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Altbayern
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Explore Altbayern from Munich and Danube cities to Alpine lakes, forested uplands, historic towns, regional cuisine and enduring Bavarian traditions.

Altbayern, or Old Bavaria, is the historic and cultural heartland of southeastern Germany. It broadly encompasses the modern Bavarian administrative regions of Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, including Munich, the Alps and Alpine foothills, the Danube and Isar valleys, the Bavarian Forest, and the granite uplands near the Czech border. The term distinguishes this predominantly Catholic, historically Bavarian area from Franconia and Swabia, which are also parts of the modern Free State of Bavaria but possess different regional identities.
Read more about Altbayern
Munich provides the region's largest urban centre and a useful starting point, with royal avenues, world-class museums, lively neighbourhoods and a strong contemporary arts scene. Beyond the capital, the character of Altbayern changes considerably. Regensburg preserves one of Germany's finest medieval townscapes on the Danube, Landshut is marked by its brick Gothic tower and ducal history, and Passau stands at the meeting point of three rivers. Smaller towns such as Burghausen, Kelheim, Straubing and Amberg reveal different chapters of the region's political, religious and commercial past.
The landscape is equally varied. Southern Upper Bavaria rises towards the limestone Alps, where lakes, wooded foothills and high mountain valleys support walking, cycling and winter sports. The Danube corridor combines river scenery with monasteries, vineyards and historic settlements, while the Upper Palatinate extends through lake districts, forested hills and former mining country. In Lower Bavaria, the broad plains around the Isar, Inn and Danube retain a strong agricultural character, punctuated by pilgrimage churches, market towns and thermal resorts.
Altbayern's cultural identity is visible in its churches, beer gardens, traditional costume, brass-band music, seasonal festivals and distinctive architectural details, but it is not a museum piece. Munich's technology, design and creative industries sit alongside village associations, working farms and long-established breweries. Food ranges from pretzels, wheat beer and veal-based specialities to freshwater fish, dumplings, alpine cheeses and pastries. The region rewards travellers who combine major cities with slower journeys through river valleys, historic towns and the countryside between them.
Travel distances are greater than a first glance at a map may suggest. Munich can serve as a base for nearby lakes and museums, but the Upper Palatinate, Lower Bavaria and the Alpine districts each merit their own itinerary. Rail services link the principal cities, while a car is often helpful for monasteries, rural churches, mountain valleys and smaller lakeside communities. The result is a destination defined less by one single landscape than by the relationship between an internationally minded metropolis, historic river cities and a countryside shaped by centuries of Bavarian life.

When is the best time to visit Altbayern?

Best: June–August · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January440
February535
March1040
April1545
May2055
June (best)2370
July (best)2575
August (best)2470
September2060
October1550
November840
December445

Getting to and around Altbayern

How to get there

Munich Airport, located northeast of Munich in Upper Bavaria, is the principal international gateway to Altbayern and has rail and road links into the capital and wider region. Munich Hauptbahnhof provides long-distance connections across Germany and into Austria, while major stations at Regensburg, Ingolstadt, Landshut, Passau and Rosenheim serve other parts of Old Bavaria. Nuremberg Airport is outside Altbayern in Franconia but can be a useful alternative for parts of the Upper Palatinate. Long-distance roads include the A9, A8, A92, A93, A94, A3 and A95, although driving times can increase considerably during holidays and Alpine traffic.

Transportation

Regional and intercity rail makes Munich, Regensburg, Landshut, Ingolstadt, Rosenheim and Passau practical bases, with local buses extending the network to smaller communities. Public transport is strongest in the cities and along major rail corridors; monasteries, rural churches, lakeside villages and mountain trailheads may require careful connections or a car. Cycling is well suited to sections of the Danube and Isar routes and to many flatter rural districts, while Alpine routes require more preparation and fitness. In Munich and other towns, trams, buses and urban rail provide efficient local travel. Check current regional ticket conditions and local transport arrangements before setting out.

Top city travel guides in Altbayern

The cities of Altbayern, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Altbayern

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Altbayern

Altbayern offers an unusually broad range of attractions because its landscapes and historic territories vary so greatly. Munich combines royal collections, major art museums, science and technology displays, parks and neighbourhood culture, while the Danube towns of Regensburg, Kelheim and Passau provide urban history alongside river scenery. Historic centres, monasteries and pilgrimage churches are especially important in the countryside, with richly decorated Baroque and Rococo interiors in many parts of Upper and Lower Bavaria. The southern districts lead towards lakes, foothill trails and Alpine excursions, including the landscapes around the Chiemgau and the Bavarian Alps. The Upper Palatinate and Bavarian Forest bring wooded hills, reservoirs, granite formations and outdoor routes rather than dense urban sightseeing. Families can find museums, wildlife parks and recreational lakes, while walkers and cyclists have access to long-distance paths along the Danube, Isar and other rivers. Industrial and technical heritage appears in museums and former working landscapes, particularly around Munich, Ingolstadt and the Upper Palatinate. Because attractions are dispersed, the most rewarding itineraries usually combine one principal city with smaller towns, religious art and time outdoors.

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Best landmarks in Altbayern

Munich's Frauenkirche, with its twin domes, remains the most recognisable urban symbol of Old Bavaria, while the Residenz and the formal streets around the former royal centre express the city's long role as a dynastic capital. Regensburg's well-preserved medieval centre and the twelfth-century Stone Bridge are among the region's most significant urban monuments, reflecting its position on the Danube and medieval trade routes. Landshut is distinguished by St Martin's Church, whose brick Gothic tower dominates the historic town, and Burghausen Castle extends along a high ridge above the Salzach valley. Passau's riverside profile is shaped by the cathedral and the meeting of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, while the Befreiungshalle above Kelheim is a monumental nineteenth-century memorial on the Danube gorge. In southern Upper Bavaria, the Watzmann and the Chiemgau Alps provide natural landmarks rather than built monuments, and the Walhalla near Donaustauf combines monumental architecture with a prominent hilltop setting. These places reveal the region's intertwined political, religious, riverine and Alpine identities.

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Explore Altbayern on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Altbayern

Altbayern's food culture is substantial, regional and closely connected with inns, bakeries, breweries, farms and seasonal markets. Munich and the larger towns offer everything from contemporary kitchens to traditional Wirtshäuser serving pretzels, sausages, roast pork, dumplings and veal specialities, but recipes and terminology vary between districts. Freshwater fish from the Danube, Isar, Inn and Bavarian lakes appears alongside game, locally produced meat, alpine cheeses and vegetables from the surrounding countryside. Typical regional flavours also include potato and flour dumplings, cabbage, soups, sweet pastries and cakes, while the Upper Palatinate has a particularly visible tradition of carp restaurants in suitable seasons. Beer remains important, with wheat beer and pale Bavarian styles common, but non-alcoholic drinks, apple juice and locally made mineral water are widely available. Beer gardens often combine outdoor dining with informal service, and many rural inns provide the clearest sense of local culinary habits. In cities, farmers' markets and specialist food shops offer access to cheeses, breads, honey and regional spirits without requiring a formal meal.

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Best bars in Altbayern

Evening life in Altbayern ranges from Munich's extensive urban scene to the traditional pubs, beer halls and inns of smaller towns. Munich has the broadest choice, including cocktail bars, live-music venues, theatre areas and clubs, with nightlife concentrated around central districts and neighbourhoods rather than throughout the whole metropolitan region. Regensburg has a substantial student and cultural population, while Passau, Landshut and other university or historic towns support smaller selections of pubs, bars and music venues. Outside these centres, evenings are more likely to revolve around a village inn, brewery taproom, seasonal festival or restaurant than a nightclub. Beer gardens and Keller-style outdoor venues are especially associated with warmer months, although local rules and opening arrangements vary. Visitors should check current listings for performances and venues, as commercial nightlife changes more quickly than the region's historic drinking traditions. Alcohol is common but not compulsory, and cafés, wine bars and alcohol-free options are increasingly easy to find in larger towns.

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Best nightclubs in Altbayern

Evening life in Altbayern ranges from Munich's extensive urban scene to the traditional pubs, beer halls and inns of smaller towns. Munich has the broadest choice, including cocktail bars, live-music venues, theatre areas and clubs, with nightlife concentrated around central districts and neighbourhoods rather than throughout the whole metropolitan region. Regensburg has a substantial student and cultural population, while Passau, Landshut and other university or historic towns support smaller selections of pubs, bars and music venues. Outside these centres, evenings are more likely to revolve around a village inn, brewery taproom, seasonal festival or restaurant than a nightclub. Beer gardens and Keller-style outdoor venues are especially associated with warmer months, although local rules and opening arrangements vary. Visitors should check current listings for performances and venues, as commercial nightlife changes more quickly than the region's historic drinking traditions. Alcohol is common but not compulsory, and cafés, wine bars and alcohol-free options are increasingly easy to find in larger towns.

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Best shops in Altbayern

Shopping in Altbayern is led by Munich's department stores, independent boutiques, design shops, bookshops and food halls, but the region's smaller towns offer a more traditional pattern of market squares, bakeries, specialist food retailers and family-run businesses. Regensburg, Landshut, Passau, Rosenheim, Ingolstadt and Amberg each have historic-centre shopping areas with different mixes of national brands and independent shops. Weekly markets are useful for regional produce such as bread, cheese, honey, fruit, vegetables and charcuterie, while rural markets and seasonal fairs may offer crafts, household goods and local specialities. Suitable souvenirs include Bavarian food products, beer glasses, mustard, confectionery, wooden goods, ceramics and textiles, although quality and authenticity vary widely. Alpine districts have outdoor shops and craft retailers, whereas the Upper Palatinate is known more for practical town-centre shopping and local food traditions than luxury retail. Visitors should distinguish genuine regional produce from generic items sold under broad Bavarian branding, and remember that smaller shops may close earlier or observe Sunday and public-holiday restrictions.

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Altbayern essentials

Currency and Payment
Altbayern uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Germany. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, museums and urban restaurants, although smaller cafés, rural inns, market stalls and some traditional establishments may still prefer cash or have minimum card amounts. Cash machines are common in towns, but carrying a modest amount of euros is sensible when travelling through rural districts. German debit-card practices and payment terminals can vary, so visitors should not assume that every small business accepts every international card.
Safety
Altbayern is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal urban precautions remain sensible around busy stations, festivals and crowded visitor areas. In the Alps and foothills, choose routes appropriate to the weather, carry water and charged communication equipment, and take warnings about storms, snow, heat and avalanche conditions seriously. Cycling routes can include traffic and changing surfaces, while rural roads may be narrow. Swimming in lakes and rivers requires care because temperatures, currents and access conditions vary. In winter, drivers should be prepared for snow and ice in higher districts, and visitors should use marked paths and respect grazing animals.
Emergency Situations
Throughout Germany, call 112 for the fire service or an ambulance and 110 for the police. The European emergency number 112 is free from mobile and landline phones. In the mountains, provide a precise location, route and number of people involved; the emergency services can coordinate appropriate rescue assistance. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice outside ordinary practice hours, Germany's nationwide medical on-call service can be reached on 116117. In any emergency, give the address or landmark clearly and ask accommodation staff or local authorities for help if language is a difficulty.
Do's and Don'ts
Do stand on the right side of escalators, queue patiently and validate or purchase the correct public-transport ticket where required. In churches and pilgrimage sites, dress respectfully, keep voices low and follow photography restrictions. Do stay on marked mountain and forest paths, close gates and avoid disturbing livestock or wildlife. Tipping is customary but discretionary, usually given by rounding up or adding a modest amount for good service; it is not normally left unattended on the table. Do not assume that a beer garden permits outside food everywhere, and do not treat traditional costume, dialect or religious customs as a performance staged solely for visitors.
Local Tips
Consider dividing an itinerary between Munich, the Danube cities and either the Alpine foothills or the Upper Palatinate rather than measuring the region only by its most famous sights. Regensburg is particularly useful for combining medieval streets with river travel and nearby countryside, while Landshut, Passau and Amberg offer different architectural and historical settings. In rural areas, Sunday and public-holiday opening restrictions can be more noticeable than in Munich. Many churches and museums have seasonal arrangements, so check current details before making a special journey. A regional market, bakery, inn or beer garden often provides a more grounded introduction to local food than a formal dining room alone.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüß Gott[Grewss Got]
GoodbyePfiad di[Fyahd dee]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNein[Nine]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bittuh]
Thank youDanke[Dahnkeh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Entshooldihgoong]
How are you?Wie geht's?[Vee gates?]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Goot. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Shprekh-en Zee English?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ish fer-shtay-eh nicht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte[Ish hett-eh gair-nuh dee Shpieze-kart-eh, bitt-eh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ish ess-eh kyan Fly-sh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst!]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Ish merkh-tuh beh-tsahl-en, bitt-eh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hil-fuh!]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay vek!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roo-fen Zee dee Polite-sigh!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roo-fen Zee eye-nen Arts!]
I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen[Ish hah-bee mikh fer-lah-fen]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ish bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen[Ish merkh-tuh ... kauf-en]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ish shou-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel kost-et es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Dahs ist tsu toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?[Kurn-en Zee den Price senk-en?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpayt ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ine Oor]
Half past (10)Halb (10)[Halb (10)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nahch-mit-tag]
EveningAbend[Ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[Geh-stern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-tuh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1Eins[Eyns]
2Zwei[Tsvi]
3Drei[Dry]
4Vier[Feer]
5Fünf[Fuenf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Acht]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Tsayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das ...?[Vo ist ine/dahs ...?]
What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?[Vee ist dee Ah-dress-uh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kurn-en Zee meer (owf dare Kahr-tuh) tsigh-gen?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn komt dare nex-teh (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)[Ine Ticket (nahkh ....)]

History of Altbayern

Early Celtic and Roman Frontiers

Before the formation of Bavaria, the region was inhabited by Celtic communities and later incorporated into the Roman world in stages. Roman military and trading routes followed the Danube and connected settlements such as Regensburg, known in antiquity as Castra Regina, with the wider imperial network. The Danube formed an important frontier, while roads, farms and market settlements extended southwards. Archaeological remains, museum collections and the continuing importance of river corridors preserve evidence of this period, although the political and cultural landscape changed substantially after Roman authority withdrew from the northern Alpine frontier.

The Duchy of Bavaria and Early Medieval Consolidation

The Bavarian duchy emerged during the early medieval period, with the Agilolfing dynasty traditionally associated with the consolidation of Bavarian power. Christian institutions expanded alongside ducal authority, and monasteries became centres of worship, learning, manuscript production and land management. Regensburg developed as a major political and ecclesiastical centre, while settlements along the Danube, Isar and Inn grew in importance. The name Bavaria reflects a long process of interaction between local populations, Frankish rulers, church institutions and neighbouring territories rather than the creation of a fully unified state at a single moment.

The Wittelsbachs and the Making of Old Bavaria

The Wittelsbach dynasty gained the Bavarian duchy in the twelfth century and shaped the region's political history for more than seven centuries. Their territories expanded and contracted through inheritance, partition and marriage, while Munich increasingly developed as a dynastic residence. Castles, churches and urban rebuilding expressed the authority of the dukes, and towns along the Danube and major trade routes benefited from administration and commerce. The division of Bavaria into branches helped produce the distinct histories of Upper and Lower Bavaria, even as the dynasty maintained a durable sense of Bavarian statehood.

The Thirty Years' War and Baroque Reconstruction

The Thirty Years' War brought military occupation, requisitioning, disease and economic disruption to much of Bavaria, although the effects varied between districts. Bavaria's rulers remained closely aligned with the Catholic cause, and the post-war period saw extensive religious rebuilding. Monasteries, pilgrimage churches and parish interiors were renewed in Baroque and later Rococo styles, often with elaborate stucco, frescoes and altarpieces. This transformation remains one of Altbayern's clearest visual signatures, especially in Upper Bavaria and Lower Bavaria, where rural churches can contain ambitious works by leading artists of the period.

Secularisation and the End of the Old Order

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Napoleonic era transformed Bavaria's political map. Secularisation dissolved many monasteries and transferred their lands and buildings to the state or private owners, while mediatization brought smaller ecclesiastical and aristocratic territories under Bavarian control. Bavaria became a kingdom in 1806 and acquired extensive new territories, including Franconian and Swabian lands. These changes created the modern Bavarian state but also sharpened the distinction between Altbayern and the regions incorporated into Bavaria during this period.

Industrialisation, Railways and Urban Growth

Railways and industrialisation altered Altbayern during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Munich expanded as a capital, manufacturing centre and cultural city; Regensburg, Ingolstadt, Landshut, Passau and other towns became connected to wider markets. Engineering, metalworking, brewing, textiles, salt and other industries developed in different localities, while improved transport encouraged tourism to the Alps and lakes. Rural society remained important, but migration to towns and the growth of administrative and commercial employment gradually changed the balance between village, market town and city.

Twentieth-Century Bavaria and Contemporary Identity

The twentieth century brought dictatorship, war, destruction and reconstruction, followed by rapid economic growth in the Federal Republic. Munich became an international centre for business, technology, media and culture, while many smaller towns retained their historic cores and agricultural surroundings. The modern Free State of Bavaria includes Altbayern as well as Franconia and Bavarian Swabia, so contemporary Bavarian identity contains several regional traditions. Old Bavaria remains especially visible through its dialects, Catholic heritage, festivals, foodways, sporting culture and continuing relationship with the Alpine and Danube landscapes.

Altbayern in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Altbayern

Discover Altbayern with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
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Evendo is a comprehensive travel guide app for Altbayern, Germany, offering detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Download now for free!

  • Comprehensive history of Altbayern
  • Travel essentials and local advice
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Altbayern, Germany? Make the most of your journey with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Munich, visiting the charming town of Regensburg, or savoring Bavarian cuisine at a local restaurant, Evendo has you covered.

With detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, Evendo makes it easy to plan and organize your trip. Each location comes with rich descriptions, local tips, images, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Discover famous landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle, the Marienplatz, and the Nymphenburg Palace. Explore top attractions such as the Deutsches Museum and the English Garden. Satisfy your culinary cravings at renowned restaurants like Hofbräuhaus and Augustiner-Keller. With Evendo, you can also easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle.

The app features a wealth of information, including the history of Altbayern, travel essentials, and curated local tips to help you experience the region like a local. The 'Near Me' feature allows you to see what's around you, no matter where you are, making navigation a breeze. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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