Bavaria

With a total area of 70548 sq km Bavaria is the largest state in the republic of Germany. It is located in the southeast of the country and borders Austria and the Czech republic. The population of Bavaria numbers 12.5 million and its capital is Munich. The earliest known inhabitants of Bavaria were the Celts, who were later replaced by the Germanic tribe of the Bavarii. In the Middle Ages a duchy of Bavaria emerged, which later became a kingdom in 1806. In 1871 Bavaria joined the German federation.
Bavaria is a region filled with historical sites and with beautiful natural scenery. Its highlights are the castles of King Ludwig (of which Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee are shown in this gallery), beautiful baroque churches, monasteries, medieval towns and the breathtaking alpine scenery.