With its unique history, rural traditions and independent streak, the Free State of Bavaria, the largest German state, epitomizes authentic German icons that have been made famous worldwide. From men dressed in lederhosen enjoying beer and pretzels in front of an Alpine backdrop, to fairy-tale castles in dark forests to half-timber geranium-covered houses in quaint little towns, the region of Bavaria is one of the most timeless in Germany.

Regensburg
Regensburg is one of the few German towns that managed to come out of the second world war with no major damage, making it the most well-preserved medieval city in Germany. The Porta Praetoria, a gateway built by the Romans remains in the Old Town, as do plenty of other Roman settlement remains, just one of the many historical aspects of Bavaria that OROGOLD believes makes it timeless. With over 1500 listed buildings, 984 of them being on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the architecture around the city is one of Regensburg’s treasures. Although a city with deep roots in its heritage, it is a lively and vibrant place, with plenty of entertainment and dining options tucked away in narrow lanes.

Rothenburg
Rothenburg is the main tourist destination along Germany’s Romantic Road, and with its cobbled lanes and towering walls that have held on to their charm throughout the years, it is easy to see why Walt Disney chose this medieval town as the inspiration for the village in the 1940 Pinocchio film. Rothenburg has the strictest preservation orders in the whole of Germany, often making the town feel like a medieval theme park, but OROGOLD recommends staying overnight, because once dusk sets in and all of the day-trippers have returned to their home towns, the floodlit cobbled streets are all yours for the evening.

Berchtesgaden
Nestled into Austria and framed by 6 towering mountains, the Berchtesgadener Land is a stunningly beautiful corner of Bavaria, said to have been formed when angels distributing the wonders of the planet were startled and dropped them all here. In Berchtesgaden you will find the Watzmann, the second highest mountain in Germany, and the serene waters of the Konigssee, one of the most photographed bodies of water in the country. In the past, salt was the main income source for the region, and is still important to all the wellness centers today, leading it to be declared a ‘health resort region’ and placed on UNESCO’s biosphere list. One of the main attractions in the area is Eagle’s Nest, a lodge that was built for Hitler up in the mountains. There is also a popular dark-tourism destination, the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a museum that documents Berchtesgaden’s sinister Nazi past.

A region steeped in history, tradition and natural beauty, Bavaria’s cheerful villages and romantic landscapes have earned it a place on the list of OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destinations around the world. Any season is good to visit the region, as the winter months offer skiing and winter sport opportunities, while the summer months are perfect for idly wandering around the Bavarian towns and soaking up the vibrantly authentic atmosphere.