Federal state of Bavaria. Food. What to try. Flying in the sky

Landscape

In Bavaria there are three parts of the great German landscapes: the German part of the northern Kalkalpen and the foothills of the Alps with its attractive lakes, "Schottish ebene" with the land of charming hills stretching to the river. Danube and German midlands with diverse landscapes.

There are many rivers in Bavaria, most of which are connected to the Danube. In the north-west of Bavaria, the Main River flows with tributaries, the Saale River originates from the slopes of the Franconian Forest and the Fichtelgebirge. The Rhine and Danube basins were united in 1992 by the Rhine-Main-Danube canal.

The Danube is the second largest river in Europe after the Volga. The river bed is in some places protected by dams to support navigation.

Bavaria is the land of lakes. About 1600 lakes are concentrated mainly in the foothills of the Alps. The largest are Chiemsee, Ammersee, Lake Starnberg, Tegernsee, Königssee; the deepest is Walchensee (192 m).

The duchy occupied the area between the rivers Lech and Enns, the Fichtel mountains and the Tridentine Alps. The first duke whose name is mentioned in history was Garibald I(d. 590), who had his residence in Regensburg. Having united with the Lombards against the rule of the Franks, he was defeated by the latter and forced to ask for peace. He was succeeded by his relative, Thassilon I(d. 612), who marked himself by the fact that he first opened hostilities against the Slavs and their allies, the Avars. With his son Garibalde II(d. 650), the Bavarians received from the Frankish king Dagobert the first written laws (lex Bajuwariorum, between 628-638). At his invitation, St. Eustachius and Agil and preached Christianity there. Christianity was finally introduced with Theodone(d. 717) Frankish missionaries Rupert, Emeran and Korbinian.

Bavaria in the 10th century

During the division of the state undertaken by Charlemagne, Bavaria, together with Italy, went to his second son Pepin, who died while his father was still alive. Louis the Pious, who succeeded Charlemagne, first transferred control to his eldest son Lothair with the title of king, but with the new division of 817, it passed to Louis II later called German, who called himself rex Bojoariorum and chose Regensburg as his residence. Louis continuously fought with the Slavic peoples, who caused a lot of harm with their frequent raids. Meanwhile, the temporal power of the bishops was gradually strengthened, and the power of the palatine counts, who ruled as governors, increased. After the death of Louis the German (876), his son Carloman became king of Bavaria, to which at that time also belonged Carinthia, Carniola, Istria, Friul, Pannonia, Bohemia and Moravia.

Germany in 919-1125

Carloman was succeeded (879) by his younger brother Louis III, and after his death (881) the second brother Charles III the Fat, who, having received 884 and the crown of France, thus united under his rule all the states of Charles V. After him, she passed (887) to the natural son of Carlomann Arnulf and then (899) to his son Louis the Child, during whose reign Bavaria suffered a lot from the attacks of the Hungarians. With Louis the Child, the Carolingian family ceased (911), and the Bavarians elected the son of Margrave Luitpold as their duke, Arnulf II the Evil, known for his enmity with Emperor Conrad I. His son After his death, Otto I the Great took Bavaria from Arnulf's son, Eberhard, passing it to his uncle, Berthold(d. 947), and then to his brother Henry I, appointing Eberhard's brother, Arnulf, Count Palatinate of Bavaria. This gave rise to internal strife, which made Bavaria the theater of devastating wars. Taking advantage of the uprising that broke out against the emperor and Duke Henry, Arnulf tried to recapture his hereditary duchy of Bavaria, and he called for help from the Hungarians, who invaded Byelorussia, devastated it, but were defeated by Otto on the Lechfeld. Henry I was succeeded by his son Henry II the Shrew, one of the most educated princes of that time and an implacable enemy of Otto II, who took B. from him and handed it over Otto Swabian(d. 982). After the death of Otto II, Henry again received the duchy of B., which after him (995) passed to his son Henry IV, who later became the emperor of Germany under the name of Henry II. With his death, an almost 200-year period begins in the history of Bavaria, during which the country had to endure a lot, both from the Crusades, which deprived it of a significant part of the population, and from the eternal change of dukes, either appointed or again expelled by emperors, and who, with their own mutual strife did not allow her to calm down. Finally, after the expulsion of Henry XII the Lion (founder of Munich), Bavaria passed (r.) to the palatine Otto of Wittelsbach, the ancestor of the Bavarian and Palatinate houses.

Henry the Lion's dominions

Duke Otto of Wittelsbach

Bavaria and its neighbors in 1378

The reign of his son Otto the Most Serene(1231-1253), was marked by internal strife over the secular power of the bishops, who were striving for complete independence. For his commitment to the emperor, he was excommunicated by the pope from the church. his sons, Ludwig II the Severe and Henry XIII, ruled together for two years, but in the city they divided the country among themselves, and Ludwig received Upper Bavaria with Munich, the Rhine Palatinate and the title of elector, and Henry, whose line ceased a few years later, became the ruler of Lower Bavaria with the main city of Landsgut. In addition, both brothers inherited the unfortunate Konradin of Hohenstaufen. One of the two sons of Ludwig II (d. in d.), Ludwig, was elected emperor under the name Louis IV of Bavaria. In r. he concluded a separate treaty with his brother's sons in Pavia, by which the latter were granted the Rhenish Palatinate and the Upper Palatinate; both parties lost the right to alienate their possessions and inherit in the female line, while the title of elector had to belong to both in turn. However, the last decree was canceled by the Golden Bull (g.), which presented the electoral dignity to the House of the Palatinate. Thus, two main lines of the Wittelsbach house arose: the Palatinate and the Bavarian. Upon the termination of the Lower Bavaria line, Emperor Louis, with the consent of the estates, annexed Lower Bavaria to Upper Bavaria. B. also owes him many improvements in internal management; so, he granted city law to Munich, issued a civil code for Upper Bavaria and new judicial laws for Lower Bavaria Louis (d. provinces, Tyrol, etc. But these external possessions were soon lost, and strife and civil strife began between individual lines, ending in the union of most of the ancient Bavarian lands in the hands of Albrecht IV.

Maximilian Joseph

His son and heir Maximilian Joseph, made peace with Austria in Füssen, 22 Apr. g., recognizing the Pragmatic sanction, and in return receiving back all the Bavarian lands conquered by Austria. Sincerely imbued with the desire to see his country happy, he turned all his attention to the improvement of agriculture, handicrafts, mining, justice, police, finance and public education. He established the Academy of Sciences in Munich ( ) and generously patronized the arts. Being childless, he confirmed all existing hereditary contracts with the house of the Electors of the Palatinate. Both under the treaties of the House of Wittelsbach, and according to the definitions of the Peace of Westphalia, the Elector of the Palatinate undoubtedly owned the rights of inheritance to Bavaria, when, with the death of Maximilian Joseph on 30 December. the Wittelsbach line died out. But unexpectedly for everyone, Austria made claims to Lower Bavaria and occupied several districts. Heir and successor of Miximilian Joseph, childless Carl Theodor(see this next), surrendering to the exhortations of Emperor Joseph II, he signed an agreement on January 3 and 14, in which he promised Austria the concession of Lower Bavaria, the possession of Mindelheim and the Bohemian fiefs in the Upper Palatinate. But Duke Karl of Zweibrücken, as the closest agnate and probable heir of Bavaria, declared himself against this concession, prompted to do so by the Prussian king Frederick II. This was the reason for the so-called War of the Bavarian Succession, which, however, ended without bloodshed in the Treaty of Teschen, thanks mainly to the intervention of Russia, which spoke out against Austria. The undisputed possession of Bavaria was secured for the Elector of the Palatinate-Bavarian, with the exception of the Inn Quarter with Brunau (38 sq. miles), which was ceded to Austria. At the same time, according to the decrees of the Peace of Westphalia, the eighth electorship ceased to exist.

New story

Bavaria and its neighbors in 1786

As early as March 6, 1848, Ludwig I issued a proclamation in which he promised that the Bavarian government would act for the sake of the freedom and unity of Germany. Acting in the spirit of this proclamation, Maximilian II recognized the authority of the German Parliament convened in Frankfurt, and on December 19 issued a decree on the operation in Bavaria of all laws adopted by the German Parliament. However, the primacy among the German states increasingly began to pass to Prussia, and not to Austria. Maximilian was supported by parliament when he refused to agree to a proposal to give the imperial crown to the Prussian king Frederick William IV. However, Maximilian went against the will of the people, refusing to support the draft German Constitution, when it turned out that, according to him, Austria was excluded from the German Confederation.

Reign of Maximilian II 1848-1864

After the abdication of the father of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, in 1848 his son Maximilian II took over the throne of Bavaria.

Bavaria during German unification

The Bavarian kingdom initially opposed the strengthening of the role of Prussia in Germany. In the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, Bavaria took the side of Austria. The result of participation in this war for Bavaria was the defeat; under the terms of the peace treaty, Bavaria ceded to Prussia a number of territories, namely the districts of Orb and Gersfeld, lying in the Spesart and the Rhön mountains, with 32,976 inhabitants, and had to pay 30 million florins of military indemnity. In addition, due to the collapse of the German Confederation and the formation of a new North German Confederation, in which the South German states, including Bavaria, could not be included in accordance with special Franco-Prussian agreements, the kingdom found itself in political isolation.

Since that time, the rapprochement between Bavaria and Prussia begins, which resulted in the participation of Bavaria in the Franco-Prussian war on the side of the latter. During this war, the Bavarian troops acted excellently. Their valor is attested by the battles of Weissenburg and Werth, near Sedan, Paris and Orleans. The general upsurge of national consciousness at that time was so strong that the population of Bavaria, in numerous addresses addressed to the government, petitioned for joining the North German Confederation. Nevertheless, in negotiations with the Union on this issue, the Bavarian government tried to negotiate maximum preferences for itself. Finally, on November 23, 1870, an agreement was signed on the accession of Bavaria to the Union. Under this treaty, Bavaria retained its own diplomacy, management of the army, post office, telegraph, railways, taxation system and complete independence in matters of citizenship and the right to settle. Similar treaties were signed by the rest of the South German states. The North German Confederation thus included all the member states of the former German Confederation except Austria, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.

Bavaria in the Third Reich

Political system

The legislative body of the federal state is the Bavarian Landtag (in German. Bayerischer Landtag; unicameral since 1999, in -1999 the parliament had an upper house - the Senate (German) Russian ), which is elected by the population for a term of 5 years. The executive body is the Bavarian Government (Bayerische Staatsregierung), which is formed by the Landtag and consists of:

• Minister-President (German) Bayerischer Minister Präsident ) - Prime Minister, head of the government of Bavaria,
• Bavarian state ministers
• Bavarian state secretaries.

Policy

Elections

The well-developed areas of Bavaria are: the Munich metropolitan area with a developed auto industry ( bmw, Audi, MAN, Knorr-Bremse), information sector ( Siemens, Infineon Technologies, Microsoft), mass media and publishing houses ( ProSiebenSat1, sky deutschland, cable deutschland, publishing house Burda), military industry ( EADS, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann); district of Augsburg ( EADS, KUKA, UPM-Kymmene), Ingolstadt ( Audi, Media Saturn Holding) and the "Bavarian chemical triangle" between Lake Chiemsee and the rivers Inn and Salzach. Tourism is developed (historical sights, museums, beer gardens, Oktoberfest, fairs).

Tourism

Tourism is one of Bavaria's sources of income. Bavaria is considered a land of relaxation. Due to the beauty of its landscapes and well-developed infrastructure, as well as the Alpine foothills and the Bavarian Alps themselves, it has been and is a favorite destination for tourists, at any time of the year.

Bavaria is the largest land area in Germany. Some Bavarian cities were built by the Romans.

The capital is Munich (first mentioned in 1158), about 1.35 million people live in it. residents (February 2009). The center of the city is the Marienplatz square, beloved by tourists, with the new town hall building. On the east side of Marienplatz is the old town hall, whose building today houses the toy museum. A little south of Marienplatz is the 11th-century St. Peter's Church. To the southwest of the church, on St. Jacob's Square is the Munich City Museum. Its exhibits cover the cultural history of Munich, there is also a photo and film museum, a museum of puppets, musical instruments and much more. State National Galleries in Munich: Alte Pinakothek (old masters), Neue Pinakothek (art of the modern period), Pinakothek der Moderne (contemporary art); Bavarian National Museum with a collection of sculpture, decorative art, folk art; state collection of exhibits natural history; German Museum.

Bavaria is home to a large number of different festivals, among which the Oktoberfest and the Landshut Wedding are the most famous.

Population of Bavaria

The Bavarians are the descendants of three ancient Germanic allied tribes - Bavarians, Franks and Swabians (Alemanni) - they differ in the nature of speech, customs, way of thinking and attitude. Later, already in 1945, more than two million refugees and deportees from the former German territories, who brought their own traditions and culture, were added to their number.

Filled with gratitude for their newfound homeland, the "new Bavarians" put a lot of effort into its restoration after the Second World War.

Administrative districts

The Republic of Bavaria is made up of several administrative districts. List of districts:

Cities with more than 50 thousand inhabitants

Additional: The Bavarian State Office provided these statistics and processed data

Religion

* Including Palatinate

Bavarian figures

Administrative unit

The federal state of Bavaria consists of 71 districts (in German. Landkreis) and 25 cities of land subordination (in German. Kreisfreie Stadte) (in brackets index of districts and cities on license plates).

Districts

District centers

What did I know about Bavaria before the trip? The fact that the inhabitants of villages and small towns still wear traditional costumes, that delicious beer is brewed in the region, and that the nature of Bavaria is simply indescribable beauty.

Here, perhaps, and all my knowledge at that time. As usual, the trip to this beautiful German land was spontaneous for me. Plus, I like to explore the natural beauties in the summer. For me, this is the perfect time of year for walking in the mountains, admiring waterfalls and lakes. So, it was decided literally in one evening - we were going to Bavaria. I can no longer be scared by collecting things the night before the trip, so everything was ready very quickly. As for the route, I have long outlined for myself the main places that I want to visit. About all the amazing corners of Bavaria, about what to see and where to walk, I will tell below.

How to get there

Traveling around Bavaria is more expedient to start with the largest city - Munich. If you are planning a trip from Russia, then, of course, choose an airplane.

For those already in Europe, a train or bus service. In principle, the choice of routes is great. I think that everyone can always find suitable option.

In general, the most convenient way to travel around Bavaria, in my opinion, is a car. The fact is that natural and architectural sights here are located in small towns and even in villages, which can sometimes be reached with only a few transfers by bus. This is not very convenient, especially when you have to wait for the next bus for a long time - a waste of precious time in the truest sense. We will talk about all types of transport further.

By plane

So, no matter what city you fly from, the final destination will be.

The Frans-Josef Strauss Airport itself is unique. It houses its own Airbrau brewery. Everyone can drink a freshly brewed drink, and the most curious can go on an excursion. Yes, the traditions of Bavaria have a place to be already at the airport. There are always a lot of people who want to taste a glass or two of cold beer. Because many people think: if you drink beer, then only from the barrel, only fresh. It has all the best taste qualities.

Between the first and second terminals there is a pool with artificial waves, where you can surf for free.

Boards and wetsuits are provided free of charge. You just need to sign up on the airport website, choose a time and enjoy skiing. One session lasts 45 minutes. There are sun loungers and armchairs for spectators. It remains to wish you a good rest!

From Moscow to Munich

Almost all airlines fly non-stop. Just a little more than three hours in the air - and you will find yourself in Bavaria. You can see the current ticket prices options.

S7

Offers passengers many flights from Domodedovo Airport to choose from - morning, afternoon and evening. It all depends on your preferences: if it is more convenient for you to fly to Munich in the afternoon, check into a hotel and immediately go for a walk, choose morning flights. If you prefer to arrive in the evening, arrive at the hotel, have dinner and relax before tomorrow - buy tickets for daytime flights.

The average price for round-trip tickets is about 200 EUR.

Utair

The Tyumen airline flies from Vnukovo airport and makes direct flights. Prices start from 210 EUR in both directions. Departing before lunch from Moscow, you will arrive in Munich at about one in the afternoon. You can immediately go to the hotel and calmly accommodate. Given the travel time to the hotel, you won't have to wait for check-in. I like these options because even after short flights you want to quickly take a shower, change clothes and go explore the city.

Lufthansa

The large German company is based in Domodedovo and offers direct flights to Munich in the afternoon.

Prices are not very different from the two previous carriers - about 230 EUR.

From Saint Petersburg to Munich

Flights to Munich are operated by airlines in cooperation with each other. That is, you fly there one, and return the other. All of them make a stop in Moscow. You won't be able to fly without a transfer.

S7; AirBerlin

Quite inconvenient flights with a change in Domodedovo: there are almost 8 hours, and back in general 14. And in both cases, the wait is at night. Price from 220 EUR. For other flights - the shorter the transfer, the more expensive price(within 250EUR).

Utair

Another company that offers flights with a stopover at Moscow Domodedovo Airport. Moreover, there is a transplant for the whole night (about 13 hours). I have always wondered who flies such flights. The only option is if you have a place to stay in Moscow. Or shell out about 80-100 EUR per night in a hotel near the airport. A dubious prospect, to be honest.

Finnair

What are the prices for holidays

Hotels

If speak about major cities Bavaria, such as, then there is a wide range of prices. On the outskirts, you can rent a room for 45 EUR. If you need to stay in the center, then get ready to pay at least 80 EUR for the cheapest room. Often breakfast is paid separately. In my opinion, it is better to drink coffee with pastries in any cafe nearby than in such hotels. Breakfast in such places is a purely nominal name.

I will say a few words about the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Munich.

It is located in the very center of Munich. Everything here breathes restrained luxury and high cost. It offers a rooftop swimming pool, from where the city is visible at a glance (by the way, it is heated in cold weather), a spa center, a gym, restaurants and bars. Everything would be fine, but the prices for a basic number start from 700 EUR. But that's why he's a legend.

Moving away from the cities, moving towards the Alps, you will feel more and more freedom. Endless valleys, meadows, mountain slopes and very cute villages will stretch around. In such places, hotels are usually small family hotels or mountain chalets (houses with terraces located at the foot of the Alps).

As a rule, they have no more than 15-20 rooms. Therefore, they fill up very quickly. For example - we booked a hotel two days before arrival and booking gave out very few options, and prices fluctuated between 130-170 EUR. I had to search pretty hard to find a good hotel in a beautiful place for reasonable money and with breakfast. It is very important, because often there are no restaurants or cafes around such hotels. We also needed parking for the car. Usually it is paid separately (10-15 EUR per night). As a result, the ideal option was found for 110 EUR including breakfast and parking. In the evening we swam in the pool, warmed up in the sauna, tasted freshly brewed beer in the restaurant and enjoyed the amazing views from the terrace.

This I lead to the fact that you need to book a room at least a month and a half in advance. Then there will be more options and you will not have to overpay.

Food

In Bavaria, it is very pleasant to have lunch or dinner in beer yards. The second course costs 10-20 EUR, depending on the establishment. This will be quite enough to stay full and satisfied (sausages or knuckle, potatoes and vegetables). A glass of beer will cost 3.50-5 EUR. Beer is always accompanied by a selection of light snacks. I must say that the food in Bavaria is quite simple and very nutritious. Therefore, do not order several items at once. In fact, the basis of Bavarian cuisine is the usual village products (potatoes, meat, cabbage, bread). Despite the simplicity, it is very tasty.

Excursions

Group tours have always been alien to me. And in Bavaria they are not needed. Here you need to independently drive and see the sights. But even if you independent traveler, then you still need to buy tickets to enter the castles or to ride on the lakes. Let me tell you right now, it's not cheap.

For example:

• Sailing on Lake Königssee on a boat in one direction, and then returning back costs about 18 EUR. I will discuss this in more detail in the relevant section below.

• A visit to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden will cost 17 EUR.

• An excursion to Hitler's tea house costs about 18-20 EUR.

That is, on average, you need to count on 20 EUR to visit a particular place. Plus, if you are by car, then keep in mind that parking is paid everywhere and rates are calculated depending on how many hours you stay on the spot. And you need to pay in advance and leave the check under the windshield. If you paid for three hours and did not leave after this time, then the inspector can go through the check and issue a fine. Therefore, it is always better to pay with a margin of time - in any case, it is cheaper than paying a fine.

Taxi

Taxis in Bavaria are by no means cheap.

For example, here are the prices:

• landing: 3.30 EUR;

• 1 kilometer: 1.50-1.80 EUR (the highest fare for the first 5 kilometers, then the price decreases slightly);

• calling a taxi by phone: 1.20 EUR (for this you need to speak at least a little German, it is not a fact that the operator will understand you in English).

Main attractions. What to see

When planning a trip to Bavaria, first of all, decide what is more interesting for you - to be in nature or to see the cities. In most cases, a trip to the region starts from Munich. Therefore, you can stop here for a couple of days to see churches and cathedrals, the main square and, of course, visit the oldest brewery. And after that, you can go to see the castles and enjoy the fresh air in the Alps.

Top 5

Among the large number of interesting places I will present you those that you must visit.

Munich

I will not mark certain places in the city, but will highlight it as a separate item.

Old and new town halls, a long pedestrian street, old churches - there is something to see here.

Lake Königssee

The cleanest lake in Germany. On the Internet, you can often find photographs of this charming place.

For those who like to take picturesque pictures of nature, there is a continuous expanse.

Neuschwanstein Castle

The fairy tale castle depicted on the Disney logo is known to everyone.

Many do not know its name and location, but one has only to look at the photographs, as everyone recognizes it.

Hohenschwangau Castle

The second castle, located next to Neuschwanstein, attracts nothing but fewer tourists.

Monumental walls, beautiful grounds and majestic mountains around are very conducive to leisurely outdoor recreation.

Hitler's House "Eagle's Nest"

It is worth a visit if only for the stunning panoramas from Salzburg up to Lake Königssee, which open from a height.

Beaches. Which is better

Despite the fact that there are at least ten lakes in Bavaria, not all of them are intended for swimming. The fact is that mountain reservoirs are characterized by cool water. Even in the most sunny days swimming in them is cold. Although the water is generally very clean everywhere.

Lovers of swimming and sunbathing choose Lake Chiemsee for relaxation.

The beaches are free. They spread all over the coast. The entrance to the water is quite gentle, quite suitable even for children. During the season, the beaches are always filled with both tourists and locals.

There are many resort towns on the shores of the lake, which have absolutely everything for a comfortable pastime. Even outdoor swimming pools (one is located in the town of Frasdorf).

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Walking around the cities of Bavaria, pay attention to the monumental old cathedrals and temples. I will tell you about the most interesting ones.

Frauenkirche Cathedral (Munich)

It is hard not to see it and impossible to pass by. Located in the very center of the city. In 1525, the cathedral first opened its doors to parishioners. For that time, it was so large that it could accommodate 20 thousand people, and the population of Munich was only 13 thousand.

By the way, next to the entrance to the cathedral on the ground you can see the imprint of the sole. I do not believe in all sorts of legends and rumors, but they say that this is the footprint of the devil. Facing the facade, one gets the feeling that the building has no windows. It was this that amused the devil so much that for joy he stamped his foot, leaving a dent in the ground.

Peterkirche (Munich)

In addition to admiring the building from the outside, you can climb to a height of 90 meters in the tower to the observation deck.

If it will not be a problem for you to pass 297 steps, then go ahead! The reward will be a good view of the city from above.

Church of Our Lady (Nuremberg)

It is located on the main square of Nuremberg.

Every year before Christmas, the most beautiful girl in the city is chosen, who from the balcony of the cathedral holds the opening ceremony of the traditional Christmas market.

Church of St. Lawrence (Nuremberg)

Built in traditional gothic style. The most interesting thing in it is a stone rosette with a diameter of about 10 meters.

Take a closer look - symbolic images of darkness and light are depicted above it.

Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Würzburg)

The history of this outwardly elegant chapel is tragic. It goes back to the 14th century, when the plague reached Würzburg. The Jews were blamed for this misfortune, and after their destruction, the synagogue was also destroyed. A chapel was erected in its place.

I must say that during the bombing the building was badly damaged. It almost repeated the fate of the synagogue. However, it was restored and now the chapel pleases the eyes of the townspeople and tourists.

Basilica of Saints Ulrich and Afra (Augsburg)

The first church on this site was erected in the 5th century and was soon destroyed.

The same fate befell all the temples that were built on its foundation. Today, here you can see an architecturally interesting basilica.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

BMW Museum (Munich)

Both fans of the BMW brand and car lovers in general will like it here.

Visitors can see with their own eyes all stages of the production of machines and equipment of the concern.

Ticket price - 10 EUR.

Toy Museum (Munich)

Located on four floors of the tower of the Old Town Hall, the museum-exhibition is very popular among travelers.

Vintage wooden, metal, paper toys, dolls, teddy bears and much more were collected by Ivan Steiger in his collection.

Ticket price - 4 EUR.

Oktoberfest Museum (Munich)

Yes, this holiday has its own museum. Among the exhibits are mugs, traditional costumes, decorations taken from the festival. By the way, the ticket price includes a glass of beer and a cheese snack, so I advise you to stop by.

Ticket price - 4 EUR.

Glyptothek (Munich)

The building with columns was built specifically for this museum. The collection consists of ancient Roman and Greek statues and busts.

Ticket price - 6 EUR.

Dürer House (Nuremberg)

The museum is located in the house where the great artist lived. Everything in the rooms has been preserved as it was during Dürer's lifetime.

Taking an audio guide, you will learn the life story of the master, many interesting facts about his family and work.

Ticket price - 5 EUR.

Brewery Museum (Kulmbach)

In fact, this brewery is a museum only conditionally. You can not only watch the process of creating a drink, but also try yourself as a brewer. And then - taste your own creation.

parks

English Garden (Munich)

I must say that its dimensions are colossal. For comparison, it is much larger than Hyde Park () and Central Park(). Initially, its territory was planned as a forest park zone, that is, without paths, benches and restaurants.

But over time, everything has changed. Today the English Garden - favorite place recreation for both citizens and tourists. Here you can walk, dine in the beer garden and even go surfing. Yes, yes, you heard right. There is a stream in the garden and in one area there are ideal conditions for boarding.

Olympic Park (Munich)

built to Olympic Games 1972, it is still very popular among the people of Munich. On its territory there is a water stadium, an ice skating rink, a velodrome and, of course, the Olympic Stadium, in which the Bayern football club was based until recently.

Be sure to climb to the observation deck of the tower (290 meters), admire the city from a height (lift 7 EUR), and then have dinner in a panoramic restaurant or drink a cocktail in a bar. The views here are gorgeous.

Rose Garden (Bamberg)

This is a magnificent baroque garden. More than 4,000 rose bushes have been planted here. During the flowering of plants, the sight is absolutely amazing.

Gazebos, benches, graceful fountains are provided for visitors. Very nice place for leisurely walks. If you are in Bamberg, be sure to check out this place.

Altmühl Nature Park

This is a huge green area where bike paths are laid, churches and monasteries are built. On the embankment of the Altmühl River, vacationers like to sit in restaurants, enjoying traditional Bavarian dishes. Concerts and festivals are regularly held at special venues. In general, it is never boring here.

neighboring regions

Bavaria borders on four states - Thuringia and Saxony. You can get to the main cities (capitals) of the lands by trains. The railway communication is very well developed.

Baden Württemberg

The region is rich in resort towns with healing waters and ancient castles.

Baden Baden

lovely city, having arrived in which, you absolutely do not want to leave it.

Here you can walk along the shady alleys along the stream, improve your health in the famous Baths of Caracalla, and the most daring do not miss the opportunity to try their luck in the legendary casino.

Heidelberg

A city that was virtually unaffected by bombing during World War II. A majestic castle rises on the mountain, a symbol of romance and independence. It was dilapidated in the 17th century as a result of French raids and today you can see the surviving ruins here. To be honest, it remains a mystery to me why the castle complex is not being restored. Despite this, at any time of the year there are always a lot of visitors.

Stuttgart

The city is the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz cars.

If you are staying in Stuttgart, visit the car museum of this brand, take a walk in the city center and dine in one of the restaurants.

Hesse

You should definitely make time for the Hesse Park. This is an area where the houses and windmills typical of the countryside of the region are recreated. A very colorful place.

Lorelei Rock

This rock is covered with myths and legends. I really love places like this.

According to legend, the famous gold of the Nibelungs is hidden in the gorge, guarded by fabulous elves. And you may not believe it, but the atmosphere on the cliff is absolutely amazing. The views that open up all around are worth dropping into this mysterious place.

Thuringia

Visit the medieval Wartburg castle near Eisenach. Then you can spend the whole day national park Heinich.

Also admire the monument to Schillir and Goethe in the town and go to further way.

Saxony

Of course, inspect first. The nature here is incredibly picturesque.

Sandstone mountains, cliffs, the famous bridge and rare bird species - all this attracts tourists from all over the world. The main thing is to choose sports shoes and comfortable clothes.

nearby islands

In order to visit the islands, you need to go to Lake Chiemsee. It is also called the Bavarian Sea. There are two islands here - Herreninsel and Fraueninsel.

They are named so because one was located monastery, and on the other - female.

Herreninsel

Let me tell you a few words about each of them. The eccentric king Ludwig II once bought the male island and conceived a grandiose project - to recreate an exact copy of the French Versailles. The central fountain, the facade of the palace, the main staircase are its exact copies.

I must say that all three castles of the king are masterpieces, including the famous Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.

As for the palace complex on the island of Herreninsel, everything seen on visitors makes an indelible impression. If you abstract for a second and forget about where you are, then you can easily imagine that you are standing on the territory of Versailles itself. It's just incredible.

Fraueninsel

It is very close. Tourists are taken on boats from one coast to another. It is still located here convent. The nuns are engaged in agriculture, grow vegetables and herbs, and a small restaurant nearby serves dishes from these products to visitors to the island. Entrance to the territory of the monastery is prohibited. Tourists walk around its walls, enter the church, enjoy the nature around and just relax.

Food. What to try

All those who are on a diet or prefer diet food - be on the alert. Bavarian cuisine is quite fatty and nutritious. The basis is bakery products, meat, sausages and homemade pickles.

Paphos expensive restaurants are not very common here, although they exist. Mostly visitors prefer the beer gardens. These are such traditional establishments with open terraces, and sometimes with tables right on the grass. Guests are served by waiters in Bavarian costumes.

Here you will not find the notorious Caesar or Caprese salads. But dumplings (steamed potato balls), white sausages with mustard, pork steak with spicy sauce and sauerkraut, crispy pretzels and freshly brewed beer - in in large numbers.

If you are not hungry, then choose a cold cut, such as cheese or meat. Pair with a glass of wine, local beer, or a refreshing schorle (apple juice or wine with sparkling water).

The only thing I can say for sure is that everything I tried was very tasty. Yes, although this is not the easiest and diet food, but sometimes you can afford it.

Features of the mentality

Bavarians love and know how to enjoy life. They do not tend to complain or complain about what is happening. They take everything for granted, which in the end will only lead to the best. Cheerfulness among the Bavarians does not hold.

Locals spend evenings with friends, colleagues or family in restaurants, discussing pressing issues. They do not like to rush and rush. This lifestyle is addictive. Having lived in Bavaria for some time, a person joins this rhythm and gradually plunges into a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Holidays

Theater Festival (Munich)

Held every two years in November or December

At this time, theater groups perform on the stages of the city, looking for new talents and experimenting with genres.

Oktoberfest (Munich)

The famous beer festival takes place in the very center of the city every year in late September - early October.

It lasts 16 days and is visited by about 6 million people.

Kinderzehe (Dinkelsbühl)

Every summer, the events of the Thirty Years' War are recreated in the city of Dinkelsbühl, when Swedish troops besieged the city. Then the children who came out to the enemy asked not to destroy Dinkelsbühl. So the city survived. During the holiday, a costume procession is arranged, where the main place is occupied by smart children.

Knight Tournaments (Kaltenberg)

By tradition, in the first days of July, Kaltenberg turns into a real medieval city.

Tournaments are held here, jester's fun at fairs typical of that time. In general, visitors have fun from the heart.

Safety. What to watch out for

Bavaria didn't make me feel like a dangerous region. As elsewhere, you need to be careful here and then there will be no problems. When walking around the cities, do not go to crowded places with open bags and backpacks.

I would not advise you to give your phones and cameras to passers-by with a request to take a picture of you. Although in Munich I was asked about it a couple of times, then at Neuschwanstein Castle. Maybe I just inspire confidence in passers-by, of course. I don't know, but I wouldn't dare give up my technique.

Late at night it is better to return to the hotel by taxi. But I think this is understandable.

And the rest - relax and enjoy your vacation, not thinking about the bad.

Things to do

Biking

There are many cycling routes in the Bavarian Alps. In summer, many tourists ride along these paths. But you need to rent a special mountain bike, which is designed for steep climbs and travel along uneven paths.

nordic walking

If the bike is not for you, then go conquer the mountains on foot.

Many tourists love trekking in the mountains, while others go in for Nordic walking.

Shopping and shops

I will talk about the most interesting places.

Maximilian street

Lovers of luxury brands should go here. Fashion boutiques lined up one after another. Also located here are antique shops, art galleries and world-famous jewelry workshops.

Shopping centers

If you are interested in brands of clothing and footwear of the middle price category, then you should walk along shopping malls. The largest are Fünf Hofe, Karlstadt and Olympia. You need to allocate enough time for shopping, because you won’t be able to quickly run through the shops. But you won't be able to leave without shopping.

bars

The format of bars in Bavaria is mainly beer yards. From April to October, tables are taken outside, and in cold weather, visitors are indoors.

The menu features several types of beer, wine, soft drinks, as well as snacks and even full-fledged main courses. The atmosphere in such establishments is always cheerful and friendly.

Clubs and nightlife

Every major city has nightclubs. Of course, the most fashionable discos are located in Munich. And you can choose where to go - to a pretentious expensive club, to a rock party or to a disco where young people and students hang out.

If you are going to a club, you will most likely be met by face control at the entrance. Therefore, avoid sporty clothing. In many establishments, the audience looks like on the red carpet in Cannes. Just keep that in mind.

Often the entrance is paid and ranges from 10 to 20 EUR, depending on the establishment.

extreme sports

Extreme lovers will find a lot interesting entertainment in the mountains.

Rock climbing

This sport is common in the Eifel mountain range, and more precisely in the city of Ettringen (west of Munich). There are climbing centers where you can get training, rent equipment and start climbing the rocks with a guide.

Flying in the sky

Paragliding or skydiving is possible near the town of Obersdorf.

Important industrial facilities are located in the major cities of Bavaria. World famous Bayerisch Motoren Werke - BMW. One of the largest airports in Europe, Franz Josef Strauss Airport, has an interesting attraction - the Skywalk panoramic platform with telescopes.

The largest cities: Nuremberg, Regensburg, Augsburg, Würzburg, Ingolstadt and of course the capital Munich, the main legislative body of Bavaria is the Bavarian Landtag and the Bavarian government, formed by the Landtag.

Attractions of the main cities

Munich is called the beer capital of Europe. World famous brands of beer are produced here. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the biggest holiday, Oktoberfest, and then, during the celebration, this beer flows like water. Munich - starting point for explorers central Europe.

Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria with a population of about half a million inhabitants. It is the capital of Middle Franconia, an administrative territory that is part of the federal state. It also has an international airport. A huge exhibition complex, where the world-famous toy exhibition is held annually. One of the largest clinics in Europe is located in Munich. Treatment in Bavaria is recognized as one of the best in the world.

Bavaria - the pearl of Europe

There are also many lakes in Bavaria, there are more than one and a half thousand of them. The largest of which are: Lake Starnberg, Tegernsee, Chiemsee, Ammersee and the deepest (192 m) - Walchensee.

Bavaria is a rainbow pearl not only in Germany, but also in Europe.

Administrative districts in Bavaria:

• Upper Bavaria
• Lower Bavaria
• Upper Palatinate
• Upper Franconia
• Middle Franconia
• Lower Franconia
• Swabia

Free cities:

• Amberg
• Ansbach
• Augsburg
• Aschaffenburg
• Bayreuth
• Bamberg
• Weiden
• Würzburg
• Ingolstadt
• Kaufbeuren
• Kempten
• Coburg
• Landshut
• memmingen
• Munich
• Nuremberg
• Passau
• Regensburg
• Rosenheim
• Schwabach
• Schweinfurt
• Straubing
• Erlangen

Heraldry

Flag of Bavaria(German: Staatsflagge Bayerns) is one of the symbols of the federal state of the Free State of Bavaria.
Officially, Bavaria has two flags, both adopted on November 16, 1953, both have a 3:5 ratio, both use the traditional colors of the earth - white and blue. There are no rules in which case this or that flag is used.
In the first variant (“striped flag”), a panel with side sizes of 3 to 5 is used, the upper half is white, the lower half is blue.
The second option (“diamond flag”) uses an alternation of white and blue rhombuses (“diamonds”). In this case, the number of rhombuses should not be less than 21, and the cut of the rhombus in the upper right corner should be white.
The representation of the coat of arms of Bavaria on the flag is not legal, but is sometimes used.

Coat of arms of Bavaria(German: Bayerisches Staatswappen) is one of the symbols of the federal state of the Free State of Bavaria.
The coat of arms is a crowned shield with a field covered with white and blue diamonds. The symbolism of the coat of arms, which first belonged to the counts von Bogen, who lived near Regensburg until 1242. When the clan ceased to exist, their possessions and coat of arms were taken over by the Wittelsbach family, which was related to them, and a little later, the coat of arms became a symbol of all of Bavaria. This coat of arms is also the core of a large state emblem. The other four parts of the large coat of arms depict the coats of arms of other large Bavarian territories: the Palatinate (golden lion), Franconia (Franconian rake), Lower Bavaria (blue panther) and Swabia (three black lions).
The coat of arms was approved on June 5, 1950.

Bavaria Bayern

Capital: Munich

Population: 12.044.000 people

Population density: 171 people per 1 sq. km.

Land area: 70.550.87 sq. km.

Important cities: Munich, Augsburg, Würzburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Ingolstadt, Erlangen

Important rivers and canals: Main, Donau, Lech, Isar, Inn.

Bavaria is the largest federal state in Germany in terms of area. After North Rhine-Westphalia, the majority (14.6%) of the German population lives here. The Bavarian population comes initially from three folk groups: Franks, Swabians and Bavarians. 70% of Bavarians are Catholics.

Bavaria occupies the entire southeastern part of Germany. It is bordered to the west by Baden-Württemberg, to the northwest by Hesse, to the north by Thuringia and a small part of Saxony, to the east by Czech Republic and southern Austria.

In the east, Bavaria includes part of the Frankenwald forest, the Fichtelgebirge mountains, parts of the Oberpfalzer and Buemerwald forests. In the south, Bavaria includes the Alps, in the west the Swabian state of Stufenland (Stufenland) and in the north the Spessart and Rhön.

In Bavaria there are three parts of the great German landscapes: the German part of the northern Kalkalpen (Kalkalpen) and the foothills of the Alps with its attractive lakes, "Schottish ebene" with the land of charming hills stretching to the river. Donau and German midlands with diverse landscapes.

Agriculture is practiced mainly in the north of the Alpine foothills.

Good (Franconian) wine is also made in the "beer land" of Bavaria. Oktoberfest, Neuschwanstein Castle and the opulent decoration of the Alps attract more foreign tourists here than in any other land. However, the slogan "Laptop and leather pants" testifies: Bavaria is something more than just living traditions. Its economy (which surpasses that of Sweden in its power) is famous for such world brands as BMW, Audi, Siemens, MAN and EADS (Airbus). The Bavarian capital, Munich, is home to more publishing houses than any other German city. But Germany's largest federal state also shines beyond the metropolitan area. The Wagner Music Festival in Bayreuth sells out every year.

The most important industrial sites of Bavaria are located, as in other regions of Germany, in large cities such as Munich (Muenchen), Erlangen (Erlangen), Nuremberg (Nuernberg), Augsburg (Augsburg) and Ashafensburg (Aschafensburg). Industry in these regions: mechanical engineering, electrical and paper industry. Near the rivers Inn, Als and Salzach lies the so-called chemical triangle. The oil processing center is located in Ingolstadt.

Attractions

Bavaria is the largest and most visited tourist area in Germany. Due to its cultural diversity, rich historical past and unique geographic location, Bavaria is rightfully considered one of the best tourist areas not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. This area is famous for its diversity of nature - it is here that the famous Bavarian Alps stretch, there are many picturesque lakes (Chiemsee, Starnbergersee, Ammersee and the western part lake constance), vast alpine pastures, forests and many rivers. It is here that the unique national park "Bavarian Forest" is located.

Munich, Germany's third largest city, located near the Alps on the banks of the Isar River. The center of the city is the Marienplatz square with the buildings of the new (XIX century) and old (1470, today there is the Toy Museum) Town Hall. In the vicinity of Marienplatz there are such famous monuments of the city as the Peterskirche Church (XI century), the most picturesque natural ensemble of the English Garden, the pedestrian zone and the main shopping street of the city - Neuhauser Strasse, Tal Street, Justice Square and the old botanical garden. The main cathedral of the city and its symbol is the Frauenkirche (Libfrauenkirche). To the south of the complex of the royal Residence (XVI-XIX centuries) is located the Bavarian National Theater(Bavarian National Opera, 1811-1818) and the first South German baroque church - Theatinerkirche. Another attraction is the most famous and oldest Munich pub - Hofbräuhaus (XII century), located in the heart of the city, in the town of Platzl. It was here that in 1923 the "Beer Putsch" took place, which became the beginning of Hitler's political career.

Every autumn (late September - early October), the Theresienwiese meadow hosts the largest annual festival in the world - the Oktoberfest Beer Festival, which has been held for almost two hundred years, for which they even brew a special kind of beer - Wiesn.

The city is famous for its art galleries on a global scale - here are the Old and New Pinakothek- one of the best art galleries in Europe, the Bavarian National Museum, the Munich City Museum, the state mineralogical and numismatic collections, the German Theater Museum and the Lenbach State Gallery. Be sure to visit the unique BMW Museum.
Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria, is located in a region rich in forests near the river. Pegnitz. The most beautiful view of the old town opens from the Fürster Gate - the ring of Stadtmauer walls (XIV-XV centuries) with many gates and towers, the "old town" of the Lorenz side and the castle. The entrance to the old city is marked by the "King's Gate" ("Königstor") with a huge observation tower, from which the oldest street of the city departs - Königstrasse, on which the Church of St. Martha lies, the German National Museum (the most big museum arts, culture and history of all German countries, founded in 1852) and the Church of St. Lorenz - the most big church Nuremberg (XIII-XV centuries). Not far from the Museumbröschke bridge is the Hauptmarkt square, with a 17-meter sculpture by Schöne Brunnen, the Freuenkirche church (1352-1361) and the famous Maenleinlaufen clock (1509), the Town Hall (1616-1622) and the church of St. Sebaldus (1225-1273). Be sure to visit the Nuremberg Toy Museum with toys from all eras and different cultures, the Nuremberg Castle and the house-museum of Albrecht Dürer, where he lived from 1509 to last day of his life (1528).

Be sure to visit the famous Bavarian palace and park ensembles located in the most picturesque corners of the region. The most famous of them are the former summer residence of the Bavarian kings - Nymphenburg Castle, the "fabulous" Neuschwanstein castle near the Austrian border, stylized as medieval fortress Hohenschwangau Castle, Linderhof Castle Palace (1869-1879) with an amazing park, the Moorish Pavilion and the Temple of Venus, as well as Herrenchiemsee.

Short story

Background of the state

Bavaria belongs to the oldest states in Europe.

The beginning was laid in the five hundred years of our era, when Roman rule was destroyed under the onslaught of the Germans. According to one widespread theory, the Bavaria tribe was formed from the Romans who remained here, the ancient Celts (Gauls) and the Germans who came.

Tribal duchy

In the region of the northern foothills of the Alps, in the second half of the 6th century, a powerful tribal duchy was formed, the rulers of which were the dukes from the Agilolfing family, and later, in the 10th century, the Welfs.

In 1158, Duke Heinrich the Lion founded a new settlement on the banks of the Isar - today's Munich. Until the middle of the 13th century, the functions of the main city were performed by Regensburg.

Wittelsbach

After the fall of Henry the Lion in 1180, Kaiser (Emperor of the "Holy Roman Empire") Frederick I Barbarossa gave the Bavarian count palatine Otto von Wittelsbach the Duchy of Bavaria without the territory of the Eastern Mark.

In 1214, the Wittelsbach and the Palatinate received, which since then has remained associated with the fate of Bavaria for seven hundred years.

The subsequent centuries of Bavarian history were marked by the aspirations of the Dukes of Wittelsbach to strengthen their dominion. The development culminated under the reign of the German king and Kaiser Louis IV of Bavaria (1302-1347), who annexed the Brandenburg, Tyrol, Holland and Hainaut marques to his territories. Until the twentieth century, Bavaria remained agrarian-oriented, despite the large number of cities, including those with the right to market trade. In addition to the bishoprics of Salzburg, Passau and Regensburg, monasteries such as Tegernsee, Niederalteich and St. Emmeram were also centers of spirituality and culture located outside the cities. In the XIV and XV centuries. the duchy of Wittelsbach, weakened by civil strife due to hereditary claims, breaks up into appanages. And only after the introduction by Albrecht IV the Wise (1467-1508) of the right to transfer inheritance by primogeniture, long-term prerequisites were laid for strengthening the Avar duchy, which was again united under his rule.

In Franconia and Swabia, on the contrary, after the suppression of the ducal and royal families of the Saliers and Staufen in the XII and XIII centuries. many secular and ecclesiastical possessions were annexed. Residences such as Bamberg, Würzburg, Ansbach, Bayreuth, as well as the imperial cities of Nuremberg, Augsburg, Schweinfurt, Rothenburg and Nördlingen became spiritual, cultural and economic centers of European significance.

Although the Reformation was widespread in a large part of the Swabian and Franconian territories and in the imperial cities, the Old Bavarian ones remained faithful to the Roman Catholic Church. Under the rule of Albrecht V (1550-1579) and William the Pious (1579-1597), a stronghold of the Counter-Reformation formed in Bavaria. The famous opponent of Luther, Johannes Eck, was active in the University of Bavaria, founded in Ingolstadt in 1472 by Duke Ludwig the Rich. The capital city of Munich experienced its first flowering under Albrecht V, becoming the center of science and culture.

The hard times of the Thirty Years' War brought ruin to Franconia, Swabia and Bavaria and - electorship (1623). The first Bavarian Elector Maximilian I (1597-1651) expanded the territory of Bavaria by annexing the Upper Palatinate. One of his successors "The Blue Elector" Max Emanuel (1662-1726) patronized the spread of the Baroque style in art and culture. He valiantly proved himself in the wars with the Turks and built great-power plans, which, however, were not destined to be realized during the time of Emperor Karl Albrecht (1742-1745).

Until Max III Joseph (1745-1777), the last Elector of the Bavarian Wittelsbach line, the period of cultural heyday of Bavaria lasted.

New constitutions stimulate development

Elector Max IV Joseph, whose ancestry was descended from the Palatinate and Zweibrücken Wittelsbachs, came to power in an environment that required the solution of complex state problems: there was nothing to expect from the empire itself, Prussia preferred a position of non-intervention, and Austria did not leave claims to the Bavarian territories. The elector was forced to place his country under Napoleon's protectorate.

According to a decision taken in 1803 by the states of the "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation", Bavaria received compensation for the annexed territories in the Rhine region. The bishoprics of Würzburg, Bamberg, Freising, Augsburg, partially Eichstätt and Passau, 12 monasteries and 15 imperial cities went to her.

On January 1, 1806, Max IV Joseph, crowned as Max I, joined the Confederation of the Rhine. His minister Montgelas developed the foundations of a rigid state system. The Constitution of 1808 for the first time defined the equality of all before the law, the protection of the person and property, freedom of conscience and the independence of judges. The constitutional provisions of 1818 formed the basis of the democratic-parliamentary system in Bavaria. The newly created Bavarian Parliament (Landtag) consisted henceforth of two chambers: the Chamber of Members of the State Council and the Chamber of Deputies. Endowed with the right to make decisions on taxation, he soon began to play a decisive role in politics and legislation.

Between reform and revolution

During liberation wars Bavaria went over to the side of the opponents of Napoleon. Although she had to give up the previously occupied Austrian territories, but by the decisions of the Vienna Congress (1815-1816), Würzburg, Aschaffenburg and the Palatinate on the left side of the Rhine were finally assigned to her as compensation. Bavaria joined the German Customs Union in 1883.

During the reign of Ludwig I (1825-1848), the Bavarian capital of Munich became the cultural center of Germany, where poets, artists, architects and naturalists were attracted from all over the country. In addition, the king actively promoted the development of trade and industry. During his reign, the construction of a network of railways falls, the first section of which was laid in 1835 between the cities of Nuremberg and Fürth. The “March Demands” implemented by the 1848 revolution (including ministerial accountability, freedom of the press, electoral reform) led to significant restrictions on royal power, which prompted Ludwig I to abdicate in favor of his son Max. Maximilian II (1848 - 1864) continued the work of his father-philanthropist, and also led the implementation of socio-political reforms and was a great patron of science.

Wars, art and kings

Under the leadership of King Ludwig II (1864-1886), Bavaria took part in the wars against Prussia and France. During the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, she took the side of Austria, and in 1870-1871. on the side of Prussia against France. After the end of the German-French War, Bavaria became part of the newly created German Empire. Ludwig II, still known to the whole world as the "Fairy King", increasingly moved away from politics, devoting himself to the construction of his castles and the intoxicating world of Richard Wagner's music. In 1886, he found death in the waters of Lake Starnberg.

His uncle Prince Regent Luitpold (1886-1912) and his son King Ludwig III (1912-1918) were the last representatives of the Wittelsbach dynasty, which ruled for 738 years in Bavaria.

New times for Bavaria

Temporary National Council, acting after the First World War, elected Kurt Eisner, a member of the Independent Social Democratic Party, as prime minister, who declared Bavaria a republic on November 8, 1918. His assassination caused a wave of violence. On April 6, 1919, the "Bavarian Soviet Republic", led by the Communists, was proclaimed. She was defeated by troops, consisting mainly of volunteers. Elected on January 12, 1919, the Landtag, which took refuge during the unrest in Bamberg, adopted the Constitution there on August 12, 1919.

From the very beginning, right-wing extremist forces fought against the new republican order. Despite the fact that Hitler's attempt to carry out a political coup by organizing the "March to the Feldgernhalle" on November 9, 1923, was suppressed by the Bavarian police, and he himself was arrested, the rather mild sentence passed on him did not weaken fascism. After the seizure of power in 1933, Bavaria, like other lands, was "unified" and deprived of its own statehood.

The terror of National Socialism began to rule in Bavaria as well. As early as 1933, the first concentration camp was set up in Dachau. Political opponents were ruthlessly pursued. For centuries, the Jewish population living in Bavarian cities and villages was expelled, forcibly taken out and destroyed. Gypsies and other national minorities also fell victim to tyranny.

However, even in this dark time of German history, a resistance movement was organized in Bavaria. One striking example is the White Rose group, which included students Hans and Sophia Scholl, Christoph Probst, Alexander Schmorell and Professor Kurt Huber. During World War II, the Bavarian cities of Munich, Nuremberg, Würzburg and others were heavily bombed. After the war, Bavaria was part of the American occupation zone. The rapid recovery of the cities was accompanied by the revival of the democratic system. On December 1, 1946, the Constitution of the Free State of Bavaria was adopted by an overwhelming majority of the Bavarian population.

However, the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, due to insufficiently expressed federalism, was initially rejected by the Bavarian Landtag. At the same time, a decision was made to join if the majority of the West German states adopted the Basic Law. Since 1949, the Free State of Bavaria has been part of the Federal Republic of Germany.

And Hesse, in the west - with Baden-Württemberg, in the south and southwest - with Austria, in the west - with the Czech Republic. The capital of Bavaria is the city of Munich. The population of the earth is 12 million 209 thousand people (2003). Territory - 70552 sq. km.

Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle. Built by King Ludwig of Bavaria. Initially it was conceived as a living scenery for R. Wagner's opera Lohengrin.

Munich. Panorama of Marienplatz. On the right: the building of the new town hall, on the left: the Cathedral of Our Lady.

Two and a half thousand years ago, Bavaria was inhabited by Celtic tribes. At the beginning of our era, the Romans built roads throughout the country and founded many Bavarian cities. The tribe of Bavarians, the first mention of which dates back to 550 AD. absorbed elements of the Celtic, Germanic and Roman cultures. In the 10th century, the area of ​​Bavaria expanded to the Adriatic, from the 11th century it was ruled by the Welf dynasty, later it fell under the rule of the Wittelsbachs. In the 14th century, Bavaria owned territories on the coast North Sea, Louis IV of Bavaria conquered the Margraviate of Brandenburg, Tyrol, Holland and Hainaut.

Of the Wittelsbachs, the most famous is Duke Albert V (1550-1579), who turned Munich into a scientific and Cultural Center, Maximilian I (1597-1651), the first elector of Bavaria, as well as one of his heirs - Max-Emmanuel, patron of the arts. With Charles VII Albert Wittelsbach, a period of rapid cultural flowering began, marked by the development of baroque and rococo styles. In 1806 Bavaria became a kingdom. Under Louis II (1845-1886) Bavaria participated in the wars against Prussia and France. It became part of the empire united thanks to Bismarck in 1871. Louis II became the most famous king of Bavaria, during which many castles were built. The royal form of government lasted until 1919, when Bavaria became a republic. From 1949 to the present day, Bavaria has been a federal state of Germany. However, even in this capacity, Bavaria has had its own constitution since 1949.

Lake Ammersee in Bavaria.

Modern Bavaria is a region with advanced industry. Mechanical engineering, textile industry, high-tech production, printing, forestry and chemical industries are developed here. The largest industrial center of Bavaria is Munich. Other important industrial cities in Bavaria are Nuremberg and Würzburg.

Nuremberg. Colonnade beautiful fountain(Shen-brunen).

Agriculture also retains great importance, because until 1950 Bavaria was an agricultural land, and Munich was considered a rural capital. Among other crops, hops are grown here for the famous Bavarian beer, which is brewed according to the Beer Purity Law, adopted back in 1516. Franconian wine is also highly valued by connoisseurs (Franconia used to be called the Main River basin, northern part Bavaria, since the Francons lived here in the Middle Ages).

Bavaria - center European tourism. Munich is famous not only for the Oktoberfest beer festival, but also for its numerous museums that rightfully compete with the museums of Berlin. Numerous cultural and architectural monuments are preserved in Augsburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Würzburg, Füssen, Passau, Bayreuth. One of the largest fortresses has been preserved in Coburg, in 1530 Martin Luther lived there for six months. Unique Bavarian city declared national treasure Germany, - Bamberg. Bayrischzell remains a real reserve of Bavarian folk traditions and crafts.

Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden.

Bavaria is an ideal place for ecological and sports tourism. From the Alps to the Danube stretches the Swabian Alb with large lakes with turquoise water (Lakes Starnbergersee near Starnberg, Chiemsee and Lake Ammersee). Donaurid stretches along the Danube, then Gauboden, Germany's great granary. This landscape is interrupted by the Bavarian Forest in the east: from Passau to Regensburg and the border with the Czech Republic there is a solid sea of ​​forests. To the north are the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park, the Franconian Forest and the Upper Palatinate Forest. The mountains of Bavaria are a heavenly place for hiking and trekking, there are many parks, as well as luxurious palaces.

Bavarian Alps near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Bavaria has many world famous resorts. The best ski resort in the country is located near the top of the Zugspitze. The balneological treatment center, created on the basis of thermal springs, is the Bad Toelz spa, which specializes in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The healing springs of the Bad Reichenhall spa are used to treat respiratory diseases.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a real Eldorado for winter holidays. Panorama of the resort.

Bavaria. Town Hall Square resort town in Bad Reichenhall.