M ost trips to Bavaria start in Munich – and rightly so. The culturally rich city is easy to reach by train or plane, and has traditions known around the world. However, Germany ’s southern state is also home to a number of other fantastic cities.
Smaller and quieter, they vary significantly according to their historical roots, geographical surroundings and neighbouring influences, but all make a great addition to a holiday itinerary. Remain in Oberbayern (Upper Bavaria ), the region surrounding Munich, for a continuation of the same theme: maypoles, blue-and-white flags and beer served by the litre. Venture just beyond the boundaries and you’ll discover laid-back Augsburg and medieval Regensburg.
Then, for something completely different, head north to the region of Franconia. Here popular cliches are replaced by a distinct cuisine, local wines, different flags and people who are fiercely Franconian, rather than Bavarian. Here are some suggestions of places to try.
Found about half-way between Munich and Salzburg, the humble student city of Rosenheim is centred around a pedestrianised market square with grand town houses and fine arcades. There are modern cafes and restaurants here, as well as Bavarian pubs serving beer from nearby breweries. The cultural stand-out is the Lokschuppen, a former locomotive depot which now hosts a series of changing exhibitions.
Thanks to its location, Rosenheim also makes a good base for exploring the nearby Alps and surrounding countrysi.
