Bavaria is the proud and picturesque heart of Germany, a land of spectacular contrasts where the high-tech modernity of cities like Munich coexists with deeply rooted ancient traditions. It is a state of grandiose landscapes: from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps reflected in crystal-clear lakes like the Königssee, to the rolling vineyards of Franconia and the old-growth forests of the Bavarian Forest. Here, romance comes to life in the dream castles of King Ludwig II, the festive spirit explodes in the Oktoberfest tents and history resonates in the medieval towns of the Romantic Road. Traveling through Bavaria is a feast for the senses: the taste of a Weissbier beer in a Biergarten, the sound of an 'oompah' band, the view of a town with painted facades (Lüftlmalerei) and the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets.