Whether it be summer or winter – Bavarian nature offers a rich variety of different activities. From relaxed pursuits to dynamic sports; there is something for everyone, whatever your age and skill level.

With its steep, towering rocky crags, its clear lakes, gentle rolling landscapes and lush riverside lowlands, the Bavarian landscape impresses with its beauty and diversity. It is amidst this breathtaking backdrop that walkers, cyclists and wintersports fans find the routes to suit their personal levels of fitness and requirements.

Bavaria: Cycling country

With numerous well-constructed cycle paths, Bavaria is a cycling country with unlimited possibilities. Those who like to take things easy can cycle along the flat cycle paths by the River Danube, or on the "Limes Cycle Route" through Altmühltal. Meanwhile, those who are looking to put their fitness to the test can grab their mountain bikes and head to the Franconian Forest Nature Reserve with its 300 kilometres of mountain biking trails. Tours for E-bikes can also be found across Bavaria. Electric bikes mean that you can easily master even long and hilly routes thanks to the support of the electric motor. Besides the "Leinen Cycle Route" in Eastern Bavaria, there is also the cycle route between Lake Constance and Königssee Lake: It spans across southern Bavaria and features numerous service stations along the route, which allow you to recharge the battery for the next leg of the journey free of charge. The highest battery charging station in Bavaria can be found on the Great Arber in the Bavarian Forest.

Out and about on foot

Walkers will find well-constructed and well-signposted hiking trails across Bavaria. From gentle hills to high Alpine climbs – there is something for everyone. A good recommendation for your average holidaymaker is a half-day walk along the "Way of St James" from Eschlkam to the Ascension Day Pilgrimage Church at Neukirchen bei Heilig Blut. Walkers looking for more of a challenge can head out along the "Goldsteig Hiking Trail". One of the "Top Trails of Germany", the path leads you from Furth im Wald along a challenging incline to the summit of the Hohenbogen. Meanwhile, the "24 Hours of Bavaria" – a walking event with 444 participants – has become a real cult event. It takes place in a different region each year and is accompanied by an extensive programme of cultural events.

The relaxed tours though the vineyards of Franconia or the Upper Palatinate Forest are far less sweat-inducing and, as such, far more pleasant. Culinary matters are by no means neglected here either. Guesthouses along the routes provide ample opportunity to take a break and enjoy the regional specialities.

Meanwhile, those who don't want to walk or cycle will find a whole host of alternatives in the State of Bavaria. From paragliding to summer toboggan runs, and wild-water rafting to canoeing and rafting tours on the Bavarian rivers; there is a new experience waiting to be tried each day for active summer holidaymakers. A trip on a sailing boat on one of the large Bavarian lakes or in the Franconian lakeland area is another fantastic experience.

Bavaria: A snow-lover's paradise

It is not just the Bavarian Alps that attract the hoards, with modern lifts and well-constructed pistes that are sure to have snow, such as in the Karwendel mountain range, in Berchtesgaden or in the Allgäu; the low mountain ranges in the Bavarian Forest, the Rhön and the Fichtelgebirge also provide a great deal of fun for the family. But fun in the snow does not necessarily mean charging down exciting descents on skis or conquering them on a snowboard. Long cross-country ski trails, such as the 200 kilometres of ski runs in the Tölzer Land, are part of the wide range of activities available. Snowshoeing in the Upper Palatinate Forest or in the Chiemgau Alps is another popular leisure activity.

Or how about a trip by dog sleigh, a climbing tour of a frozen waterfall, a sleigh run, ice-skating or curling on a frozen lake, or even a biathlon course? Holidaymakers can even speed along Königssee Lake's famous ice channel at speeds of up to 120 km/h in original racing bobsleds, or can bolt down the pistes on inflatable rubber rings in "snow tubing". Whatever gets the heart of wintersports fans beating faster – you can find it in Bavaria.

A warm Germknödel dumpling filled with plum sauce or a Kaiserschmarrn pancake with raisins is a delicious must after an eventful day in the snow – and these delicacies taste even better in the relaxing and authentic atmosphere of a traditional Bavarian lodge. With their cosy surroundings and hospitality, traditional taverns provide a wonderful place for the whole family to stop for a bite to eat.

Text and photo: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH