Bavaria Cities and Regions

A post-war revival has taken Germany’s third-largest city from blitzed to beautiful. Among the crown jewels are the Mayor’s residence (complete with basement beer hall), the Wagnerian opera house, the glow-in-the-dark Allianz Arena, and a new BMW museum. See our Munich Travel Guide

As the capital of Bavaria’s southwestern Swabia region (and the former capital of the Roman empire section known as Raetia), Augsburg is one of the largest cities in the area, though it’s often considered part of Greater Munich. An historic center for textiles and banking, Augsburg is also known for its robotics industry.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the former Bavarian capital and stomping ground of Pope Benedict XVI (then known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) dates back to Roman times, having been built by Marcus Aurelius in 179 AD.

Watched over by three castles, this northern city features many medieval churches and even a period market. It is also home of the Nuremberg Ring, a Bavarian version of the Blarney Stone that brings luck to those who touch it.

Located at the meeting point of three rivers, this cobbled village is prone to summer floods. If you time your visit right, however, you’ll be charmed by the city’s Baroque architecture and friendly villagers. The city is also a major starting point for Danube cruises.

This district capital just outside of Munich (and especially close to the airport), an important religious center in the early Middle Ages, offers a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of the modern Bavarian capital. It’s also home to the oldest brewery in the world.

The hometown of famed physicist Werner Heisenberg and NBA star Dirk Nowitzki is also home to the famed Würzburg Rezidenz, a royal complex on the eastern edge of town that includes the world’s largest fresco, a spiritual scene by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

This mountainous region extends into the Czech Republic and a small portion of Austria and is known for it’s glass and lumber industry. Although largely an outdoor playground for those inclined to fish, ski, kayak, hunt, and hike, small towns such as Wernberg-Köblitz offer regal accommodations in medieval castles.