Basic text Upper Bavaria Culture There are many attractions in Upper Bavaria that are known far beyond the borders of the German state: examples include palaces like Herrenchiemsee, monasteries like the one in Ettal, pilgrimage sites such as the church in Wies, and the world's longest castle in Burghausen. Upper Bavaria also holds a special place in the hearts of its visitors due to the fact that the history and traditions of the region are not just marvelled at, but are also lived to this day. This is demonstrated by the annual Almabtriebe or transhumances; the putting up of the Maypole; a whole host of church and town festivals; and the Goaßlschnoizn, which sees a whip being swung in different directions to create a cracking sound. Local Bavarian museums are on hand to provide background information on traditions such as these. The first-rate exhibits in the German Museum attempt to explain what "the world together in its inmost holds" (a quote from German playwrite Goethe) – the museum in Munich is, by the way, the world's largest technical science museum of its kind. The state capital is home to the greatest density of museums and galleries in the whole of Upper Bavaria, and their excellent exhibits make them far more than just an option for a rainy day. Besides the long- established institutions such as the three Pinakothek museums, the Glyptothek and the Haus der Kunst, more and more new collections are enriching the offerings. The latest include the Egyptian Museum (2013) and the construction of the National Socialist Documentation Centre (due to open: April 30, 2015). Nature Upper Bavaria is the name given to the land between Lech and Salzach, between Altmühltal, the Bavarian Alps and the Chiemgau. The region's mountains range from the rocky landscape of the Wetterstein Mountains in the west, which includes Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, to the Karwendel Mountains to the Berchtesgaden Alps (which include the Berchtesgaden Land National Park) in the east. Those not keen on climbing the summits can stay at the foot of the mountains and circumnavigate the mountain lakes, which include Schliersee and Königsee – either on foot or by bike. The Spitzingsee, which is situated around five kilometres to the south of Schliersee, is a truly special lake: It lies some 1,000 metres above sea level. Covering an area of 28 hectares, it is the largest mountain lake in Bavaria. The Mangfall Mountains and the Bavarian Alps stretch out from its shores. Visitors who enjoy getting out and about amidst nature are recommended to try the Lechweg. The 125-kilometre hiking trail leads you through one of the few preserved wild riverscapes in Europe: from the source at Formarinsee to Lech am Arlberg, the Tyrolean Park of Lechtal and Reutte as far as the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen. As such, Upper Bavaria offers the very best conditions for active holidaymakers and pleasure-seekers – the range of activities available spans from hiking to mountain biking to cycling to simply taking a gentle stroll in the valley. Those looking to relax will find plenty of opportunity to do so, whilst sporty types can try their hand at one of the many leisure pursuits in the Alpine country. Culinary delights Beer has a special role to play in Upper Bavaria, and with good reason: There is nowhere on earth that grows better hops than here. Part of the Hallertau – Germany's largest hops growing area and the largest continuous hops growing area in the world – is situated in Upper Bavaria. The cultivation area actually spans across four boroughs: Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm, Kelheim, Freising and Landshut and has done so since the 8th century. Traditional, hearty food provides a good foundation for beer consumption in the region, with specialities such as Knödel dumplings, sausages and fried dishes. The classics include white sausage with pretzels and sweet mustard, a kind of meatball called Fleischpflanzerl, Leberkäse meatloaf, Semmelknödel dumplings, the famous Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Bavarian sausage salad, Obazda cheese and, as a sweet bonus, the Dampfnudel sweet dumpling. You can enjoy a hearty snack or Brotzeit almost anywhere in Upper Bavaria: in a rural beer garden, in an Almhütte at the top of a mountain, in a brewery such as the renowned Hofbräuhaus in Munich, or in one of the many small taverns in the town centres. About BAVARIA TOURISM BAVARIA TOURISM (by.TM) is the official marketing company for the Bavarian tourism and leisure industry. Under the umbrella brand Bayern®, the company offers the entire range of tourism services in the State of Bavaria. All marketing activities run under the umbrella brand claim “Bavaria – traditionally different”. The main focus here is the communication of authentic stories about Bavarian personalities and their way of life. They show Bavaria in a traditional yet modern light, and embody the distinctiveness of Bavaria as a travel destination. All stories can be found on the main website www.bayern.by/traditionally-different in the style of a travel magazine, and are communicated through all other channels of by.TM. The sub-brands WellVital® in Bavaria, Kinderland® Bavaria and the hotel brand Sightsleeping® also guarantee target-group-specific offers for connoisseurs, families and culture lovers. Through its own initiatives such as “Time for Tranquility”, “Filmkulisse Bayern” (film set Bavaria) and “Aristocratic Bavaria”, it brings tourism together with other industries to create productive partnerships. In this way, the marketing company can work with all the Bavarian tourism partners, offering guests from all over the world a range of attractive and varied travel ideas. - 2 - With 37.3 million guests and 94.4 million overnight stays in the year 2017, Bavaria was able to reinforce its leading position as the number one travel destination in Germany. More information about the variety of destinations in Bavaria and about BAVARIA TOURISM can be found at: www.bavaria.by. For more press information: Stephanie Scheuermann Nicole Berberich Head of Public Relations Junior Manager Public Relations BAVARIA TOURISM BAVARIA TOURISM Tel.: (+49) (0)89/21 23 97 43 Tel.: (+49) (0)89/21 23 97 27 Fax: (+49) (0)89/21 23 97 99 Fax: (+49) (0)89/21 23 97 99 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Press services: www.bavaria.by, www.presse.bayern.by, www.bilder.bayern.by Facebook: www.facebook.com/visit.bavaria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayern #visitbavaria, #traditionallydifferent Pinterest: https://de.pinterest.com/deinbayern Twitter: https://twitter.com/bayern Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bayerntourismus - 3 - .