City: Bavaria
Top Things to do in Bavaria
What to do and see in Bavaria, Germany: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Anthem: Bayernhymne (German)
"Hymn of Bavaria"
Restaurants in Bavaria
1. St. Maria de Victoria Kirche
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By Asta365 - Kent, United States
The church of Maria de Victoria, also known as the Asam Kirche, is a stunning baroque church. Expecting a church more like the Asam Kirche in Munich which focuses more on these artisans' Baroque plasterwork, I was surprised to find a study in perspective in this medium size church. Confronted with a set of design challenges in what is basically a rectangular church, the brothers worked out a set of multiple perspective points that makes a celestial vision absolutely pop out at the viewer. This is coupled with clever plasterwork along the edges of the ceiling which integrate it with the walls to smoothly transition their work into the plain walls. The altar is a nice baroque composition, but the "professors" seating along the walls of this Jesuit church are extremely well crafted. In the the small treasury in the back of the church there is a magnificent monstrance made in Augsburg that commemorates the Battle of Leponto. While such a warlike scene that is somewhat jarring when seen on such a religious article, I guess it's understandable after such a significant turning point in the then-ongoing war against Islamic expansion. In a somewhat similar vein, the warrior-leader Tilly's crucifix in silver and ivory is also kept in the treasury. Admission is €3. I was allowed to use the English language guidebook to guide my visit. There really is no parking close to the church, but it is a short walk from the large public parking lots. The docents at the church were friendly.
2. The Residenz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,636 reviews
This palace served as the home for Würzburg's powerful prince-bishops during the Enlightenment and is known for its extravagant artistic design and Baroque architecture.
Reviewed By monideepad - Bangalore District, India
We walked ahead and reached the Würzburg Residence with the Courtyard Gardens and the Residence Square. A very strong representation of the 18th-century Baroque palace architecture, the Würzburg Residence has been listed has World Heritage Site since 1981. As soon as we had stepped in through one of the three monumental gates, we realised that we had indeed saved the best for the last... Once within the Courtyard Gardens, we were appalled by its beauty and wonderstruck to see how thoughtfully it had been planned within the fortifications. Known to be one of the finest Baroque Gardens that Germany can boast of, the Courtyard Garden is made up of three sections, South Garden inside the gate, the East Garden, the and the Nursery The part of the Courtyard Garden or ‘Hofgarten’ close to the Residence or ‘Residenz’ comprises the east part. It is grand and in formal Baroque style with the terraces that create an illusion of spaciousness. As we moved further towards the south end, we noticed a transition in its style towards an English garden, with perfectly trimmed sharply conical 18th Century Yew trees, with sculptures at their base, with mini forests and meadows and an orangery at the far back. Monumental sculptures, statues of Greek Gods, figures, vases, urns decorate the park which has cute white benches. I was particularly smitten by the fountain because of the frozen water around. A small branch was lying on top of the frozen water and it was a spectacular sight. The Nursery is like a rough park. I could not help wondering how lush green and colourful the Courtyard Garden would look when in full bloom. The Courtyard Gardens could be visited free of charge, but for visiting the Residence, one has to take a guided tour. The baroque palace, Würzburg Residence, was built in 1720 at the request of Bishop Johann. The palace is made of yellow sandstone and hence emits a golden glow. I am very fond of palace tours as I am invariably intrigued about its interiors. Photographs were not permitted but I brought back memories of this Franconian Versailles which boasts of grand rooms, more than three hundred in number, spread over three wings; the central main, the north and the south wings. I was mesmerised by the ornately elegant golden and marble church ‘Hofkirche’, which was built for the exclusive use of the prince bishop, the grand, wide staircase, the ceiling decorated with frescoes, the alter decorated with paintings of Tiepolo, the chapel and the Imperial Hall; all of which bear the impressions of Baroque, Rococo or Neoclassical architecture and art. It goes without saying that Residence too was very badly damaged during the World War II, but thankfully, it was eventually restored.
3. Oberammergau Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
This massive church is frequented visited by Catholic pilgrims.
Reviewed By gfrisch - San Antonio, United States
I visited this church on a rainy day in June.After passing through a grave yard a very old handcrafted door opens into the church.This is a Catholic Church,beautiful Wal paintings with a cupola painted and a Chrystal chandelier hanging down on a long chain.The seats are made of pine and you can tell they have been used for centuries.The altar is decorated in gold and silver and you can tell this is a very rich church.A very nice organ oversees the church and it powerful sound is nice to listen too.It is well worth it to take some time to visit this gem.
4. Schloss Hohenschwangau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,445 reviews
The yellow Gothic castle in which King Ludwig II spend his childhood.
Reviewed By BenGenn - Brisbane, Australia
We stopped here on the way to Schloss Neuschwanstein. An amazing and beautiful castle with a fascinating history, a wonderful place to visit in the area.
5. Cathedral of St Peter's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,388 reviews
Regensburg's skyline is dominated by the two towers of this 13th-century cathedral.
Reviewed By VW49 - Ashburn, United States
The tall Gothic, Catholic Cathedral of St Peter dominates the Regensburg skyline. The interior has soaring columns to support the high ceilings accompanied by beautiful stained glass windows, statutes and artworks. There is restoration work on-going so exterior scaffolding and construction barriers were in place during my visit. On an overcast day the light inside is rather low for photography but still there is so much to see in this active cathedral.
6. Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is the largest museum of cultural history in the German-speaking region. Setting nation-wide standards through its scientific and scholarly achievements, it carries the reputation of a dependable reference point in the museum landscape. The museum investigates art and culture in German-speaking areas in an internationally integrated and innovative way, offering educational experiences in dialogue form. Insights and results are situated within their historical contexts. The exhibition captivates visitors by the aura and presence of the original, awakening curiosity in art and culture through the narrative around it.
Reviewed By ElleKaye73 - Chicago, United States
The first globe ever made is here! This well-laid out museum has something for everyone, from bronze age implements to medical weapons, to Durer artwork. We spent about 3 hours here, well worth the visit!
7. Berchtesgaden Salt Mines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,953 reviews
Reviewed By Merrowmum - Guildford, United Kingdom
This salt mine is fascinating in of itself, but the whole experience is extremely well organised and executed - everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed our tour! The combination of walking round, underground train and explanations is superbly thought through, the slides being a fun addition especially for children (but they do have an alternative option as well). The handsets for languages other than German generally worked very well indeed, although there were some glitches, but at least one of our group's worked at every stopping place so we were able to explain to anyone who had had problems. The highlight of the whole tour is the boat trip across the mirror lake, complete with light show - what a surreal experience underground!!! Excellent, much much better than anticipated!
8. Markgrafliches Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By degtravel - Tervuren, Belgium
This theater is just AMAZING. I have never seen anything like it, it is incredibly beautiful and moving. The guide gave a great explanation about who built it, why etc etc. I have visited 241 Unesco World heritage Sites at the time of writing and I think this is the one which blew me away the most. (apart from the Houses from Horta - Art Nouveau in Belgium).. Simply outstanding and a must see for seasoned travelers.
9. St. Lorenz Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,688 reviews
During services and special events St. Lorenz church is closed for sightseeing
Reviewed By 604karenm - Louisiana, United States
Beautiful architecture! Don't miss the sacrament house sculpted by Adam Kraft. The incredible art survived the Reformation because families had donated these priceless items to preserve the memory of their loved ones.
10. Fuggerei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,317 reviews
The world's oldest social settlement, this estate houses 200 impoverished Catholic tenants.
Reviewed By 549JenB - London, United Kingdom
This is a lovely place to visit for everyone. It's the oldest social housing development in the world dating back to the 16th Century and was the concept of Jakob Fugger. It is still inhabited today and the people lucky enough to be allowed to live there pay 88 cents in rent and must be Catholics and willing to pray for the Fugger family. You can go into a ground floor apartment as it looks today as well as another one which looks like it did 200yrs ago. There is also a museum with lots of information about the Fugger family and a restaurant/cafe.
