Bavarian Brew

Diverse and convenient, Northern Bavaria stands in a class of its own, a treasure trove of attractions to suit all tastes.

Nuremberg, Candy Pink.
Dotted with lakes, lapped by river and canal, the city was said to be cherished by princes and rulers as the apple of their eye. Nuremberg is still healing her wounds but away from World War II reminders, the walled town is a fairyland of pink sandstone and cobbled lanes where half-timbered
buildings peep over flower-draped balconies. A medieval castle sits on the hilltop, all turrets and gateways and sweeping views over a jumble of spires and domes, museums, old houses and bakeries where the smell of ginger hovers in the air.

Among the many attractions, the Toy Museum is a must. There are soldiers and castles, dolls' houses and steam railways reminding us that the first German train, brought in pieces from England, travelled from Nuremberg to Fuhrt. An annual International Toy Fair celebrates the city's 600 year old tradition and its role as toy capital of the world.

At the foot of castle hill is the house of 16th century artist Albrecht Durer. A voice impersonating his wife tells of his life and work while on the upper floor, some of his motives are recreated on a printing press. The shop offers a selection of prints, none more popular with children than the famous rabbit.

Take time to wander for the streets are full of surprises. Here are the Pillars bearing the Declaration of Human Rights, leading to the National Museum and its 1.2 million items, there the Market Square with its 'Beautiful Fountain' and the church clock, where seven princes bow to the emperor at noon. Pop into St Sebald's church, hunt for souvenirs in the craftsmen's courtyard then enjoy a plate of mini-sausages, a local speciality ordered in multiples of two, with a glass of Franconian wine, sipped al fresco as the city glows pink in the setting sun.

Bayreuth, Music and Beer.
Beer and Bavaria go together and to find out more about your favourite pint, there's no better place than the Maisel Brewery Museum, featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the most comprehensive exhibition related to beer. As you make your way past steam engines and boilers, brewing pans,
barrels and hops, you are assaulted by myriad smells and sounds. Then gaze at the great collection of coasters and advertising signs and over 4400 beer glasses. As you'd expect, the visit ends with a tasting session and much revelry.

But Bayreuth has its serious side, a castle of yellow sandstone and a princess who gave the town much of its glorious past. Gifted and bright, Wilhelmine was the driving force behind the Opera House, a Baroque masterpiece preserved as it was in the 18th century, now on the nomination list for World Heritage Site. Wagner found its gilt and marble effects too distracting so he commissioned his own Festival Hall, still the venue for the annual Wagner Opera Festival. Not so far away is Wahnfried, the house where he lived, and the garden where crowds gather by his grave.

To Wilhelmine, Bayreuth also owes the Hermitage east of the city. Used as her summer retreat, it's a glittering world of mosaics, colonnades and statues mirrored in a pool, and a fashionable place for wedding receptions.

Coburg, home of sausages and princes

In 1998 when Prince Andrew was presented with a Coburg sausage on a silver tray, he picked it up with his fingers, as the locals do. They loved it and to this day on the market square, the ladies grilling sausages over pine cones have never made a better trade. Whatever the weather, it's the perfect
start to the day.

Coburg is no stranger to royalty. Prince Albert was born here and continues to watch over the city from his pedestal on the square. He is seen holding the plans of Crystal Palace, his pride and joy.

Queen Victoria visited many times, confiding in her diary 'if I was not what I am, this would have been my real home'. Follow in royal footsteps and you will come to Rosenau, the lovely castle set in rural parklands, Ehrenburg Palace with its great hall and royal portraits, and Veste Coburg, the hilltop fortress which houses an impressive art collection. On a fine day, the views over town and countryside are superb.

Return to Market Square and linger for a while among the city's finest buildings decorated with gables and oriels. Then head for the Rose Garden, a memorial to Johann Strauss who became citizen of Coburg in order to remarry, or explore the National Science Museum built to house Prince Albert's
collection or the Museum with 1000 Dolls, and if this has given you an appetite, just try another sausage and a pint of Bavarian beer.

Fact File

Air Berlin: daily low fare flights from Stansted to NUremberg. www.airberlin.com
Tel. 0870 7 28 88 80.

Currency: Euros

Language: German, English widely spoken.

For further information, contact:

www.germany-tourism.co.uk
Tel. 020 7317 0908

www.Bavaria.by (information in English)

www.nuernberg.de

www.bayreuth.de

www.coburg-tourist.de

18 June 2005