Bavaria Will Steal Your Heart

Bavaria Will Steal Your Heart with its picture perfect scenery, romantic castles, baroque churches, friendly people and delicious food. Of all the wonderful areas that you can visit in Germany, I believe that the state of Bavaria has to be the favorite of most tourists who visit because it offers so much to see and do in a relatively small area.

Neuschwanstein Castle In The Fall

This is a state that is probably known best for its Oktoberfest celebrations with hearty food and great beer in Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle built by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. While visiting, it is very tempting to get on the autobahn and drive as fast as you can from one tourist sight to another but this is one place where you should really drive the winding and twisting back roads to appreciate this beautiful region.

Hohenschwangau Castle Where Ludwig II Lived As A Young Boy

In one day’s time you can visit three castles that are associated with King Ludwig. He was born in Nymphenburg, his father’s summer residence on the outskirts of Munich, then lived much of his young life in Hohenschwangau. He became king at the young age of eighteen and quickly became eccentric, having several castles built to escape public life. He lived in a fantasy world, listening to operas by Wagner and reading romantic literature.

Neuschwanstein Castle Built by Ludwig II

The most famous castle he had built was Neuschwanstein, which he never had a chance to live in. His favorite castle, where he lived for eight years before his mysterious death, was the small and exquisite, Linderhof Palace, known as the “Royal Villa”.

Linderhof Palace And Gardens

Beautiful Details On Linderhof

The Small and Exquisite Linderhof Castle

Just a few miles away from Neuschwanstein, is the picturesque town of Fussen.

Beautifully Painted Church In Fussen

Fussen Museum

Town Of Fussen

Thirty minutes north of Fussen is a wonderful church out in the countryside near the town of Steingaden. The pilgrim church is literally surrounded by rolling pastures with rail fences enclosing farm animals. In the distance, you can see the impressive Alps.

Rolling Pastures Surround The Wies Church

The Wies Church Is Surrounded By Pastures In The Middle Of The Countryside

From the outside, you might think that Wies Church it is just another local church but you would be so wrong. It is absolutely stunning once you go inside. It is a UNESCO World Heritage building and is considered a masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo.

Alter Of Wies Church

The Organ Of The Wies Church Above The Entrance

One of my favorite small towns in the area is Mittenwald. It is considered by many, to be the most beautiful town in the Bavarian Alps. I think it is very charming with its buildings that are decorated with painted facades and carved gables. In the middle of town, you will find the beautiful St. Peter and St. Paul parish church.

The Bell Tower Of St. Peter and St. Paul Church Can Been Easily Spotted From Anywhere In Town

Inside, the interior is lovely with crystal chandeliers and elaborate stucco work. Look closely and you will see that many of the angels painted on the ceiling are playing violins. The town became famous for its many well know violin makers.

The Elaborately Decorated St. Peter and St. Paul Parish Church Of Mittenwald

Just down the main street from the church is the beautifully frescoed Alpenrose Hotel. It has a very nice restaurant that is frequented mostly by locals. My husband and I have enjoyed soups and main courses at the Alpenrose and they have all been delicious. Of course it wouldn’t feel like you were eating in Bavaria unless you tried their sausages, sauerkraut and potatoes at least on one of your visits.

Alpenrose Hotel In Mittenwald

Sausages, Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes…A Delicious Bavarian Lunch

I truly believe that Bavaria will still your heart. Once you have visited this wonderful region, you will want to plan a return trip in the future as there are such great little villages that will remind you of something you have read in a storybook.