Insider tips for Bavaria: These places are not overcrowded

Plenty of sights and stunning landscapes: More and more people are spending their holidays in Germany. Along with the Baltic and North Seas, Bavaria is particularly popular. The Allgäu, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Berchtesgadener Land regions are particularly popular, according to the local Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga).

The smaller regions in the state offer at least as much. The local tourism association highlights the possibilities. Reisereporter shares the best insider tips for a vacation in Bavaria.

Dizzying heights, expansive nature, and fabulous views: Spectacular leisure and vacation photos from mountains are all the rage. It's no wonder, then, that the Herzogstand, as the most visited mountain in Bavaria, is a destination for many tourists. But those seeking a more tranquil excursion have alternatives. One option is a trip to the Inn Valley in Upper Bavaria, where vacationers can enjoy the four-peaked Heuberg of the Chiemgau Alps.

A vast landscape, high mountains and a bright blue sky: the view offered by the Heuberg near Nussdorf am Inn speaks for itself.

Source: imago/imagebroker

The trails leading up to the Heuberg near Nussdorf am Inn are marked with varying levels of difficulty. Travelers can choose between a relaxed two-hour tour that leads across the alpine pastures to the 1,338-meter-high grass summit, and a strenuous five-hour tour that connects all the mountain's peaks.

The Franconian city of Ansbach, part of the Nuremberg metropolitan region, appears relatively inconspicuous. Yet, with around 40,000 inhabitants, it is considered the fourth-largest city in Middle Franconia.

There, travelers encounter the Margrave's Residence and Orangery, immersing themselves in the Margrave's glorious past—the estate dates back to 1400. The interior is correspondingly opulent: alongside a French Baroque style and the splendor of Rococo, important paintings and an astonishing ceramics collection await discovery.

The castle complex in Ansbach, Franconia, is regularly the backdrop for many events.

Source: imago/imageBROKER/BildverlagxBahnmüller

Another unique feature: The operators have been planting the same plants in the garden since the 17th century. This gives nature lovers and amateur gardeners the opportunity to admire Mediterranean potted plants such as lemon, bitter orange, olive, and pistachio trees.

Emerald-green waters, mysterious forests, and legendary cliffs: The Hintersee near Ramsau is considered the little brother of the famous Königssee. It embodies the ideal image of a romantic lake surrounded by steep peaks, but is less well-known among tourists.

The lake, however, enjoys great popularity among artists, including renowned landscape painters such as Carl Rottmann, Ferdinand Waldmüller, and Wilhelm Busch.

Wow: The Hintersee is less well known than its big brother, the Königssee, and offers holidaymakers a view that is quite something.

Source: imago images/Westend61

Today, vacationers have the opportunity to admire the old paintings on a hike along the shore and through the enchanted forest. There are also boats available for crossing the lake. And if you're still feeling adventurous, you can simply take a trip to the deer feeding in the adjacent national park.

A tip for romantics: watch the sunrise from the long ascent of the Hintersee. The reflection of the Hochkalter, Blaueiskar, and Blaueisgletscher glaciers in the water creates an almost magical picture.

Anyone who thinks they've already discovered the most beautiful places in the state will be amazed by the sight of Frillensee in the Chiemgau cultural landscape in southeastern Upper Bavaria. Hardly anyone passes by by chance: The body of water lies at the end of a cul-de-sac near Inzell and is only accessible on foot from Adlgass, which takes about 20 minutes.

The Frillensee is a natural spectacle in Bavaria that, despite its beauty, is still relatively undiscovered.

Source: imago images/imageBROKER/PeterxSchickert

At 340 meters long and 130 meters wide, Lake Frillensee isn't particularly large. However, it has one feature that makes it truly special: the water freezes from the center rather than from the edge, as is usual. A spectacle that invites ice skating in winter. In summer, the five-kilometer-long mountain forest adventure trail, with information and play stations, entices visitors to hike, too.

For those seeking more action, the surrounding area has another ace up its sleeve: a trip to the Stroisseralm. There, travelers can expect spectacular views of the Chiemgau and Rupertiwinkel regions.

Quiet corners, charming alleyways, and historic buildings: If any region inspires a city break, it's Nördlingen in the Swabian Donau-Ries district. Here, culture lovers will find Germany's only completely preserved city wall. The 2.7-kilometer-long rampart encloses the beautiful old town and invites you to walk around it. The freely accessible battlement also offers magnificent views of the city.

Even from afar, everyone driving towards Nördlingen can see the Daniel, a huge church tower that is considered the city's landmark.

Source: imago images/Wolfgang Zwanzger

Tourists can enjoy an equally impressive view from St. Daniel, the 90-meter-high church tower of St. George's Church. And the city's landmark offers them the opportunity to spot the Nördlinger Ries, formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago.

But even for those with a fear of heights, the town offers an exciting program. Romantics, for example, can stroll leisurely through the mysterious alleys of the old town.

travel reporter