Bavaria and Franconia:
About the country, big cities, companies and castles
In the south of Germany, right between the Thuringian Forest and the Alps, lies Germanys´ most beautiful state - the Free State of Bavaria (ger.: Freistaat Bayern). Whatever people say about it and whatever you might see on fantastic pictures of Bavaria, just don´t belive your eyes and ears. Bavaria is so beautiful, fabulous, incredible and remarkable that no perfect picture could ever show and no wise man alive could ever describe it. North of the river Danube (ger.: Donau), which is the longest river in the European Union (1771 miles), lies Franconia (ger.: Franken) which is undoubtedly the better part of Bavaria. Of course south Bavarians wouldn´t admit to it but believe us, it´s true. Although Franconia geographically is a part of Bavaria, Franconians often don´t regard themselves as being Bavarians but Franconians.
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"Due to their long independence (until 1871), Bavarians have always maintained a strong national identity. Some features of the Bavarian culture and mentality are remarkably distinct from the rest of Germany. A prevalent perception among other Germans is that Bavarians see Bavaria as the most important part of Germany. [...] implying that Bavarians view themselves as a separate country, or at least culturally superior to the rest of Germany." (Source: Wikipedia)
Anyway, Bavaria is the geographical largest state of Germany and has a population of about 12.5 million inhabitants. It´s capital and largest city is Munich (ger.: München) in the south which also is Germany´s third largest city after Berlin and Hamburg. It is the economic centre of south Germany and has the strongest economy of any German city as well as the lowest unemployment rate. It has Germany´s second largest international airport (after Frankfurt International Airport), is significant as a financial centre (second after Frankfurt) and many international companies have their German or European headquarters there (e.g. McDonalds and Microsoft). One of Munich´s most famous products are cars from a company called Bayerische Motoren Werke (engl.: Bavarian Motor Works) or in short: BMW. Another important brand is AUDI. It´s headquarters are in Ingolstadt. |
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But now back to the Franconians (ger.: Franken). In the northern part of Bavaria, in beautiful Middle Franconia (ger.: Mittelfranken), is Nuremberg (ger.: Nürnberg) situated. It lies 110 miles north of Munich, has a population of about 500,000 and is therefore Franconia´s largest city (and Bavarias second largest).
Nuremberg is well known because of its Gingerbread (ger.: Lebkuchen) which is sold in many countries and not only when Nuremberg´s famous Christmas market takes place every year in December. The city is also famous for their handmade toys (The Nuremberg International Toy Fair is the largest of its kind in the world) and its delicious sausages. In the 16th century the first pocket watches were also made in Nuremberg. Well known companies in and around Nuremberg are Siemens, Adidas and Puma.
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Nuremberg, like Munich in the south, has an interesting history:
"Nuremberg held great significance during the Nazi Germany period. Because of the city's relevance to the Holy Roman Empire and its position in the center of Germany, the Nazi Party chose the city to be the site of huge Nazi Party conventions–the Nuremberg rallies. The rallies were held annually from 1927 to 1938 in Nuremberg. After Hitler's rise to power in 1933 the Nuremberg rallies became huge state propaganda events, a center of anti-Semitism and other Nazi ideals. [...] Today many examples of Nazi architecture can still be seen in the city." (Source: Wikipedia)
After the second World War the 'Nuremberg Trials' were held in front of an international tribunal in the Nuremberg Palace of Justice.
Bavaria shares international borders with Austria and Switzerland in the south and the Czech Republic in the west. The Bavarian Alps define the border with Austria and within the range is the highest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze with an altitude of 2,962 metres (9,718 ft). |
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Especially Bavaria is famous for its wonderful castles. Some of them were built by Ludwig II of Bavaria (aka the "Swan King" or the "Fairytale King") like Neuschwanstein Castle (engl.: New Swan Stone), Linderhof Castle and Herrenchiemsee which is a replica of the central section of the palace at Versailles in France...
While we´re at it, we´d like to emphasise this especially for our American visitors: Neuschwanstein Castle was built and completed in the 19th century. That was before it became an inspiration for Walt Disney and his Cinderella Castle, not vice-versa. We know it´s hard to believe but true.
Until today many visitors from all over the world are coming to Bavaria and Franconia not only to see the famous points of interests or the beautiful countryside but to experience hospitality, delicious food, customs and traditions. You want to read more about them? Just follow us. |
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