Bavaria’s dramatic landscapes and charming towns have attracted visitors from around the world for centuries. And as temperatures climb this summer, it’s hard to resist the lure of a cool mountain breeze or a dip in an alpine lake.
From medieval towns and mountain trails to lakeside views, spas and vineyards, the southern German state has something for everyone.Â
So if all you know of Bavaria was what you saw at Oktoberfest last September, it might be time to branch out. Check out these six Bavarian gems, each of which has its own unique charms and attractions.
Mittenwald
Near the Austrian border is Mittenwald, a postcard-perfect Alpine town filled with pastel-coloured houses set against a stunning mountain backdrop.Â
At just about 30 kilometres from the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze, Mittenwald is a perfect home base for all kinds of hiking adventures.
Mittenwald is also known for its centuries-long tradition of violin-making, which you can explore at the Geigenbaumuseum. You can also pay a visit to the church of Saints Peter and Paul, which is famous for its colourful interior and exterior frescoes.
Tegernsee
If you’re looking for a lakeside getaway, consider Tegernsee, located just an hour south of Munich by train. In Tegernsee, you can soak up the mountain views while unwinding at one of the town’s numerous spas.
 For a more adventurous holiday, Tegernsee and its surroundings offer swimming, hiking, cycling, sailing and other outdoor activities. If you like to golf, check out one of the more than a dozen courses nearby – and don’t forget to admire the incredible Alpine views as you tee off.
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DinkelsbĂĽhl
Looking for the medieval charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, but with fewer tourists? Then Dinkelsbühl might be the place for you. Located in western Bavaria, this well-preserved town looks like it’s straight out of a storybook.
Dinkelsbühl is located along the Romantic Road, a picturesque route through the mountains and forests of southern Germany. If you’re driving the 350-kilometer road that stretches from Würzburg to Füssen near Schloss Neuschwanstein, this is a perfect place to stop and explore.
Iphofen
This small town in the wine-growing region of Franconia punches way above its weight in both charm and wines. If you’re looking to sample Bavarian wines and learn how they’re made, Iphofen is the place for you.Â
In Iphofen, you can find regular wine tastings and vineyard tours, as well as events celebrating the town’s long history of viniculture. Iphofen also has an intact medieval wall, as well as a charming old town to explore.Â
Just 25 minutes by train from WĂĽrzburg and 45 minutes from Nuremberg, Iphofen also makes for an easy, scenic daytrip.
Wallgau
For many, a trip to the German Alps is more about sport and taking in the natural beauty than seeing a scenic village, but with villages like Wallgau to be found, why not aim for both?
Wallgau is found in the Isar valley, not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen which is famous for its skiing in the winter and outdoor sports like hiking and mountain biking in the summer. (It’s about an hour and half south of Munich by car.)
Pottenstein
This village, tucked into a valley in the Franconian Alps (Fränkische Schweiz) makes for an easy scenic getaway with plenty of hiking, historical architecture and great local breweries to enjoy.
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If you’re coming from nearby, you can easily get a sense of the village just by walking around the town, up to the castle on the hilltop, and perhaps into a nearby valley in one day. Or stay in an inn nearby and spend a bit more time getting into the other nearby attractions, including one of Germany’s longest caves or the nearby toboggan run.
Also nearby is TĂĽchersfeld, which is also renowned for its old German architecture tucked into dramatic rock formations.
Where have we missed? Share your own suggestions in the comments section below.
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