Excursions for May Day in Bavaria: The most beautiful places for a short break
In the south of Germany lies Bavaria, not only the largest federal state in terms of area, but also one with a particularly large number of adventures.
On vacation or on a trip, almost anything is possible, whether you're looking for action or a break. Between mountains, lakes, and cities, you only have to answer one question: Which of the most beautiful places in Bavaria should you choose for a trip or short break?
If Munich is too hectic for a short break, Bavaria's second-largest city is just the place for you. Nuremberg in southern Bavaria is the relaxed counterpart to the metropolis of millions. Here, you'll also experience urban flair, but everything is much more relaxed. You can easily explore the city center on foot and discover the city's three culinary highlights: gingerbread, Nuremberg bratwurst, and Nuremberg red beer!
Nuremberg was once an imperial city and an important location in the Middle Ages, as it lay on the trade route connecting the Hanseatic cities in northern Germany with Italy. Therefore, the famous Nuremberg Imperial Castle still towers over the Old Town today.
Although the city was heavily damaged in the Second World War, there are still a few places where you can admire old half-timbered houses: In Weißgerbergasse you will find the largest remaining ensemble of old half-timbered houses in all of Nuremberg, and at the Maxbrücke you have a great view of Weinstadel and Henkersteg.
Pure idyll: The Pegnitz and the Schlayerturm in Nuremberg.
Source: IMAGO/Westend61
Located between the Fichtel Mountains and the Franconian Switzerland region in Franconia, Bayreuth is an ideal destination for a short break. The city, with a population of 100,000, captivates with its Bavarian charm and rich culture. The Bayreuth Festival, which takes place every summer in the Festspielhaus and attracts Wagner fans, is world-renowned.
The picturesque city center of Bayreuth.
Source: imago images/Val Thoermer
But culture in Bayreuth isn't always serious; it's also colorful. In the city center, you can admire Europe's most beautiful baroque theater: The Margravial Opera House has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 and, along with the Hermitage Museum just outside the city, is an absolute must-see.
In the evening, head to the bustling old town with its colorful nightlife and a glass or two of Franconian beer, for example on Sophienstraße.
One of Bavaria's oldest cities lies in the southwest of the Free State: Augsburg, where the Middle Ages and the modern meet. The city center boasts many historic buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the town hall with its spectacular Golden Hall and St. Mary's Cathedral. A stroll along the city walls and the city gates, five of which are still standing today, is also exciting.
One of the most beautiful cities in Bavaria: Augsburg from above.
Source: imago images/Alexander Rochau
Augsburg also has a hip side: Narrow streets are lined with cute cafés, local craft shops, and unique boutiques. And of course, the Augsburger Puppenkiste (Augsburg Puppet Theater), which has been performing fairy tales and stories since 1948 and is the most famous puppet theater in the world, is a must!
If you're looking for a waterfront getaway with a taste of Austria, Passau is the place to be. Known as the City of Three Rivers, Passau lies directly on the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers and on the border with Austria. A short break here offers the perfect mix of city, nature, culture, and enjoyment, as Passau boasts numerous beer gardens, restaurants, and cafés, many of which offer views of the water.
Passau is the perfect destination for those who love cities on the water.
Source: IMAGO/Westend61
You shouldn't miss the 17th-century Baroque Old Town. Much of it exudes an Italian flair. This is due to the fact that the Prince-Bishop of Passau, Wenzel von Thun, had the city rebuilt in the Italian Baroque style by the most famous Italian architects after it had burned down almost completely in 1662. You can marvel at a superlative in St. Stephen's Cathedral: It houses the largest cathedral organ in the world!
If you're drawn to nature during a short break in Bavaria, the Allgäu is the perfect destination. Numerous nature experiences and plenty of action are the order of the day here, as the Allgäu is ideal for cycling, hiking, skiing, swimming, and relaxing. The region combines magnificent mountain landscapes with idyllic mountain lakes.
View of the Allgäu Alps near Füssen in Bavaria.
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
You'll experience urban flair in Kempten, the largest city in the Allgäu region. Füssen is world-famous for its Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle. In Oberstdorf, you'll be surrounded by mountains and nature.
This climatic health resort is located in the Upper Allgäu region and is a magnet for locals and visitors alike, especially in winter. Pfronten, right on the border with Tyrol, is also great – here you can enjoy wonderful hikes and breathtaking views.
Bavaria boasts gigantic mountains that dwarf some low mountain ranges. One that's perfect for a short break is located in Franconia in northern Bavaria: The Fichtel Mountains are home to quaint villages, numerous hiking trails, and a well-developed network of cycle paths, some of which even cross the border. This is fitting for the region, as the Fichtel Mountains are also home to one of Germany's most famous villages.
View of the Fichtel Mountains in Bavaria.
Source: imago images/Shotshop
Mödlareuth became famous as the divided village, and its story was even made into a film. After the end of World War II, the village was divided, and the demarcation line ran between Mödlareuth-East in the Soviet occupation zone and Mödlareuth-West in the American occupation zone. For over 37 years, it was impossible to cross the border. The Americans called Mödlareuth "Little Berlin," because, like in Berlin, the Wall divided a city.
In the extreme southeast of Bavaria lies the Berchtesgaden region. A short break here is all about adventure and adrenaline, as the region is known for its well-developed via ferratas and exciting downhill trails for mountain bikers. This is no surprise, as the Berchtesgaden Alps are home to some of Germany's highest peaks.
The summit cross of the Rotspielscheibe in the Berchtesgaden Alps.
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
But you don't have to be a mountaineer: Things are more relaxed in the municipality of Schönau am Königssee, where the breathtaking Königssee lake lies against the steep cliffs of the Watzmann. A great hike leads to the Malerwinkel and Rabenwand at Königssee. Also worth seeing are the Obersee and Untersee lakes, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, and the famous Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest).
There's plenty of water to enjoy on a short break in the Chiemsee-Alpenland region in Upper Bavaria. Surrounded by a spectacular Alpine backdrop, Lake Chiemsee, with a surface area of 79.9 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Bavaria and, after Lake Constance and Lake Müritz, the third largest lake in Germany. It's no wonder it's called the "Bavarian Sea."
Pier on the lake under a blue sky at Lake Chiemsee, the "Bavarian Sea".
Source: IMAGO/imagebroker
Lake Chiemsee is known for its islands: On Fraueninsel is the Abbey of Frauenwörth, a Benedictine monastery, while on Herreninsel there are two castles: the Old Castle and the New Castle of Herrenchiemsee.
South of the state capital Munich and just before the Upper Bavarian Alps, the Five Lakes Region is an insider tip for those seeking less hustle and bustle than Lake Chiemsee, but a full dose of nature. Lake Starnberg, Lake Ammersee, Lake Wörth, Lake Pilsensee, and Lake Weßling form Bavaria's most beautiful "high five"!
View of the region around Seeshaupt, the Osterseen lakes and Lake Starnberg.
Source: IMAGO/Alexander Rochau
The atmosphere is truly special: Between the expansive expanses of water and rolling hills, the Five Lakes Region boasts numerous nature reserves, moorlands, and pastures. Lake Ammersee and Lake Starnberg are wintering grounds for many migratory birds and provide a home for rare, protected bird species. Relaxing is definitely easy here!
Franconia is often associated with beer, after all, the region is known for its high concentration of breweries, but those who prefer wine will also find something to their liking in Franconia. The Franconian Wine Country around Würzburg is the perfect holiday destination for anyone who enjoys fine wine. What many visitors don't know: In the Middle Ages, Franconia was the largest wine-growing region north of the Alps!
The Marienberg Fortress surrounded by vineyards in the Franconian wine country.
Source: IMAGO/Frank Bienewald
The Franconian wine country has everything you need for a weekend trip: a Mediterranean climate, idyllic landscapes, medieval towns, and plenty of wine. In Würzburg, the focus is on Silvaner, known as the best Silvaner in the world. Also worth a visit is the Würzburg Residence, considered by many to be the most beautiful baroque palace in Germany!
Green, greener, Bavarian Forest: Did you know that the Bavarian Forest was Germany's first national park when it was established in 1970? It's no wonder that today many vacationers come to relax in this green oasis, which stretches across over 24,000 hectares.
Visitors on the spiral path of the observation tower of the treetop walk in the Bavarian Forest National Park.
Source: imago stock&people
The Bavarian Forest boasts many great destinations and a 760-kilometer-long network of mountain streams and spruce forests. With approximately 300 kilometers of hiking trails, you're sure to find the perfect route for you. A true highlight is the Treetop Walk, which winds its way past beech, fir, and spruce trees at a height of up to 25 meters.
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