Germany’s largest State, Bavaria, is world renown for its natural scenic beauty, monasteries, museums, and truly, the Bavarian lifestyle. This region brings to mind lush mountain pastures abundant with wildflowers, cows grazing; pristine sapphire-blue glacier water lakes; quaint villages on cobblestone streets with picturesque old buildings with window boxes filled with profusion of flowers; and of course, Munich’s giant Oktoberfest with brass bands, beer gardens and Wurst. Southern Germany is indeed associated with the many Bavarian festivals where one finds women in Dirndl and men in Lederhosen dancing traditional century-old folkdances, but there is so much more!

Munich, the capital, is a great favorite of travelers. Isar River offers many leisure activities, particularly a popular picnic spot. The Marienplatz in heart of the city with both Old and New Rathaus holds the world landmark, the Frauenkirche, twin towers topped with onion-shaped cupolas in Late Gothic style.

An educational day excursion from Munich is to Lake Starnberg, where one learns of King Ludwig’s demise. The lake is inviting for a cruise, a dip or a stroll. Beautiful Schloss Berg, near the pier offers a peaceful setting. View is magnificent and gourmet delights and fine wines are available from restaurant.

Dachau, north of Munich, an artist colony in 19th century, is home of famous painters, sculptors and artists whose work can viewed in Dachau’s Painting Gallery.

Altötting is Bavaria’s oldest and a significant city. It is situated near Lake Chiemsee and dedicated to Virgin Mary where annually more than one million pilgrims arrive to pay homage to the “Black Madonna” in the Chapel of Mercy. Several church concerts, orchestra masses and the “Organ Walk” are highlights of a visit to this town.

Another pilgrimage town is Bad Reichenhall, however for totally different purpose, as it has the reputation as a resort for health-seekers and spa guests from many countries.