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Best time to visit

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June through September is deemed to be the best time to visit Bavaria. Warm summer months are famous for the bright cultural events like Kaltenberger Ritterturnier or Bayreuth Festival and for the perfect conditions for hiking in the Alps. Spring may offer thinner tourist crowds but is also famed for heavy showers, so it is nice to have an umbrella by your side. Bavarian autumn is mild but can be quite busy due to the Oktoberfest. As the period between November and February can be rather cold, packing a warm jacket sounds like a good idea. Moreover, skiing at Zugspitze makes an unforgettable winter experience, so don't miss the chance to hit the slopes.

34 things to do in Bavaria

New Year's Ski Jumping (Neujahrsskispringen)

December 30, 2023–January 1, 2024 Event

Share the best ski jumping moment at the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with over 30,000 winter sports enthusiasts

Master Draught (Der Meistertrunk)

May 17–20, 2024 Event

Hear the jaw-dropping legend of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and join the celebration!

Landshut Wedding (Landshuter Hochzeit) 1475

June 25–July 18, 2027 Event

Immerse yourself in a medieval wedding celebration held in Landshut, Bavaria

Bayreuth Festival

July 25-August 26, 2024 Event

Feel the atmosphere of the most prestigious opera festival dedicated to a single composer–Richard Wagner

Bavaria Christmas & New Year's Eve Shooting

December 17–December 24 | December 31 Event

Prepare for a loud celebration with lots of fireworks, bells, and even firing guns

Viehscheid

September 12–21, 2024 Event

A unique event held annually in Bavaria. When cows come back home, the locals greet them and celebrate their return

Castles and Nature

May–November Nature

Bavaria is a country of castles and you'll have the chance to discover all of them

Ice Climbing

December–April Activity

If you are looking for some thrill and excitement and a challenge check out ice climbing in Bavaria!

Snowkiting

December–early March Activity

With a bit of experience skiing or snowboarding, it might be time to take the next step!

Birdwatching

March–October Nature

Most bird species in Bavaria are best spotted during spring, summer, and autumn

Maibaumaufstellen (May Day Festival)

May 1 Event

One of the most beautiful spring holidays with unique traditions and lively colourful celebrations

Oktoberfest

September 20, 2025-October 5, 2025 Event

The most famous beer festival in the world welcomes everyone to enjoy Bavarian culture, rivers of beer, and great traditional cuisine

Wendelstein Rack Railway (Wendelsteinbahn)

May–November Activity

Enjoy a spectacular alpine view and explore numerous highlights on Wendelstein mountain

Climbing

May–October Activity

Enjoy classical and sport routes, via-ferratas, and some bouldering suitable for climbers of any experience level

Spotting Wildlife at the National Park Bavarian Forest

May–October Nature

The outstanding beauty of untouched nature and its wildlife can be observed in a huge area at the Bavarian Forest National Park

Flowers of Mainau Island

late March–September Nature

Check out amazing flower gardens with millions of plants!

Skiing at Zugspitze

November–April Activity

The highest mountain in Germany presents an unforgettable view

Hiking

April–October Activity

Discover and enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife in this gorgeous Alpine region

Carnival Season

February 4–13, 2024 Event

This unique tradition passed through generations attracts people to Bavaria's villages

Krampus in Germany

December 5–14, 2024 Event

This scary demon can frighten even adults, so be sure you are ready to meet Krampus!

Cross-Country Skiing

December–February Activity

Choose among plenty of picturesque trails and enjoy this favourite winter sport

Funkensonntag

March 9, 2025 Event

The reflection of bonfires set along the riverbank and the magical colours of the evening sky is something not to miss. Don't miss this authentic and unique tradition of driving away the spirits of winter in the Allgau region

Kaltenberger Ritterturnier

July 12–14 | July 19–21 | July 26–28, 2024 Event

Want to see real knights fight? Check it out at Kaltenberger Ritterturnier in Germany

Christmas Market Foods

late November–December Food

Visit Bavaria's picturesque Christmas markets and enjoy some great traditional food, sweets, and drinks

Munich Pride or Christopher Street Day (CSD)

June 8-23, 2024 Event

For two days, Munichers celebrate CSD in memory of the Stonewall riots (gay demonstrations) in New York's Christopher Street in June 1969

Christmas Markets

November 18–December 24 Event

One of the largest and oldest holiday fairs in Germany, a good reason to visit Munich

Georgiritt in Traunstein

April 1, 2024 Event

A colourful horse pilgrimage is the highlight of Easter Monday in Bavaria

Bavaria Christmas Markets

late November–late December Event

Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience: see the extra special Christmas markets of Bavaria!

Nuremberg Christmas Market

November 29-December 24, 2024 Event

Don't miss one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world

Rothenburg Christmas Market

November 29-December 23, 2024 Event

Rejoice in this traditional Advent pre-Christmas market that offers plenty of delicious treats, lots of holiday music, and unforgettable atmosphere

Wallberg Sledding

December–March Activity

One of the longest toboggan runs in Europe

Montgolfiade Tegernsee

January 26–February 2, 2025 Event

Get a bird-eye view of Bavaria's most beautiful valley

Krampus in Munich

early December Event

Immerse yourself in a spooky Christmas tradition right in the heart of Munich

Kramperln and Buttnmandl in Berchtesgaden

December 5, 2024 Event

A Christmas tradition that captivates with its vibrant atmosphere

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