Red Karawana

Back to top

A Worldwide Journey Across Cultures, Flavors and Art

ROYAL PALACES, HISTORIC TOWNS AND ALPINE VILLAGES; MUNICH & PALACES, BAVARIA

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus

Germany, Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany, Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany, Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Germany, Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Residenz, Green Gallery

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Residenz, Green Gallery

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Munich, Germany

There are direct flights to/from Munich, Germany from the major European hubs, including Frankfurt, Paris, London and Amsterdam.  Upon arrival at the Munich Airport, we take a 30-40 minutes taxi to our selected Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich.  We have a dinner in Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant, located in our hotel.

Note: Our Munich & Palaces, Bavaria Itinerary takes place toward the end of summer, a peak tourist season.  We reserve a private car with a driver with the concierge of Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich for a few excursions in Bavaria.  Renting a car for a few days is another option for excursions outside of Munich.

Day 2 – Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) 

Today, we visit Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt), a historic and cultural center of Bavaria.  We walk a few minutes from our hotel to Marienplatz, the location of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with the Grand Clock Tower (Glockenspiel).  We take the elevator to the viewing balcony atop the tower and enjoy the panoramic city views.  We descend to the Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel re-enact a historic folklore story at 11:00am.  We visit the nearby Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) and climb atop the south tower.  Afterward, we walk to the Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market), a popular farmers’ market.  A short walk away, the Hofbräuhaus is a famous tavern that serves authentic Bavarian cuisine.  After lunch, we walk to the Karlsplatz-Stachus, a large city square featuring the Karlstor, one of the three historic gateways to the city.  We spend the afternoon at the English Garden, situated within 20 minutes walking distance northeast of the city.  In the middle of the park, the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) hosts a 7,000-seat beer garden and restaurant, a nice place to enjoy the Bavarian cuisine.  Early evening, we walk 30 minutes back to our hotel. 

Day 3 – Linderhof Palace, Oberammergu Village, Neuschwanstein Castle

We reserve a private car with a driver with the concierge of our hotel.  In the morning, we drive south around 1.5 hour to the Linderhof Palace (Schloss Linderhof) of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, encircled by the Ammergau Alps.  The regular guided tours last 25 minutes and showcase the palace’s elegant and lavish interiors.  After the tour, we visit the terraced gardens encircling the palace.  We depart the palace and drive 15 minutes to Oberammergau village, famous for its attractive Bavarian architecture.  We discover numerous houses decorated with beautiful frescoes, visit the church of St. Peter and Paul and have a quick lunch.  Afterward, we drive an hour to the Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein), the 19th century Romanesque castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  We arrive at the Hohenschwangau village and then walk 40 minutes uphill to the Neuschwanstein Castle.  The castle’s lavish State Rooms and Apartments can only be visited with a guided tour.  A 15 minutes’ hike from the Neuschwanstein Castle leads to Marienbrücke, a footbridge above the Pöllat Gorge that offers the best views of the castle.  We walk back to the village of Hohenschwangau and visit the gardens of the Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau).  At the end of the day, we drive approximately 2 hours back to Munich and have dinner in our hotel.

Day 4 – Harburg Castle, Rothenburg ob der Tauber  

We reserve a private car with a driver with the concierge of our hotel.  We depart in the morning and drive 1.5 hour to the Harburg Castle and arrive at the castle’s opening time. The guided tours are offered every hour and show the Church of St. Michael, the ramparts, the prison tower and the dungeon.  A walk through a courtyard offers lovely views of the fortress. Afterward, we drive around 1.5 hour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  We enter the Old Town through the Spital Gate (Spitaltor) and visit the Plönlein (Little Square), the landmark of the Old Town.  Schmiedgasse Street leads to the Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus) and the Marktplatz (Market Square), the location of the Rathaus (Town Hall).  We have lunch, and then visit the Councillors’ Tavern with a famous clock tower and St. Jacob's Church (Kirchengemeinde St. Jakob), featuring the famous Altar of the Holy Blood.  The nearby Herngasse Street is the location of Käthe Wohlfahrt's, a beautiful Christmas Store.  The Franciscan Church is the oldest church in Rothenburg while the Castle Gardens (Burggarten) offer wonderful views of the Old Town.  We visit the historic gates, the Röder Gate (Rödertor) in the east of the Old Town and the northern gate of the Klingentor Gate.  At the end of the day, we drive about 2.5 hours back to our hotel in Munich.  Situated a few minutes from our hotel, the Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant serves a high-end modern Bavarian cuisine.

Day 5 – Alte Pinakothek, Munich Residence (Residenz)

In the morning, we walk 20 minutes to Alte Pinakothek, an art museum with a collection of paintings and artworks by European masters.  After touring the museum for a few hours, we walk 2o minutes to the Spatenhaus Restaurant, situated in front of the Bavarian National Theatre (Bayerische Staatsoper).  We enjoy Bavarian cuisine for lunch and explore the exterior architecture of the Bavarian National Theatre.  After lunch, we walk to the nearby Munich Residence (Residenz), the former royal palace of the Bavarian Royal dynasty.  We spend the afternoon visiting the Residence Museum, the Treasury, the Cuvilliés Theatre and the Munich Court Garden.  Note: Audio guides in different languages are included in the price of the admission ticket.  After the visit, we walk 10 minutes to the Pfistermuehle Restaurant, located near Marienplatz and serving a refined Bavarian-inspired cuisine.  In the evening, we walk back to our hotel.

Day 6 – Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Today, we explore Zugspitze, the highest mountain peak of Germany and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a charming Bavarian town.  Early morning, we take a 10-minute taxi to the München Hauptbahnhof Railway Station and take a 1.2 hour direct train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.  After arriving at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Railway Station, we walk a short distance to the Bavarian Zugspitze Rail (Bayerische Zugspitzbahn), the cogwheel railway station.  We take the cogwheel train to the Eibsee Valley Station, then take the state of the art Seilbahn Zugspitze (Cable Car Zugspitze) to the Zugspitze Top Station.  We have lunch at the Restaurant Panorama 2962 located at the summit.  Afterward, we take the Zugspitze Glacier Cable Car (Gletscherbahn) and descend in a few minutes to the Zugspitz Plateau (Zugspitzplatt) at 2,600 meters.  We enjoy the alpine scenery, and then descend the mountains to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.  We spend a few hours visiting the town and having an early dinner.  Early evening, we take the train back to Munich and take a taxi to our hotel.

Day 7 – Nymphenburg Palace

After breakfast, we take a 20-minutes taxi to the Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria.  We visit the lavishly decorated royal apartments, gallery wings and the Marstallmuseum, housing a collection of royal carriages of the Bavarian monarchs.  Outside the palace, the Nymphenburg Palace Park is an expansive English style park designed with canals, lakes, cascading waterfalls, fountains and garden pavilions.  We follow the scenic walking trails and visit the charming palaces spread across the park.  We have lunch at the Schlosscafé in the Palmenhaus, situated in the greenhouse building in the park.  Late afternoon, we take a taxi to our hotel on Maximilianstrasse, the luxury shopping street.  We enjoy some shopping and have dinner in the Old Town.

Day 8 – Munich, Germany Departure

After breakfast, we transfer to the Munich Airport and take our international flight home.

Germany, Bavaria, Harburg Castle

Germany, Bavaria, Harburg Castle

Gerrmany, Bavaria, Alte Pinakothek (Art Museum)

Gerrmany, Bavaria, Alte Pinakothek (Art Museum)

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Nymphenburg Palace, Stone Hall

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Nymphenburg Palace, Stone Hall

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Nymphenburg Palace

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Nymphenburg Palace

Special Places

Bavaria – Bavaria is a prosperous Free State and the largest federal state of Germany.  It is located in the southeast of Germany and borders the Czech Republic, Austria and the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Hessen, Thuringia and Saxony.  Bavaria has a fascinating history, long-held traditions and a picture-perfect scenery.  The region was inhabited by Celtic tribes, conquered by the Roman Empire, ruled by electors and the Bavarian Royal dynasty, and lastly became a federal state of Germany.  The culture of Bavaria is reflected in its expressive folk art, vibrant musical tradition, classic Bavarian costumes and unique culinary style.  Bavarian traditions are on display during the annual Octoberfest Festival in Munich, in the elaborate Christmas Markets and at the Viehscheid cattle drive in the Allgäu villages.  The region’s topography includes the snow-capped Bavarian Alps, beautiful alpine lakes, the wilderness of the Bavarian Forest and rolling green meadows.  Munich (München), the capital city of Bavaria, has a beautiful Old Town with numerous historic and cultural treasures.  Spread across Bavaria are fairytale castles, wondrous royal palaces, grandiose summer residences, medieval towns and enchanting villages.  The Romantic Road, a scenic route in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, winds through the quaint towns, pretty villages and breathtaking countryside.

Munich (München) – The city of Munich, situated along the Isar River, is a beautiful, vibrant and livable city.  Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is the historic and cultural center of Bavaria.  The Marienplatz, the main square in Old Town, was established in the 12th century by Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria.  The Neues Rathaus, the New Town Hall set in Marienplatz, is an architectural masterpiece with an elaborate façade and the famous Grand Clock Tower (Glockenspiel).  A few times a day (11:00am, 12:00pm and also 5:00pm from March to October), the Glockenspiel chimes and re-enacts the royal wedding and a folklore story.  The viewing balcony atop the 255 foot-high tower is elevator-accessible, offering panoramic views of the city.  The nearby Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) dates back to the 15th century and is Munich’s famous landmark.  A climb atop the south tower reveals beautiful views across the city’s rooftops.  The Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market) is Munich‘s most popular farmers’ market, featuring fresh produce, gourmet foods and regional delicacies.  Situated in the Platzl square, the Hofbräuhaus is a famous tavern, decorated with hand-painted ceilings and serving authentic Bavarian cuisine.  A short walk from the Old Town square, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is a beautiful urban park that stretches 375 hectares from the city center to the northeastern part of the city.  The park is set on the western bank of the Isar River and has green meadows and a network of walkways and biking routes.  The Monopteros, a Greek temple set atop the hill, offers lovely views.  In the middle of the park, the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) is a wooden structure surrounded by a 7,000-seat beer garden and restaurant.  The nearby Kleinhesseloher See is a beautiful lake with three small islands, an ideal place to relax in nature and enjoy the scenery.  The history, culture and art of Bavaria are on display throughout Munich.  The Karlsplatz-Stachus is a large city square built in the 18th century after the medieval fortified walls were demolished.  Part of the Karlsplatz-Stachus, the Karlstor is one of the three gateways to the city that were part of the city walls.  A short walk from the Karlsplatz-Stachus leads to the Alte Pinakothek, an art museum with a collection of paintings and artworks by European masters.  Situated at the Max-Joseph-Platz, the Bayerische Staatsoper is the Bavarian National Theatre and home to the Bavarian State Orchestra and to the Bavarian State Ballet.

Munich Residence (Residenz) – Munich Residence (Residenz) is the former royal palace and the seat of government of the Wittelsbachs, the Bavarian Royal dynasty.  The Residenz was heavily damaged during World War II, hence portions of the palace were rebuilt and refurnished.  Munich Residence comprises the Residence Museum, the Treasury, the Cuvilliés Theatre and the Munich Court Garden.  Over the centuries, the castle originally built in 1385 was enlarged, creating the royal palace with extravagant rooms and courtyards.  The palace complex consists of three parts: the Königsbau, the Alte Residenz and the Festsaalbau.  The Antiquarium (Hall of Antiquities) built by Simon Zwitzel, is a regal ceremonial hall decorated with paintings and sculptures.  The Königsbau, designed by architect Leo von Klenze, houses the Apartments of the King and the Queen and the Treasury with a collection of royal treasures of the Wittelsbach dynasty.  The Ornate Rooms (Reiche Zimmer) are magnificent state rooms, designed in the Rococo style by architect Francois de Cuvilliés.  The Audience Chamber showcases remarkable wall paneling and a stucco ceiling.  The awe-inspiring Green Gallery is decorated with green damask fabric, gold stucco and elegant chandeliers.  The Cabinet of Mirrors and Cabinet of Miniatures are gilded, lavish and gorgeous rooms.  The Cuvilliés Theatre is a beautiful symbol of the Rococo style.  Outside the palace, the Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) is an inviting courtyard garden with green spaces, flower beds, fountains, pavilions and plentiful benches.

Nymphenburg Palace – The Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) or “Castle of the Nymph” is the former summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach.  The construction began in the countryside, west of the city in 1664.  The Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria gifted the land to his wife Henriette Adelaide of Savory after the birth of their son, Maximilian II Emanuel in 1662.  An Italian architect Agostino Barelli was commissioned to create a grand villa.  Diverse Bavarian monarchs resided in the Nymphenburg Palace, enhancing the décor of the apartments and expanding the palace’s design.  The royal apartments, central pavilion, gallery wings and garden pavilions are lavishly decorated in Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles.  The Stone Hall (Steinerner Saal) is a light-filled Great Hall, adorned with vivid ceiling frescoes, painted by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.  The Gallery of Beauties (Schönheitengalerie), King Ludwig I’s collection of paintings, includes the portraits of beautiful women painted by Joseph Stieler.  The Marstallmuseum has an extensive collection of royal carriages, gala coaches and sleighs of the Bavarian monarchs.  The Coronation Coach of Emperor Karl VII, designed in the French Rococo style, is a beautiful work of art.  The Nymphenburg Palace is a stunning country residence, beautified by English style gardens.  The Nymphenburg Palace Park, previously designed as French Baroque style gardens, was transformed into an English style park by Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, a German garden designer.  A view across the expansive landscape reveals the Nymphenburg Canal, picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls, fountains and garden pavilions.  The layout of the park comprises charming palaces: Amalienburg, Magdalenenklause, Pagodenburg and Badenburg.  The Amalienburg Palace has elaborately decorated chambers and a stunning Hall of Mirrors designed in silver, white and light blue colors.  During the summer season, a Gondola Ride on the canal is a lovely way to appreciate the palace’s elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.  The Schlosscafé in the Palmenhaus, situated in the greenhouse building in the park, is a charming dining venue.

Linderhof Palace and Oberammergau – The Linderhof Palace (Schloss Linderhof) is a romantic palace built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  The palace is located in a beautiful valley, encircled by a dense forest and the Ammergau Alps.  The palace’s design was inspired by the architectural style of Versailles in France, and constructed in a Neo-Rococo style.  The Hall of Mirrors, a spectacular space of mirrors and crystal chandeliers, creates an illusion of infinite space.  The Tapestry Room is decorated with stunning Gobelin tapestries and a ceiling painting.  The Bed Chamber showcases a canopy bed in the center, decorated with blue textiles and gold ornaments.  Gold-plated furnishings complement the opulent décor of the Audience Chamber.  The elegant palace is surrounded by the Linderhof Park, designed by the garden designer, Carl von Effner.  The Linderhof Palace overlooks terraced gardens with a large pool and a fountain complemented by a golden statue.  Atop the hill stands the Music Pavilion, connecting the waterfall cascading over marble steps to the pool featuring the Neptune Fountain.  The Venus Grotto, an artificial cave with a lake and a waterfall, was inspired by the first act of Tannhäuser, the opera composed by Richard Wagner.  An idyllic landscape surrounds the Linderhof Palace, the nearby village of Ettal and the magnificent Ettal Benedictine Abbey.  Situated 15 minutes’ drive from the Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau is a picturesque village known for its elaborately painted houses.  Lüftlmalerei, a mural art popular in Southern Germany, involves painting the façades with Bavarian themes and biblical scenes.  The fresco painter Franz Seraph Zwinck decorated numerous village houses with beautiful frescoes.  The interiors of the Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul have beautiful ceiling frescoes painted by an important German artist, Matthäus Günther.  The alpine landscape of mountains, forests and meadows is a perfect setting for this beautiful Bavarian village.

Neuschwanstein CastleThe Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) is a royal castle and the refuge of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  The 19th century Romanesque castle is nestled on top of the cliff in the Bavarian Alps.  Hohenschwangau, a charming village in the valley, is situated between the Neuschwanstein Castle and the Hohenschwangau Castle.  The approximately 40 minutes’ uphill route leads to the Neuschwanstein Castle, a medieval grey-stone structure designed with towers, ornamental turrets and a castle courtyard.  The Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Europe, perfectly conveys the beauty of Bavaria.  Inside the castle, the State Rooms and Apartments are decorated with elegant furnishings and opulent ornaments.  The magnificent Singers’ Hall, situated on the fourth floor, boasts high coffered ceiling and ornate chandeliers.  The Throne Room showcases vivid mosaics, a four-meter high chandelier and a Byzantine architecture.  A 15 minutes’ hike from the Neuschwanstein Castle leads to the Marienbrücke, a footbridge above the Pöllat Gorge, offering iconic views of the castle and the countryside.  The walkway passes the Panoramic View of Schwangau, a viewpoint overlooking the Hohenschwangau Castle, the Lake Alpsee and the Bavarian Alps.  Situated in the village of Hohenschwangau, the Neo-Gothic Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau) was rebuilt in the 19th century by the King Maximilian II of Bavaria, on the remains of a 12th century Schwanstein fortress.  The royal family, including the future King Ludwig II used the castle as a summer residence.  The romantic castle and gardens offer lovely views of the mountains, the forest and Lake Alpsee.  A drive in the countryside shows a picturesque Pilgrimage Church of Saint Coloman with mountains in the background, located near the village of Schwangau.

Harburg Castle – The Harburg Castle is a magnificent castle and fortress, located in the medieval town of Harburg.  The picturesque town, situated on the Wörnitz River, is a tourist destination on the famous Romantic Road in Germany.  The Harburg Castle, formerly the royal seat of the Hohenstaufen, was built on a hilltop above the Wörnitz River in the 10th and 11th centuries.  The Count of Oettingen became the owner of the castle in the 13th century, followed by the aristocratic family of Oettinger-Wallerstein.  The castle is currently owned by the Cultural Charitable Foundation of Prince Oettinger-Wallerstein.  The guided tours explore the castle’s Church of St. Michael, the ramparts with six towers, the prison tower and the dungeon.  The castle is designed with a central courtyard offering lovely views of the fortress structure.

Rothenburg ob der TauberRothenburg ob der Tauber is a magical medieval town, set on the banks of the Tauber River.  Restored after World War II, the town is located along Germany’s famed Romantic Road.  The Old Town is enclosed by fortified stone walls with 42 towers and six gates.  The Spital Gate (Spitaltor) and Tower serve as the southern entrance of the Old Town.  East of the Old Town, the Röder Gate (Rödertor) dates back to the 14th century and offers panoramic views along the city walls.  The Klingentor Gate is a fortified northern gate constructed between 1395 and 1400 and integrated with the 15th-century St. Wolfgang's Church.  A stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets reveals remarkable half-timbered houses with red-tiled roofs.  Plönlein (Little Square), landmark of the Old Town, is located at the intersection of two streets.  The half-timbered house and two towers of the city walls, the Siebers Tower (Siebiersturm) are to the left and the Kobolzeller Tower is to the right.  A walk on Schmiedgasse Street leads to the Master Builder's House (Baumeisterhaus), the Renaissance House and shop of the Rothenburg's Master Builder, Leonhard Weidmann.  The Marktplatz (Market Square) showcases half-timbered houses, the Marktplatz fountain and the 13th century Rathaus (Town Hall).  A climb to the top of Town Hall Tower reveals the panorama of the Old Town and the Tauber Valley.  The Town Hall comprises parts built in a Gothic style, Renaissance parts constructed in 1578 and other parts in the Baroque style.  The nearby Councillors’ Tavern, known as the Ratstrinkstube, was built in 1466 and features a famous clock tower that chimes every hour, celebrating the city’s “Legend of the Master Draught”.  The legend celebrates the historic mayor who saved the city from destruction during the Thirty Years’ War.  Situated near the Rathaus, St. Jacob's Church (Kirchengemeinde St. Jakob) was built between 1311 and 1485.  It features the famous Altar of the Holy Blood, curved in wood by Tilman Riemenschneider, and a 600-year-old stained glass.  The nearby Herngasse Street is the location of the Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Store, featuring beautiful Christmas ornaments and traditional wooden decorations.  The Franciscan Church, the oldest church in Rothenburg, showcases a Gothic style and an altar carved by Tilman Riemenschneider.  The Castle Gardens (Burggarten) offer wonderful views of the Old Town and of the historic Tauber Bridge farther down the Tauber Valley.  Situated in the Tauber Valley to the west of the Old Town, the Toppler Castle was built in the 14th century and was the residence of the former Lord Mayor, Heinrich Toppler.  Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming town with many attractions and dining venues, including Zur Höll on Burggasse, a medieval wine tavern and a traditional restaurant situated in the Romantik Hotel Markusturm.

Germany, Bavaria, Zugspitze

Germany, Bavaria, Zugspitze

Germany, Bavaria, Zugspitze

Germany, Bavaria, Zugspitze

Germany, Bavaria, Village

Germany, Bavaria, Village

Germany, Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Germany, Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Favorite Adventures

Zugspitze and Garmisch-PartenkirchenThe Zugspitze, part of the Wetterstein Mountains in the Northern Limestone Alps, is the highest mountain peak of Germany.  The Zugspitze is 2,962 meters above sea level and is the boundary between Germany and Austria.  It hosts three glaciers: the Northern Schneeferner, the Höllentalferner and the Southern Schneeferner.  The summit can be reached by cable cars in Austria and in Germany.  Direct trains from the München Hauptbahnhof Railway Station to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Railway Station depart every hour and take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.  After arriving by train at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Railway Station, visitors walk a short distance to the Bavarian Zugspitze Rail (Bayerische Zugspitzbahn), the cogwheel railway station.  The cogwheel trains depart Garmisch-Partenkirchen, leads to the Eibsee Valley Station and continues to the Zugspitz Plateau (Zugspitzplatt) at 2,600 meters.  The Zugspitze Glacier Cable Car (Gletscherbahn), a 1,000 meter long cable car, connects the Zugspitz Plateau (Zugspitzplatt) to the Zugspitze Top Station.  Alternatively, visitors may descend from the cogwheel train at Eibsee Valley Station (or arrive by car), and take the Seilbahn Zugspitze, a state of the art Cable Car Zugspitze.  The cable car departs from the Eibsee Valley Station at 998 meters and arrives at the Zugspitze Top Station at 2,944 meters, offering 360-degree view of the mountains.  Situated on the summit of the Zugspitze, the Restaurant Panorama 2962 serves specialties of the Alpine region and overlooks a marvelous panorama of mountain peaks.  At the base of the mountains, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a charming town and a holiday destination in the Bavarian Alps.  The Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular winter sports resort that hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics.  The town was established in 1935, combining the stylish town of Garmisch and the charming Bavarian town of Partenkirchen.  The landscape of mountains and valley create a breathtaking scenery.  The alpine town boasts pretty alleyways, beer gardens, historic churches and elaborately painted houses decorated with flowers.  The Alte Pfarrkirche St. Martin is an old church in Garmisch, dating back to the 13th century.  Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an ideal base for skiing, climbing, hiking to the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm) and enjoying authentic Bavaria.

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Haxnbauer im Scholastikahaus, Pork Knuckle

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Haxnbauer im Scholastikahaus, Pork Knuckle

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant, Fish and Porridge

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant, Fish and Porridge

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant, Kaiserschmarrn

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant, Kaiserschmarrn

Germany, Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Schneebälle

Germany, Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Schneebälle

Selected Cuisine

Bavarian Cuisine – Bavaria has a vibrant culture, an awe-inspiring alpine landscape and a hearty cuisine.  The neighbouring countries of Austria and Czech Republic, and Germany’s diverse regions contributed to the distinct character of Bavarian cuisine.  Bavaria is loved for its seasonal festivals and fairs, such as Octoberfest in Munich and the Christmas Markets.  The festival of Octoberfest began as a celebration of the marriage of Prince Louis and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in October, 1810.  The festivities were organized for the citizens of Munich in the fields outside the city gates, complete with food, beer and horse races.  Octoberfest became an annual festival in Munich and a widely recognized festival worldwide.  Beer is synonymous with German culture, widely consumed throughout the day.  Historically, beer was called a liquid bread and not considered an alcoholic beverage.  The Weiβwurst (White Sausage) is a traditional Bavarian sausage made from veal, pork and spices.  The white sausage is boiled and served with sweet mustard.  Pretzels, often served with a Weiβwurst, are salt-encrusted, soft-textured and delicious.  The Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe), a quintessential German-Bavarian delicacy, is usually roasted-grilled, resulting in a tender meat and a crispy crust.  The Haxnbauer im Scholastikahaus (kuffler.de/en/restaurant/haxnbauer), a traditional Bavarian restaurant in Munich’s Old Town, serves a uniquely delicious pork knuckle, grilled on a beechwood charcoal grill.  The Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant (schuhbeck.de/pages/suedtiroler-stuben), a culinary gem in the Old Town, serves a high-end cosmopolitan and modern Bavarian cuisine.  The Sea Bass and Porridge with Chives Pesto and Green Asparagus is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.  The Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional dessert prepared in Bavaria, in Austria and other former regions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is a fluffy pancake, made of flour, milk, eggs and sugar.  The Kaiserschmarrn is baked in butter, cut into uneven pieces and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  The Südtiroler Stuben Restaurant serves a superb Kaiserschmarrn with a cranberry compote, an apple sauce and a vanilla sauce.  The Schneebälle (Snowball) is another delicious Bavarian dessert.  The Schneebälle, a specialty of Rothenburg ob der Taube, is a ball-shaped and crunchy-textured sweet pastry.  The shortbread pastry is deep-fried and dusted with confectioner’s sugar, or covered with cinnamon sugar, chocolate or other flavors.

We select a few of our favorite restaurants that specialize in traditional and modern Bavarian cuisine. 

Pfistermuehle Restaurant (pfistermuehle.de/en), located near Marienplatz in Munich’s Old Town, serves a refined Bavarian-inspired cuisine in a historic building with stylish dining rooms.

Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant (schwarzreiter-muenchen.de), located in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, serves a high-end and innovative Bavarian cuisine.

Spatenhaus (kuffler.de/en/restaurant/spatenhaus), a restaurant facing the Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper), serves a traditional Bavarian cuisine.

Hofbräuhaus (hofbraeuhaus.de/en/welcome.html), a famous Bavarian tavern in the heart of Munich, serves a traditional Bavarian cuisine.  Guests have the opportunity to listen to Bavarian music in a beautiful dining hall decorated with hand-painted ceilings and communal dining tables.

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich

Preferred Accommodations

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich – Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is a five-star luxury hotel, located in the center of Munich.  Set inside a historic building, the hotel has a collection of spacious rooms and elegant suites.  The upscale Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant serves an excellent modern Bavarian cuisine.  The Afternoon Tea and the desserts from the hotel’s patisserie are served in the attractive Jahreszeiten Lobby.  The hotel’s luxury spa and the indoor swimming pool create a tranquil and relaxing space.  The hotel is situated on Maximilianstrasse within a walking distance to Munich’s historic sites and luxury shops.  Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is a luxury retreat in the cultural hub of Bavaria.