There is a part of Germany that preserves a genuine soul, made of lively towns, open-air thermal baths, and quiet forests. This is Lower Bavaria, a land crossed by the majestic Danube and clear rivers. Here hills alternate with cultivated fields and ancient forests, offering views that change with the seasons. The rhythm is set by traditional festivals, the bells of small villages, and farmers’ markets where you can meet the people who keep Bavarian traditions alive. It is a place where sustainability is not a trend but a way of life. From cycling paths connecting the villages to thermal baths powered by natural springs, to breweries crafting their beer using recipes passed down through generations.
Villages that tell stories, between art and nature
In Lower Bavaria, every village seems to tell a story, with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and lively squares where you can feel an authentic atmosphere. Walking through Passau, the city of three rivers, means discovering picturesque corners along the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz, with baroque facades reflected in the water and alleys climbing towards spectacular viewpoints. Here, you can step into historic churches to hear concerts played on Europe’s largest organ or enjoy a coffee in a traditional café overlooking the river.
Landshut is also worth a visit. Its colorful historic center, dominated by Trausnitz Castle, offers a lively atmosphere with weekly markets and artisan workshops preserving ancient crafts. In these villages, you can taste typical Bavarian flavors, from bakeries offering warm Brezels to traditional breweries where you can savor the Bavarian atmosphere. Around them, cycling and hiking trails wind through hills and forests, passing flowering meadows and small farms where you can taste local honey and cheese, bringing you closer to Bavarian rural culture.
Thermal baths, cycling, and regenerating landscapes
One of the most loved features of Lower Bavaria is its thermal waters, which flow naturally and feed wellness centers where nature and relaxation merge. Places like Bad Füssing, Bad Griesbach, and Bad Birnbach offer outdoor thermal pools surrounded by greenery, perfect for recharging after a day of cycling or a walk in the woods. Cycling enthusiasts will find a paradise here: the Danube Cycle Path runs through authentic rural landscapes, following calm rivers and stopping in villages that seem frozen in time.
Nearby, nature reserves like the Isar Valley and protected areas along the Vils invite you to take long walks among forests, clearings, and streams, with the chance to spot wildlife and reconnect with nature. Each season offers a reason to discover Lower Bavaria: spring with its blooming meadows and village festivals, summer with golden fields and bike rides, autumn with beer festivals, and winter with steaming thermal baths under the morning mist.
A green stay among forests, stars, and local flavors
To experience Lower Bavaria even more authentically, you can stay in a place that embraces the philosophy of sustainable travel: the Veggie-Ferienwohnung, an apartment in the heart of the Bavarian Forest Nature Park. Just a few steps from the forest edge, you can start your day with breakfast outdoors in a 4,000 sqm garden, gather fresh herbs from the raised beds, or taste berries picked directly from the garden. The 44 sqm apartment is equipped with a fully functional kitchen for preparing vegetarian or vegan meals.
From here, you can set off on foot or by bike to explore the Bavarian Forest trails or venture into the nearby National Park, among ancient forests and unspoiled views. If you love culture, the nearby town of Waldkirchen with its medieval walls or the splendid Passau will offer you unforgettable glimpses. Thanks to the Gästekarte, you can easily move around using local buses, often equipped with bike trailers, reducing the impact of your trip.
