In southeast Germany, where the borders of Czechia and Austria meet, you’ll find a massive state with alpine vistas that could easily be mistaken for the Canadian Rockies.
Welcome to Bavaria, a fairytale landscape of sparkling lakes, dense forests and snow-capped summits that mirrors Canada’s spectacular natural beauty – without the long-haul flight.
Just a two-hour plane journey from the UK, Bavaria – officially the Free State of Bavaria – is a state so large that it covers nearly one-fifth of Germany’s land.
Extending from the middle German hills into the Alps, it’s bounded to the north by the states of Thuringia and Saxony, to the east by Czechia, to the south and southeast by Austria, and to the west by the states of Baden-Württemberg and Hessen.
While Munich is its capital, other major cities can be found in Bavaria, including Nuremberg, Augsburg, and Regensburg – though they’re situated further away.
Yet, the state’s primary appeal undoubtedly lies in its distinctive Alpine landscape.
Bavaria is home to stunning peaks, crystal-clear lakes such as Chiemsee and Starnberger See, sprawling forests and national parks that offer skiing, hiking, water sports and other adventure activities.
From Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze, to rolling vineyards, to rugged snow-capped mountain ranges, the state’s scenery is remarkably diverse.
Bavaria, Germany, is home to sparkling lakes, dense forests and snow-capped summits that mirror Canada’s natural beauty
Sleepy, medieval towns across the state are marked by cobblestone streets, baroque churches and crooked half-timbered houses
Bavaria’s primary appeal undoubtedly lies in its distinctive Alpine landscape, complete with crystal-clear lakes and romantic mountain ranges
Adding its fairytale flair and storybook charm is a number of iconic castles, including Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace, while its medieval towns are marked by cobblestone streets, baroque churches and crooked half-timbered houses.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque town located in the Franconia region, is so enchanting in its appearance that it actually served as inspiration for Pinocchio’s village in the Disney classic.
As for food and drink, Bavaria is famed for its world-class beer, often referred to as ‘liquid bread,’ along with numerous breweries and festivals like Oktoberfest.
Visitors can tuck into heart Bavarian cuisine, such as pretzels, Weißwurst (white sausage), and sample local wine.
Luckily, there are multiple relatively straightforward options for those looking to visit Bavaria from the UK, though some journeys are longer than others.
Those who would prefer to travel via air can fly from London airports to either Munich International Airport or Nuremburg Airport, which takes nearly two hours to either destination. One-way flights with Ryanair cost as little as £30.
From Munich, a regular train, costing around £9 to £13, takes passengers directly to Marienplatz in Bavaria in less than an hour. From Nuremburg, a £14 rail journey also transports visitors to the same station within 80 minutes.
For sustainable travellers who’d rather relax and enjoy countryside views along the way, a 9-hour train from London St Pancras to Marienplatz via Brussels, Frankfurt, München and Karlsplatz is an option, costing between £99 and £350 for one-way.
Pictured: Moraine Lake, located in Alberta, Canada, in summer time
Pictured: Autumn view of the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle at sunset
Bavaria is home to stunning peaks, crystal-clear lakes such as Chiemsee, Königssee (pictured) and Starnberger See
When visiting Bavaria, sampling its hearty cuisine is a must. Pictured: Bavarian sausages with sauerkraut on a pan
Looking elsewhere in Europe for a storybook escape? Annecy in the French Alps happens to be another real-life fairytale village.
The town in southeastern France is nestled by Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, where visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, boating and cycling along its shores.
It is often called the ‘Venice of the Alps’ because of the winding canals that flow through its picturesque old town.
Annecy’s old town, the Vieille Ville, has more waterways than roads, surrounded by 16th and 17th-century buildings. The water comes from the River Thiou, which, at only 3.5km long, is one of Europe’s shortest rivers, connecting the River Fier to Lake Annecy.
