
Most trips to Bavaria start in Munich – and rightly so. The culturally rich city is easy to reach by train or plane, and has traditions known around the world. However, Germany’s southern state is also home to a number of other fantastic cities. Smaller and quieter, they vary significantly according to their historical roots, geographical surroundings and neighbouring influences, but all make a great addition to a holiday itinerary.
Remain in Oberbayern (Upper Bavaria), the region surrounding Munich, for a continuation of the same theme: maypoles, blue-and-white flags and beer served by the litre. Venture just beyond the boundaries and you’ll discover laid-back Augsburg and medieval Regensburg. Then, for something completely different, head north to the region of Franconia. Here popular cliches are replaced by a distinct cuisine, local wines, different flags and people who are fiercely Franconian, rather than Bavarian. Here are some suggestions of places to try.