A legendary soccer club
Bayern Munich (or Fussball-Club Bayern München) has been the benchmark of German soccer for decades, and one of the most successful teams on the Old Continent. Founded in 1900, the club only entered the Bundesliga (equivalent to Ligue 1) in 1965. Since then, however, the club has set the record straight with 32 league titles and 20 German Cups (by autumn 2022). And Bavaria's most famous club has always managed to attract stars such as Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Gerd Müller, Lothar Matthäus, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oliver Kahn and Manuel Neuer,
Thomas Müller, Robert Lewandowski... And, cock-a-doodle-doo! French players have also become legends of Saebener Strasse (Bayern's training center), such as Bixente Lizarazu, Franck Ribéry and now Kingsley Coman. With players like these, it goes without saying that the Munich giants have not only collected domestic titles, but have also shone in the four corners of Europe. The Bavarian club has lifted 6 Champions Leagues (the last in 2020), 1 UEFA Cup, 2 European Supercups and twice won the FIFA Club World Cup. Since the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany?, Bayern have moved from the outdated Olympic Stadium to the modern 75,000-seatAllianz Arena.
Discovering flamboyant nature
Romantic souls will find in Bavaria a small taste of what paradise must be like. Not just for romantics, but also for sports enthusiasts keen on hiking, horse-riding or cycling. The landscapes in the south of the region in particular are breathtaking, with emerald lakes, snow-capped peaks and bright sunshine from May onwards.
Hiking. Bavaria is a perfect region for hikers: high-mountain hikes on the glaciers of the Alps, in hilly landscapes, through forests or along the Danube... There's something for everyone! The paths are well-marked and the numerous nature reserves offer walkers an enchanting backdrop. Bavarians are particularly fond of this activity, which allows them to take advantage of the idyllic scenery, especially the small hiking trails in the Berchtesgadener Land massifs to the south, in the Taubertal countryside, along the banks of the Danube near Neuburg an der Donau or in the forest of the Bavarian Forest National Park.
Cycling. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular and widespread activities in Bavaria! Like all Germans, Bavarians get around a lot by bike. The state has laid out kilometers of cycle paths for all cycling enthusiasts. The possibilities are endless, and even the cities are safe for cycling. It's certainly one of the most pleasant ways to discover Munich. From lakes to mountain trails, forests and the Danube, there's something to suit every taste and level. There are plenty of bike rental companies offering daily or multi-day packages. You can also rent mountain bikes to enjoy the beautiful rolling countryside and winding paths at the foot of the Alps.
Horse riding. Horse-riding is a must for all enthusiasts, as it's a real pleasure to go for a ride on the Bavarian trails, with the mountains as far as the eye can see! Of course, it's relatively easy to find riding schools all over the state. Many stables use Haflinger horses, known for their docile character. The centers offer rides for beginners as well as multi-day treks for more experienced riders. You should expect to pay around 15 euros for an hour's lesson or ride.
Climbing. The region also has some great climbing spots. Don't hesitate to ask! At Munich'sOlympiapark, you can climb the Olympic Stadium before a 40 m zip-line descent.
Take advantage of water features
There's no sea in Bavaria, but there are plenty of swimming pools and, above all, numerous lakes and rivers where you can cool off when temperatures rise in summer. The water is transparent and of excellent quality. Most of the lakes are located in the south of the Land and attract a large number of tourists. They are ideal for relaxing family vacations, in direct communion with nature.
Sailing. With its many lakes, it's easy to find sailing clubs, especially in the south of the Land, with Prien Am Chiemsee, Tegernsee and many others. This activity has the enormous advantage of allowing you to discover the sites and sumptuous panoramas from a totally new angle.
Surfing. Incredible, but true! Surfers can enjoy themselves on Munich's popularEnglischer Garten artificial wave. Take note!
Great opportunities for skiers
At the foot of the Alps, Bavaria is Germany's premier winter sports region. Bavaria's winter sports mecca is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the 2,962 m Zugspitze is the town's pride and joy! In addition to downhill skiing, you can also enjoy tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding... A one-day lift pass costs around €45. Other charming resorts include the family-friendly Sudelfeld, the typical Spitzingsee, Brauneck, 60 kilometers from Munich, and Winklmoosalm near the Austrian border... As for the season, skiing goes on all winter and sometimes even into April in the southern part of the Land, on the border with Austria, where numerous resorts are located.
Eisstock (German: Stockschießen). This traditional winter sport, a mix of pétanque and curling, is very popular in the Alps, particularly among Bavarians. The principle: send your eisstocke, a kind of curling puck with a handle, as close as possible to the jack, which in this case is a rubber puck. And all this on a frozen petanque pitch, without a sweeper. An activity that has delighted the locals since the 16th century!
