Bavarian escape

Kishore Iyengar

Being the country’s largest and richest region, Bavaria in southern Germany packs in diverse experiences unique to its culture and history. Bavarians are friendly and welcome visitors with an open heart. Raise a jug and say, ‘Prost!’ (Cheers!). Let’s experience some of the most exciting places in Germany’s most colourful region.

Berchtesgaden — An alpine wonderland

With the mystical Lake Koenigsee, it is nestled amid wildflower meadows and imposing cliffs. An eco-friendly electric boat cruise to onion-domed St Bartholoma Church and its quiet jetty is a fairytale frame of total stillness. The Koenigsee hamlet enchants with knick-knack boutiques and a cheery beer garden. A stroll down the cobbled lanes of the tiny Berchtesgaden village, with its medieval church and well-preserved stone buildings, is refreshing.

Regensburg — World heritage wonder

The Unesco World Heritage town has striking medieval monuments and public edifices. Worth visiting are the imposing 11th-century towers, the fascinating Scottish church of St Jacob, the unique French Gothic-styled cathedral and the signature Tower and Stone Bridge across the Danube. All classic examples of exceptional town planning and layout, indeed.

Munich — Vibrant and exquisite

It is easy to explore. Two diversely exciting attractions stand out. The colourful Viktualien Markt (market) packs in scores of alluring stalls and boutiques showcasing handicrafts, wall hangings, dolls, flowers, home décor plants, Bavarian cheeses, baked savouries, Christmas paraphernalia, chocolates and dairy offerings.

In the open-air beer garden, young and old locals mingle and chill out, interacting and sharing conversations. It’s a social bonding rendezvous at all times.

Within Munich city lies the sprawling Nymphenburg Palace with its niche Porzellan Nymphenburg boutique porcelain centre. This is the ultimate collection of the world’s finest porcelain creations anywhere. The exquisite range varies from intricately fine porcelain jewellery to dinner and tableware to outstanding limited edition artefacts.

Mt Zugspitze — Unique altitude allure

The smooth Zugspitze Bahn train to the top of Germany’s highest peak brings me into the snowy vastness. At the world’s highest church here, couples solemnise vows. The swift gondola zips me to the summit, where an open air restaurant unfolds magnificent views across Austria and Switzerland. I still my pace in awe and wonder as imposing peaks and lush green valleys create a panoramic spectacle.

Biergartens & Bavarian platters

Bavaria’s signature feature is its lively biergartens (beer gardens) in every town and locale. These open-air interaction landmarks are not just about beer, but are also hotspots for mouth-watering Bavarian specialties. I savoured vegetarian delights like obatza with pretzels and bandnudeln with herbs. Bavarians also relish piping hot bratwurst (sausages) with weise bier (wheat beer). In winter, locals cheer with gluhwein (spicy wine), schneeballen (snowballs with almonds and pistachios) and country wholegrain bread with bergekase (mountain cheese).

PROLIFIC PAINTED FACADES

I was elated to visit the pretty Bavarian Alpine village Oberammergau’s intricate wall paintings, created by street artist Franz Seraph Zwinck. Frescoes depicting Biblical stories and fables lend identity to homes and buildings. Amazing intricate woodcarvings of everyday life, folk tales and theatre acts by local artisans are special attractions and must-buys in Oberammergau.

Tips for travellers

How to Reach Munich has direct flights from India. Return economy tickets from Mumbai can cost around Rs 50,000.

Transport All-day or limited period Bayern (Bavaria) Pass offers access to train (U Bahn-underground and S Bahn-surface trains), tram and bus routes all around Bavaria. (A single ticket will cost €29 while it is €69 for a group of five). Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) is efficient, fast and well-connected from Munich to most destinations.

Moving around Walking is the best way to explore. Munich city has excellent tram, bus and taxi services (covered by Bayern Pass). A city map can guide you with detailed information.

Food Lively cafes and hofbrauhaus (local brewery restaurants) outlets offer a chance to try local delicacies. Vegetarian dishes are also available. Check menu and choose.

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