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Bavaria

The independent state of Bavaria is located in the south of Germany, spanning a territory of 70 553 km2, which makes it the biggest state in Germany. Its capital is Munich and its population is approximately 12.4 million. It borders the Czech Republic and Austria, and Hesse and Saxony in Germany. The Danube and Main rivers pass through Bavaria.

Other big cities in this region, apart from Munich, are Regensburg, Wurzburg, Furth, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Ingolstadt and Erlangen. Bavaria has 7 regions - Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia, Upper Palatinate, Upper Bavaria and Swabia. These are called Regierungsbezirke in German. They are subdivided into 71 districts and 25 independent towns. Bavaria boasts four magnificent lakes - Ammersee, Waginger See, Chiemsee and Starnberger.

In many ways Bavaria is different from the rest of Germany. One such aspect is culture and religion. Conservative Catholicism is the norm here, as opposed to in other regions of the country. A number of traditional foods and drinks are consumed here on a regular basis, which aren't found anywhere else. Bavarians give more attention to their physical appearance than other Germans, and are known to dress according to custom for business meetings. In terms of social attitude they can be overbearing and stiff, but this is just the first impression. They are proud of their state and origin to the extent of including a provision on mandatory Bavarian citizenship in their constitution.

A number of dialects are spoken here. Franconian is dominant in the northern part of the state, Swabian in the region of Swabia, Austro-Bavarian in Upper Bavarian and Northern Bavarian in the Upper Palatinate region.

There is evidence that Bavaria was founded in 520 AD. Christianity was adopted here in the beginning of the 700s. Staunchly Catholic since the earliest times, Bavaria was controlled by Agilolfing Dynasty until 788. Over the next 4 centuries it had rulers of various clans, the last and most famous being Henry the Lion. He is known as the founder of Munich.

In the early 19th century Bavaria became a kingdom, but following the war between Austria and Prussia it was subjugated to the German Empire. Sadly, the area was destroyed completely in WWI. A communist revolt followed, until the Third Reich took power and some of the biggest Bavarian towns were occupied by Nazis. Munich was attacked by Allied forces in WWII.

Thankfully the state has enjoyed greater prosperity since. It has become a center of industry - giants such as BMW, Audi and Siemens have sites of business here. The state hosted the Olympics in 1972. Currently it is governed by the Christian Social Union. It has its own parliament, and members are elected by democratic vote. There are many excellent festivities and attractions to visit here. A popular celebration is Oktoberfest, known as the biggest beer festival worldwide. It dates all the way back to 1811. Apart from the beautiful four lakes, there are wondrous mountain terrains to survey and tour, especially the alpine ridges to the south, where the highest peak in Germany is located. This is the magnificent Zugspitze. Its altitude is 2962 metres, and you can see into the territories of four countries if you stand at the top - Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

Bavaria has a rich cultural history. Some of the most famous composers in the world were born and bred here, like Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner. Fascinating remnants from the Baroque age can be found in Bavarian churches, like the St. Mang Basilika. Bavaria offers a multitude of ancient castles, monumental forts, gorgeous palaces and other interesting historical sites. Some famous Bavarians are Pope Benedict XVI, the current Pope, writer Bertolt Brecht and scientist Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen, recipient of the Nobel prize.