The area is known for its pristine countryside, clean air, wealth of culture and infamous laid-back Bavarian attitude. Medieval castles, small towns, magnificent palaces, Baroque churches and Bavaria's urban hubs provide the backdrop for traditional events and opera festivals.
More than 285 typical Bavarian products have been recorded in the Bavarian specialities database ' GenussBayern ' since the 1990s. Recipes and museums can also be found there.
Historically, the north has been inhabited by descendants of the Franks, the southeast by residents of old Bavarian stock, and the southwest by people of Bavarian-Swabian descent. The majority of Bavaria’s inhabitants still live in small towns. Only about one-fifth live in cities of 100,000 or more.
Bayern is famous around the world – let’s find out about its capital Munich, beer, the Octoberfest, Bayern Munich, and Bavarian traditions.
Our Bavaria insiders deal creatively, innovatively and against the grain with crafts, culture, tradition, and enjoyment in a Bavarian way. They produce pottery, distil spirits, make wine, brew beer, devote themselves to street art and Lüftl painting.
Bavarian folk culture has significantly influenced the international perception of Germany. Paradoxically, much of the region shares closer cultural affinities with its southern neighbours, Austria and Switzerland, than with other parts of Germany.
Bavarian beer is therefore regarded as one of the best brewed beers in the world. Some Bavarians choose to ironically point at "foreign" beers like the famous "Kölsch" from Cologne or beers from Belgium as "water" respectively "sugared water". Bavarians love their beer.
The current head of government of the State of Bavaria is Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, MdL. He was first sworn in as Bavarian Premier on 16 March 2018 and again on 06 November 2018 and on 31 October 2023. Markus Söder has been a member of the Bavarian State Government since 2007 and has served in various functions.