Unmissable Southern Bavaria,Germany: Three Must-See Destinations

Charming view of the colorful half-timbered houses and the historic Clock Tower in the medieval walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

I first fell in love with Germany over 30 years ago when my husband, a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, was stationed in the small town of Wildflecken, Germany.

I was fortunate enough to be hired by the Army's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department.

They gave me a wonderful opportunity to create and personally escort tours in Germany and other nearby countries.

A few of my favorite cities in southern Bavaria are Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Füssen.

Munich is the undisputed party capital of Bavaria, but it’s also so much more. The old city, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, is enchanting. Not to be missed is the Viktualienmarkt. The Viktualienmarkt is a wonderful blend of shops and restaurants, both with indoor and outdoor experiences, being owned and operated by generations of families. The market is a wonderful spot on a warm summer day to sample a bratwurst and a pint of beer from one of the six breweries in Munich. The six breweries operating inside of Munich are the only beers allowed at Oktoberfest. The world-famous Hofbräuhaus is located in the old city, and the food is just as good as the beer. One of my other favorite places to dine in Munich is the Ratskeller. The Ratskeller is located on the Marienplatz, the main square of the old city, under the Glockenspiel. The Glockenspiel is a very large mechanical clock located in one of the largest buildings in Munich. Several times a day, the large figures move to tell the story of the royal wedding; you can even see the characters joust. The Ratskeller, an enormous restaurant, has many different themed rooms, but all make you feel like you are at a banquet in a medieval castle or private wine cellar in a vineyard. Food and service are outstanding at very reasonable prices. I never miss a chance to dine at the Ratskeller.

Ratskeller dinner under the city hall

Hofbrau House Group Dinner

Vilkenmarket flowers in one of the outdoor stalls

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a 13th-century walled city, with tiny winding cobble stone streets and tremendous medieval history. For a trip back in time, you can walk the city walls or take a walking tout with the Night Watchman. A Night Watchman will walk the perimeter of the town with you by lantern and show you how they would guard the city from invaders and watch for fires. He will show you how the town protected itself from enemies both external and internal. Be sure to check out the tiny doors cut out of the large city gates, which allowed locals back inside in case of a surprise attack. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also home to Käthe Wohlfahrt's fantastic Christmas shop and museum. Christmas traditions throughout the years are showcased alongside handmade lace, embroidery, hand-carved wooden and glass ornaments, which are just a few items that they carry.

Tour buses and most cars must remain in the parking lot just outside the city walls as many of the streets are very small and best traveled on foot. This is one of my favorite cities in the world because it transports you back in time.

Fairy tales painted on the buildings in Oberamagau Germany Personal Escape Travel

Walled City of Rothenberg ob der Tauber Personal Escape Travel

Füssen is a small city located in southern Bavaria near the Austrian border. Several famous castles are located near Füssen. The most famous castle is King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein. Walt Disney fell in love with the castle, and Neuschwanstein was his inspiration for Cinderella's castle. If you are a skier or snowboarder, Füssen makes for a wonderful base camp because of its easy access to all types of winter sports. Füssen is also a great destination in summer for hiking and enjoying all the beautiful crystal-clear lakes. A day trip to consider from Füssen is to the village of Oberammergau. The villagers pledged to do a reenactment of Christ's Crucifixion over 400 years ago if God spared the village from the bubonic plague. Oberammergau is home to the Passion Play, which is performed once every 10 years. The village is also famous for being the setting of the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Take a walking tour of the village to see the frescoes of scenes from the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales painted on the buildings, and don't miss the live wood carving demonstrations in Oberammergau.

Linderhof Palace stands majestically amid lush greenery and snow-capped peaks, showcasing its intricate gardens and grand architecture as a tranquil retreat in the Bavarian Alps.

Germany is a country I love if you would like more insights, reach out today so we can plan your fairy tale adventure!! Please visit our website to read more of our travel blogs.

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