers can go from the Schlossberg to the Black Forest. A 10.5-mile hike will take you to the 11th-century St. Peter’s Abbey; another 15.5-mile hike will take you to Mount Candel, where medieval players hunted witches. Beware of the werewolf witch Gfelder; you will recognize her by her two immortal canine companions and her evil red eyes.
In addition to the stunning views, Friedrichshafen is known as the birthplace of the Zeppelin. In the 1890s, the son of a native of Konstanz with a wonderful name, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, became a pioneer in the field of aeronautics when he invented the first passenger zeppelin – a cigar-shaped ship powered by hydrogen gas. The full story can be found at the Zeppelin Museum, as well as a ride on a real airship to transport the intrepid across the lake and enjoy a fantastic view of the three countries. For those who have been paying attention, this will not be another Hindenburg disaster. Nowadays, Zeppelins run on non-combustible gas.
When you return to the solid ground, get off it again-and dive into the lake for a swim. Strandbad Friedrichshafen is a convenient public place for lounging directly on the lake with a grassy strip for sunbathing, a snack bar and even a hot shower if you are willing to part with 20 cents. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to s’wirtshaus am See, a fun lakeside restaurant where you can enjoy a lakeside bar or more traditional dishes such as allgäuer Käsesuppe (cheese soup) or Swiss sausage salad (Swiss sausage salad).
