Cities, culture, sports and leisure, holidays with the whole family and much more – there are many reasons to spend your holiday in Bavaria!
Hi-Tech and Traditions
Laptop and lederhosen – this expression has become very popular and refers to the successful coexistence of the high-tech industry alongside old Bavarian traditions and customs.
Munich is the capital city of publishing houses and other industries, like biotechnology, automobile industry, air and space travel (Oberpfaffenhofen) and is also home to renowned universities – Bavaria holds a leading position in many areas of business and education.
For tourists from all over the world Bavaria is the most popular destination in Germany. This is due to its many attractions: world-famous buildings like Neuschwanstein Castle, the famous beer festival, the Oktoberfest, and the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, to mention but a few. And also amongst German travelers Bavaria is the most popular destination!
Castles and Palaces
In Bavaria you will find the most impressive castles, palaces and gardens of Germany. The most famous include the three royal castles of King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle, the palaces of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee (New Palace), the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) Nuremberg and the Royal Residences in Munich and Wurzburg.
The Prince Electors and Kings of Bavaria have built more than 45 castles, palaces and royal residences. The historic heritage also includes lavish royal gardens, palace gardens, parks and lakes. These unique examples of European architecture combined with decorative works of art attract five million visitors per year from all over the world.
History
When the Electorate Bavaria was appointed Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806, Bavaria started its long journey into modern times. The success of this journey is – among other reasons – the result of the systematic support of science and arts by King Ludwig I (1825-1848) and King Maximilian II. (1848-1864). They invited artists and scientists from all over Germany to Bavaria, thus turning it into a center of culture and science.
Up to the second half of the 20th century, Bavaria was an agricultural county. But even in the 19th century the kings of Bavaria supported trade, craft and industry. Franconia was the driving force of the industrialization and the first train in Germany went from Nuremberg to Fürth in 1835. The first German hydropower plant, built at the Walchensee in 1924, and the first research reactor, built in Garching (near Munich) in 1957, mark milestones on Bavaria’s way to a modern high-tech country with a massive export rate.
Modern State
Today, the Free State of Bavaria is a prime location for economy, science and technology, and takes a leading position amongst European and global competitors. Several Nobel Prizes, which have been awarded to Bavarian scientists, also proof this point.
Bavaria is also a country of culture. This is stated in the Bavarian constitution and the Government takes this task very seriously. Opera houses, theatres and museums are strongly supported and are internationally renowned.
The Bavarian people can be proud of the development of their country, which has seen high achievements, ideas and commitment. They can be proud of one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world.