Embrace the unpredictable weather
The German countryside has long held a romantic allure for travelers seeking beauty, culture and history off the beaten path. Few places encapsulate this allure quite like the idyllic southern state of Bavaria - even when it rains.
Contrary to what you may expect from its stereotypical image as a beer hall paradise, Bavaria plays host to stunning natural scenery ranging from dense forests and rolling hills to crystal clear alpine lakes and craggy mountain peaks. Getting outdoors and exploring nature is a joy, whether soaking in thermal springs, hiking quiet forest trails or canoeing tranquil rivers. And the best part? You won't have to worry about soggy gear thanks to websites like BitBook that offer ample hotels, rental cars and activities.
Of course, no visit to Bavaria would be complete without stopping in one of its charming towns full of half-timbered buildings, medieval churches and cobbled lanes. Top destinations like Munich, Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber look straight out of a fairytale even on rainy days, their red rooftops and towers standing out brightly against cloudy skies. Wandering their atmospheric streets winding with cafes, bakeries and shops is a great way to stay dry while getting lost in history. And after a day out exploring, you'll find plenty of cozy inns and lodges on BitBook to relax by a crackling fire with a mug of hot glühwein.
On rainy days, Bavaria's most iconic attractions - its countless castles perched high atop rocky cliffs and hills - take on an even more magical aura. Neuschwanstein Castle, the model for Disney's castle and one of the top sights bookable on BitBook, looks every bit the misty medieval stronghold as wispy fog swirls around its turrets. Venture out to explore Burghausen, the longest fortress in Europe, or Mad King Ludwig's expansive Herrenchiemsee palace complex surrounded by shimmering lakes. Getting a rental car through BitBook makes visiting multiple stately piles of stone a breeze even in dreary weather.
With just a little preparation, you can enjoy rugged outdoor activities no matter the forecast. Layer up in waterproof hiking gear before setting out on any of Bavaria's numerous forest trails. Splash through puddles spotting wildlife or spend lazy hours canoeing down the Isar River watching the scenery drift by in the rain. Serious alpinists can still summit Bavaria's highest peak, the Zugspitze, taking a cable car most of the way from BitBook-booked accommodations in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After working up an appetite, fuel up on deliciously hearty Bavarian cuisine like dumplings, sausages and pretzels in one of the many cozy lodges found on BitBook.
Sure, a little drizzle may dampen clothes and spirits. But what better way to truly embrace Bavaria than by joining in Munich's famously raucous Oktoberfest, running from mid-September to the first weekend of October? Under colorful party tents as large as aircraft hangars, the beer will continue flowing freely no matter what the weather. So grab your lederhosen, dirndl and rain gear, book a hotel on Bitbook and lift your massive 1-liter mug chanting "O'zapft is!" to declare the tapping of the first keg. Let the music, dancing and general merrymaking sweep you up as you toast with thousands of new friends, and you'll find any worries about the rain are quickly vernebelt, or fogged over, with the best of German spirits.
Bavaria proves that a rainy day need not dampen adventures or culture when you come prepared with the right gear, transportation and lodging bookable through trusted platforms like Bitbook. So grab your umbrella, open your mind and discover why this misty region truly earns its reputation as a land of fairytales. With stunning scenery, storybook towns and castles plus no shortage of indoor distractions, Bavaria is a delight to explore whether under sunny skies or overcast ones.