Discovering the Diverse Destinations of Bavaria, Germany

One of the most scenic and popular travel destinations in the world and a bucket-list trip for many, Bavaria, Germany is a spectacular place for travelers of all types as it offers a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming historic towns and villages, stunning landscapes and opportunities for adventure as well as mesmerizing architecture and a long list of settings that have played a key role throughout history. And don't forget about the region's mouthwatering culinary delights and exciting traditions like Munich's Oktoberfest. Since Bavaria's wealth of stellar destinations, sites and attractions can be overwhelming, it's important to embark on a quick overview of this German gem for a sample of what visitors can expect from Lindau to Nuremberg.

Formed around the end of the Ice Age about 10,000 years ago, Lake Chiemsee and its islands are home to the world's only replica of Versailles. Also known as the Bavarian Sea, the region's largest lake is not only home to the must-visit Herrenchiemsee New Palace but gorgeous mountain views from Kampenwand. Visitors can also tour the historic village of Neubeuern and look forward to day trips to explore the colorful gothic houses of Wasserburg.

Northern Bavaria's Franconia region between Frankfurt and Munich has been dubbed by many as "Germany in miniature" as it offers visitors diverse landscapes and a wide range of flavors through cuisine, beer and wine that is unique to the region. Top sightseeing highlights here include UNESCO cities like Bayreuth, Bamberg and Wurzburg as well as one of the top spa towns in Europe in Bad Kissingen. Visitors will also enjoy wine tours, beer festivals and museums such as the Levi Strauss Museum in Buttenheim.

Bavaria's second-largest city is a worthwhile visit for travelers to Franconia. Highlights include the Imperial Castle, a key site of the Old Holy Roman Empire and the Albrecht Durer House, which is the only existing home of an artist from the 15th century in northern Europe. Nuremberg is also the site of the namesake trials against the Nazi Party in the wake of World War II, which visitors can learn more about at the Nuremberg Trials Memorial.

One of the most romantic destinations in Bavaria, Füssen boasts more than 700 years of history that's on display in the form of charming Baroque churches and Gothic structures as well as the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views on a cable car trip to the summit of Mount Tegelberg or a seasonal boat trip on Lake Forggensee for even more gorgeous vistas.

The Bavarian Alpine ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a dream destination for nature lovers who can experience Germany's highest mountain in Zugspitze in addition to breathtaking waterfalls and picturesque rapids. Travelers can also check out the highest church village in the country at Wamberg and take part in traditional Bavarian music and dance in the historical part of Partenkirchen.

Stretching roughly 300 miles from Lindau to Schonau, the scenic German Alpine Road is the country's oldest holiday route and takes travelers through mesmerizing alpine meadows, past inviting lakes and historic old towns and brings them close to other attractions like Oberammergau's famous Passion Play Theater and the Berchtesgaden salt mine.

Lindau is an idyllic and unique island town on Bavaria's Lake Constance and offers visitors plenty of sensational sightseeing opportunities, including Bavaria's only lighthouse and Germany's lone puppet opera. The town's charming center features impressive centuries-old architecture and cobblestone streets. Plus, travelers will be close enough to plan day trips to nearby Austria and Switzerland.

Travelers will want to give themselves plenty of time to properly explore Bavaria's capital city of Munich. The birthplace of Oktoberfest more than 200 years ago, Munich is rich in history and offers lots to see and do, including the Kunstareal, which is home to dozens of museums and galleries as well as important cultural institutions. Meanwhile, the Englischer Garten or English Garden is a vibrant green space where visitors can unwind and plan their next move, whether it's a stroll to Munich's lively Marienplatz or a day trip to the famous city of Mozart in Salzburg.

Regensburg is Germany's best-preserved medieval city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006. Visitors can experience the oldest sausage kitchen in the world (Wurstkuchl) and the oldest coffeehouse in Germany (Café Prinzess) in addition to the legendary Stone Bridge, which is the oldest preserved bridge of its kind in the entire country.

Celebrated for its stunning medieval architecture, Rothenburg ob der Tauber rewards visitors with a slew of spectacular attractions including an all-year Christmas village, museum and shop (Käthe Wohlfahrt) and the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum that's home to Germany's most important collection of legal history. Travelers can also look forward to day trips to nearby breweries, spas and even golf.