Among the many architectural, cultural and culinary delights of Germany, the picture book cities of Bavaria are on the List of sights of any traveler.
To ring in 2019, we made an affordable getaway in Europe, visiting several small towns in Bavaria, the emblematic southern region of Germany. The history, architecture and culture of the Bavarian Middle Ages and Renaissance were preserved in several incredibly cute city centers, and it was a wonderful place to welcome the new year. And of course, the beverage was wonderful everywhere.
Bavarian food in particular is perfect for cold weather-hot, hearty and tasty. Most travelers visit Europe in the summer, but those who dare to visit a place like Bavaria during the low season will be rewarded with panoramic views, lower prices and, above all, much fewer people. Here are four cities that we fell in love with — and so will you.
1. Rothenburg ob the Tauber
Rothenburg is distinguished among other things by the thirteenth-century ramparts that surround a large part of the medieval city center. Visitors can walk along the two miles of covered ramparts, see the roofs and the roads, or through the “archer’s slits” on the landscape. Seventy watchtowers appear along the wall, some of which overlook the beautiful expanse of the Tauber Valley far below. Every hundred meters, steps descend from the wall that allow visitors to walk through the fairy-tale streets and visit beverage gardens, churches, shops and museums, including the merry Christmas Museum in Käthe Wohlfahrt and the strange museum of medieval crime and punishment. Most of the current wall dates from the 13th century. Much of it (and the part of the city inside the wall) was completed during the second world debate.The Allied soldiers then persuaded a German commander to surrender the city, defying Hitler’s orders, but saving the rest of the city from destruction. A mechanized drinker who recalls the time of the 30 years War, when the city was saved from destruction by an army on strike because its mayor was essentially suffering from a bottle of plonk on the orders of the conquering general – almost a gallon! – in a few minutes.
2. Bamberg
The Old town of Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and urban design. The many old bridges that cross the Regnitz add to its charm. For centuries, the city developed around seven hills, like Rome, which earned it the nickname “Bavarian Rome”.”However, the Bavarians like to turn the situation around and mistakenly call Rome”Italian”.Bamberg is also known as one of the main sources of the highly sought-after smoked beverage, made with beech smoked malt. This type of beverage is an acquired taste – be sure to acquire a few!
3. Regensburg
Regensburg is located where the rain flows into the Danube and has become a commercial and cultural center since Roman times. The old town was lucky enough to avoid a Boom during the Second World War; therefore, its medieval center deserves a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among the many river crossings is an emblematic twelfth-century stone bridge at one end of the bridge is the historic Wurstküche, a restaurant that opened its doors in the mid-nineteenth century. The grilled sausages of the nineteenth century are of course their specialty and they are delicious. The cathedral here is monumental and shows the great wealth and influence of the city since the 13th century. the exterior contains countless elaborate sculptures depicting fantastic animals and biblical characters, as well as real monarchs and church leaders throughout the ages. The interior is a Gaping vault of imposing stained-glass windows, titanic stone columns and walls with carved statues. In a quiet alley a block away, a humble marker commemorates the industrialist Oskar Schindler, whose subversive efforts saved the lives of more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. After the war, Schindler lived for some time in Regensburg.
4. Landshuter
Although close to the sprawling metropolis of Munich, the lively town of Landshut has retained a medieval charm. The cobbled main street is a large car-free area where pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy many shops and historical sites, regardless of the car traffic. The walls and towers of Trausnitz Castle have attracted the muscles of the Bavarian nobility since the twelfth century. In the middle of the charming pastel-colored houses in the streets of Landshut, the huge brick tower of St. Martin’s Cathedral rises. Completed around 1500, it is the tallest church in Bavaria and the largest brick church in the world. Inside, a 16-foot-high Gothic crucifix hangs from the vaulted ceiling in front of the altar, and the colorful stained-glass windows in the nave depict characters from the Bible and vivid scenes from real life in Bavaria. Landshut is worth a visit in all circumstances, but it is particularly convenient as the last stop before departure from Munich Airport, a good half-hour drive away.