Guidebook: Bavaria-without-children, or where adults should go

Guidebook: Bavaria-without-children, or where adults should go

April 11, 2025

Bavaria is not just the land of beer and pretzels, but more importantly a region rich in history, culture and art that has much to offer adult travelers. If you are planning a trip without children and looking for more sophisticated attractions, this guide is just for you. Together we will discover the most beautiful castles, palaces, museums and gardens that will allow you to fully appreciate the charm of this fascinating region of Germany. From fairytale Neuschwanstein to the elegant Nymphenburg Palace, from the historic Nuremberg Castle to the modern Deutsches Museum, Bavaria offers countless opportunities for lovers of culture, history and art. Get ready for a trip that will stimulate your senses, broaden your horizons and provide an unforgettable aesthetic experience. Here's a guide to Bavaria for adults who want to delve into the fascinating world of Bavaria's cultural heritage.

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The fairy-tale castles of Ludwig II of Bavaria

Start our journey with three of Ludwig II of Bavaria's most famous castles, which are the quintessence of Bavarian romance and extravagance. The first stop is the famous Neuschwanstein, a true gem of Neo-Romanesque architecture. This majestic castle, which inspired Walt Disney himself, impresses not only with its fairy-tale exterior, but also with its opulent interior. The tour lasts about 25 minutes and includes the most important chambers, including the impressive Throne Room and the Singers' Hall. Note that tickets are best booked in advance, especially during the summer season. Ticket prices are around 15 euros for adults (as of 2023).

The next point on our itinerary is Hohenschwangau Castle, the family castle of Ludwig II. Although less well-known than Neuschwanstein, it offers an equally fascinating trip back in time. The castle's interiors, decorated in a neo-Gothic style, are stunning with wall paintings depicting scenes from Bavarian legends. The guided tour lasts about 35 minutes and allows you to learn about the history of the Wittelsbach family. Ticket prices are similar to those at Neuschwanstein.

Last, but not least, is Linderhof Palace - the smallest of Ludwig II's three castles, but the most intimate and luxurious. Inspired by Versailles, Linderhof impresses with its rich decoration and beautiful park with fountains. Of particular note are the Hall of Mirrors and the artificial Grotto of Venus. The interior tour lasts about 25 minutes, but it's worth setting aside at least two hours to explore the gardens. Ticket prices are about €10 for adults (as of 2023).

Comparing the three castles, Neuschwanstein is the most spectacular from the outside and the most visited, which can mean crowds of tourists. Hohenschwangau offers a more intimate atmosphere and a deeper dive into the history of the royal family. Linderhof, on the other hand, stands out with the most impressive gardens and the most personal character, reflecting the eccentric personality of Ludwig II. All three castles are open to the public year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring or early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are somewhat smaller than during the peak summer season.

Munich - the the cultural heart of Bavaria

We now move on to Munich, the capital of Bavaria, which offers countless attractions for adult culture and history lovers. Let's start with Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of Bavarian rulers. This Baroque palace complex impresses not only with its impressive architecture, but also with its extensive gardens. The palace's interiors, especially the Beauty Gallery and the Ceremonial Hall, are a feast for the eyes. An entrance ticket costs about 8 euros for adults (as of 2023), and the tour takes an average of 2-3 hours.

Not to be missed is the Munich Residence, which has been the seat of Bavarian princes, electors and kings for centuries. It is Germany's largest city palace, offering more than 130 rooms to explore, including the impressive Treasury and Cuvilliés Theater. Ticket prices start at 9 euros for adults (as of 2023), and it's worth reserving a full day for a thorough tour.

A must-see for science and technology lovers is the Deutsches Museum. This is one of the largest technical museums in the world, offering interactive exhibitions on science, technology and industry. Especially recommended are the sections on aviation, energy and music. An entrance ticket costs about 14 euros for adults (as of 2023), and it's worth setting aside a minimum of 3-4 hours for the tour.

After an intensive tour, relax in the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in the world. It's the perfect place to take a walk, have a picnic or watch the surfers on the artificial wave on the Eisbach River. Admission to the park is free, and a pleasant stroll can take 1-2 hours.

At the end of the day, we suggest a visit to Odeonsplatz, one of Munich's most important squares. It's a place full of history, surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Feldherrnhalle and the Theatine Church. From there, it's only a step to the Old Town Hall, which now houses the fascinating Toy Museum.

Comparing these attractions, the Nymphenburg Palace and Residence offers the richest historical and artistic experience, perfect for art and architecture lovers. The Deutsches Museum is a paradise for science and technology enthusiasts, offering the most interactive experience. The Englischer Garten is the best option for those who need a moment of relaxation in the fresh air. Odeonsplatz and the Old City Hall are ideal for an evening stroll and taking in the atmosphere of the city. All of these places are accessible year-round, but are best visited outside the peak tourist season, i.e. during the months of April-May or September-October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Nuremberg and surroundings - gems off the beaten track

To conclude our journey through Bavaria, let's head to Nuremberg and its surroundings, where lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions await. The centerpiece is Nuremberg Castle, an impressive medieval fortress towering over the city. It is one of the most important imperial castles in Europe, offering not only a fascinating history, but also spectacular views of the city. A guided tour lasts about 1.5 hours and costs about €7 for adults (as of 2023). Particularly worth noting is the Kaiserburg, the oldest part of the castle, and the deep well carved into the rock.

After visiting the castle, take a walk through the picturesque streets of Nuremberg's Old Town. We especially recommend a visit to the Old Town Hall, which now houses the Dungeon Museum. This is a fascinating place to learn about the dark history of the medieval justice system. An entrance ticket costs about 6 euros for adults (as of 2023), and the tour takes about an hour.

For those who want to learn more about Bavaria's modern history, we recommend a visit to the Documentation Center of the NSDAP Party Rally Grounds. This place offers a deep and reflective look at the Nazi period in Germany. The exhibition is very well done and includes many original documents and witness accounts. An entrance ticket costs about 6 euros for adults (as of 2023), and it's worth reserving 2-3 hours for a thorough tour.

If you feel like relaxing after an intensive tour, we recommend a visit to the Nuremberg Rose Garden (Rosengarten). This charming place offers not only beautiful views of the flowers, but also a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Admission is free, and the walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Finally, if you still have the energy and time, it's worth a trip to nearby Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, often referred to as a 'fairy tale town'. A stroll through the fortified walls, a visit to the Christmas Museum or simply relaxing in the market square with a pint of local beer is the perfect culmination of a trip through Bavaria.

Comparing these attractions, Nuremberg Castle offers the richest historical experience and the best views of the city. The Documentation Center provides the most educational and reflective experience, perfect for those interested in 20th century history. The Rose Garden is the best option for those who need a moment of relaxation and contact with nature. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, on the other hand, is the ideal place for lovers of medieval architecture and the romantic atmosphere of small towns.

All of these places are accessible year-round, but they are best visited in the spring or autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the number of tourists is lower than during the peak summer season. Note that Nuremberg and the surrounding area offer slightly lower prices and smaller crowds compared to Munich's most popular attractions, making them an attractive alternative for adult travelers looking for an authentic experience.

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