"2004: A Bavarian Beer Odyssey" Top 5 Page for this destination Bavaria by richiecdisc

Bavaria Travel Guide: 14,084 reviews and 32,570 photos

picturesque Loffeld in Franconia - Bavaria

When most people think of Germany, the images that come to mind are those normally associated with Bavaria. It’s not that there are not other scenic areas of this diverse country, but whether through self-promotion or World War outcomes, it has come to define it for most travelers. Story book castles, majestic mountains, and Lederhosen-clad men with huge mugs of beer are hardly the whole of this modern yet tradition bound culture but this does little to keep their popping into your head with the mere mention of the country’s name. Whether you love or hate it, Bavaria does not disappoint those coming to find what the books tell them they’re looking for. The Bavaria Alps are stunning as they seem to rise vertically with no warning from their relatively flat surrounding plateau. Scenically situated castles dot the countryside and timeless old town centers are found in both big cities and small villages. For the beer connoisseur, it is an area ripe for exploration. With 750 breweries, Bavaria is home to one fifth of the world’s total. Unfortunately, most travelers stick to the mainstream of Bavaria and only see a glimpse into this fascinating area. There is much beyond Munich and its immediate surroundings. Go further afield, especially into little traveled Franconia, the northern portion of Bavaria. There you will find half-timbered villages with small butcher shops, bakeries, and often one-room breweries, where the local beer is on sale via small wooden kegs that are tapped fresh each day for villagers to enjoy after a hard day’s work or a friendly game of cards. This is no figment of Walt Disney’s imagination ala Neuschwanstein; this is the real Bavaria. And is perhaps indicative of the real Germany of a bygone era too.

Last visit to Bavaria: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Nov 30, 2004
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Reviews (73)

sorry for the webshot, my camera was broken - Bavaria

after work play Restaurants (38)

I have always wanted to visit this place so you can imagine how happy I was that when working for Berlitz in Munich I... more travel advice

in the region of the hops, Au in der... Restaurants (38)

This was another example of taking advantage of my monthly train pass while living in Munich. But for any serious beer... more travel advice

watch the flies Restaurants (38)

I had a monthly train pass that allowed me to travel anywhere in a 45-minute radius of Munich so I took full advantage... more travel advice

a nice rural setting Restaurants (38)

There is a more upscale restaurant across the road, but this little pub has a great if small beer garden that on busy... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Bayern Ticket
Favorites (1)
the silence of the beers....
Nightlife (1)
small village nightlife....
Hotels (5)
See All staying with friends is always nice....
Things to Do (4)
See All Visit a beer garden
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Comments (37)

BruceDunning Oct 25, 2010 at 3:14 PM Report Abuse

BAvaria is our trip for 2012, to see more than our short stops. Thanks for the tips. We get to Bamberg/Bayrueth/Dresden in May 2011 for one month trip.
Maryimelda May 24, 2010 at 10:00 PM Report Abuse

I'm unashamedly a Bavaria freak so I've had a wonderful journey through your pages. Specially like the EttalKloster. Thanks richie, well done.
volopolo Apr 1, 2008 at 6:15 PM Report Abuse

My birthplace Nurnberg located in Bavaria! Excellent site!
Florida999 Aug 1, 2007 at 8:41 AM Report Abuse

You have a lot of good info here about places I have never heard of or been to, but what, no mountains? :-) We're most likely going there next summer. I would like to go to the mideaval festival
mvtouring Jul 30, 2007 at 3:53 AM Report Abuse

What a stunning page. Those pretzels are just my favorite ;-)
Hellfirejen May 25, 2007 at 6:16 AM Report Abuse

I found this castle stunning inside! There arent many castles that have an indoor cave built into them. It is a shame it was never finished. The bedroom with the lights in the ceiling is fantastic also!
budapest8 Feb 13, 2006 at 9:50 PM Report Abuse

Slurping down kegs of local beer in brewpubs in small villages and munching down some tastly bratwurst with great scenery sounds like heaven. .":*¨`*:·~My§ticÄl~·:*.隐形的 ღ (~_~)♫♫"
atobol Nov 25, 2005 at 11:26 AM Report Abuse

Oh man, send me some good bavarian beer to China!
tessy Oct 2, 2005 at 2:52 PM Report Abuse

You are a beer AND food specialiste. Great page, Richie!
zizkov Sep 26, 2005 at 2:04 AM Report Abuse

I have to stop reading your pages partway - any more and I would have to open a beer (and its only 10am)