Bavaria is green.  Bavaria has the Alps in the south, the low mountain Bavarian Forest region to the east, and rolling hills over much of the state.  Bavaria has many river valleys, including the Danube and Inn, which help create fertile farmland.  50% of Bavaria is farm country, and 30% is covered by forests. Bavaria has a larger population than 39 European countries yet has only one city with over one million people.

Bavaria used to be a sovereign country, and has a famous royal history, thanks in part to King Ludwig II and his castles.  Did you know that Bavaria has over 600 surviving castles and palaces (including ruins)?  Bavaria has lots of industry and is a world-renowned technology center – home to BMW, Audi, Siemens and Infineon – but is also famous for its cultural traditions.  The traditional dress  Lederhosen and Dirndls are known the world over.  The world’s largest annual festival, the Oktoberfest, has been held for over 200 years.  The oldest breweries in the world are in Bavaria – but craft beer has also found its German roots here.