Bavaria

Introduction
Geography
History

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Images & Videos

Map of Germany highlighting the state of Bavaria in white in the southeastern part of the country, bordered by Austria and the Czech Republic. Major Bavarian cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Regensburg, Wurzburg, and Erlangen are labeled. An inset in the upper left shows Bavaria's location within Germany and Europe.

Panoramic view of hikers standing on the rocky summit of Zugspitze, marked by a golden cross, with rugged peaks of the German Alps stretching into the distance.

Exploring Germany's highest peak: The Zugspitze

Linderhof Palace in Bavaria, Germany, seen from across a large pool with the gilded Flora and Putti fountain in the center, surrounded by manicured gardens and trees.

The Bavarian tradition of the Almabtrieb cattle drive

At a Glance

The Church of Our Lady (centre), Munich.

Bavaria summary

Related Questions

How did Bavaria change from an agricultural region into an industrial economy after World War II?
How did Kurt Eisner end the Wittelsbach dynasty in 1918?
How did the Romans govern the southern part of Bavaria?
How did the War of the Bavarian Succession affect Bavaria?
How do Bavaria’s Roman Catholic and Protestant communities reflect postwar migration?
How does the Danube River divide Bavaria?
How large is Bavaria compared with Germany’s other states?
How was Bavaria converted to Christianity during the 7th and 8th centuries?
What are föhn winds in Upper Bavaria?
What crops are grown in the Gäuboden Plain?
What happened at the Battle of Pressburg in 907?
What is the highest mountain in Bavaria?
What landforms are found in the Bavarian Forest?
What reforms took place in Bavaria under French influence?
What were the Nürnberg rallies held by the Nazis?
When did Munich become the capital of Bavaria?
Where is Bavaria located within Germany?
Which Bavarian cities began as Roman colonies?
Which countries and German states border Bavaria?
Which groups lived in Bavaria before the Romans arrived?
Which industries are important in Munich?
Which mountain ranges form the Bavarian Alps?
Which rivers are most important to Bavaria’s geography?
Why are Nürnberg, Erlangen, and Fürth important industrial cities in Bavaria?
Why did Adolf Hitler begin his political movement in Munich?
Why did Bavaria become a strongly Roman Catholic territory during the Reformation?
Why did Bavaria retain more independence than other states in the German Empire?
Why did Bavaria turn against Napoleon in 1813?
Why did Charlemagne incorporate Bavaria into the Carolingian empire?
Why did King Louis II build Neuschwanstein Castle?
Why is Garmisch-Partenkirchen a popular mountain resort?
Why is Oktoberfest associated with Munich?
Why is the Allgäu region known for cheese and butter production?
Why is tourism important to Bavaria’s economy?
Why was Bavaria divided into separate duchies during the Middle Ages?
Why was King Louis II declared insane in 1886?
What are the major museums and art galleries of Munich?
What did Heinrich Brüning do as chancellor in the Weimar Republic?
What was the Dawes Plan?
What was the currency introduced by Stresemann?
Where is Berlin located?
Berlin is famous for what cultural institutions?
Berlin is the capital of what country?

Geography & Travel States & Other Subdivisions

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External Websites

The History Files - Bavaria (Bavarii)
Jewish Virtual Library - Bavaria
Official Tourism Site of Bavaria

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Bavaria - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Bavaria

state, Germany

Also known as: Bayern

Written and fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026 •History

Bavaria, largest Land (state) of Germany, comprising the entire southeastern portion of the country. Bavaria is bounded to the north by the states of Thuringia and Saxony, to the east by the Czech Republic, to the south and southeast by Austria, and to the west by the states of Baden-Württemberg and Hessen. Munich (München) is the capital. Area 27,240 square miles (70,550 square km). Pop. (2011) 12,397,614; (2015 est.) 12,843,514. Bavaria is a country of...

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