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Battambang

Battambang (Khmer: ក្រុងបាត់ដំបង) with about 150,000 people (2016), is Cambodia's second most populous city, and a popular tourist destination due to the nearby ancient temples, the circus and the bamboo railway. It is the capital of Battambang Province.

Understand
Despite being Cambodia's second largest city, Battambang is often overlooked in favor of the more popular Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Battambang is quieter, less commercial and cheaper, and provides an opportunity to see a slightly less Westernized Cambodian city. Remnants of French colonial architecture can be spotted around the city, and there are food and lodging options that will cater to most budgets and tastes.

By road
National Hwy 5 from Phnom Penh is is around 5 hours. Hwy 5 runs northwest to Sisophon and Poipet. At Sisophon (1 hr), Hwy 6 branches off to Siem Reap (also a rough trip in parts).

By bus

 * Siem Reap – 4 hr, US$4–5
 * Poipet (Thai border) – 2–3 hr, US$4–5

Bus companies:
 * Paramount Angkor Buses run twice daily from Battambang to Pailin via Hwy 57 (2 hours) for US$4.
 * PP Sorya buses also go from Battambang to Bangkok, and Poipet.

By train

Connections from:
 * Phnom Penh – 06:40, 6¾ hr, US$8
 * Pursat – 10:40, 2½ hr, US$4
 * Maung Russey – 12:00, 1 hr
 * (Battambang – 13:00)

The return journey starts at 15:00.

By boat
One boat a day travels from Siem Reap (for Angkor) to Battambang, departing Siem Reap at 07:00 and costs US$20. An interesting and very scenic journey along small rivers, the boat threads its way through numerous charming floating villages and past dozens of towering cantilevered fishing net installations. It can take between 6–12 hours, depending on the time of year (and hence the water level), however the time can be fairly accurately predicted by checking the time that the same boat arrived yesterday.

During the dry season, when the water level gets very low, the boats cannot get all the way to Battambang, and the journey is completed by minibus or pick-up truck.

On foot
The city center is pretty compact and can be mostly explored by foot. Unhappily, the locals have named the main cross-street 'Pub Street', after that in Siem Reap it doesn't resemble at all.

By bicycle or motorbike
Bicycles can be rented from most hotels or private companies for US$1-2 per day. Motorbikes can be rented from US$5 a day. The driving habits of locals are hazardous. Police may try to fine tourists on motorbikes. If pulled over, stay calm, smile, take the key out of the ignition (to prevent the police trying to ransom it), and pay a small fine of US$1–2.

By taxi
Tuk-tuks and motorbike drivers hang around popular tourist areas. As most of the interesting and useful destinations are quite close to each other, most rides should only cost you US$2–4. More distant trips like Phnom Sampouv (the "killing caves") will cost around US$10, and can be combined with other destinations for a total of US$12–15.

Don't be too stingy with tips. Tuk tuk and motorcycle taxi guys make barely enough to live, especially in the low season.

By boats
Small boats serve as ferries (500 riel) and cross the river from in front of the market.

See

 * Phnom Sampeou 01.jpg
 * Wat Ek, Battambang province - 0001.jpg
 * Wat Ek, Battambang province - 0001.jpg
 * Wat Ek, Battambang province - 0001.jpg
 * Wat Ek, Battambang province - 0001.jpg

Do

Head to The Real Place Hostel for competitive priced tours. They have full and half day tours of sights and activities in the region and their price depends on the number of people, but since everyone is heading here, it often ends up in the cheapest deal — still compare though!

Buy

There are two large markets in the center, its easy to spot them on a map.

Eat
Battambang's culinary traditions and reputation for producing high quality fruit, vegetables and rice led to it being designated in October 2023 as a UNESCO Creative City in the gastronomy category.

There are plenty of places to eat, but after 19:00 some places close and lots of streets become dark, so eating early (around 18:00) is recommended.

You can get some great French-style bread (by French standards) for 1,000 riel a medium-size baguette up north, between the French cultural centre and the giant statue marking the entry in Battambang from the main inter-provincial road. The bread that street sellers have elsewhere in town is of a much lower standard for the same price, similar to that found in Phnom Penh, baguette-shapes, but sprinkled with sugar. Some people do not notice any difference between the bread sold in the north and elsewhere in Battambang. It is generally of decent quality all across the city.

 * Flavors of India, Street 121 (Near intersection with Road 1.5), . 11:00–22:00. Excellent North Indian dishes with local and imported beers, lassi and noteworthy entrees. Mains from US$3-5.
 * Flavors of India, Street 121 (Near intersection with Road 1.5), . 11:00–22:00. Excellent North Indian dishes with local and imported beers, lassi and noteworthy entrees. Mains from US$3-5.
 * Flavors of India, Street 121 (Near intersection with Road 1.5), . 11:00–22:00. Excellent North Indian dishes with local and imported beers, lassi and noteworthy entrees. Mains from US$3-5.
 * Flavors of India, Street 121 (Near intersection with Road 1.5), . 11:00–22:00. Excellent North Indian dishes with local and imported beers, lassi and noteworthy entrees. Mains from US$3-5.
 * Flavors of India, Street 121 (Near intersection with Road 1.5), . 11:00–22:00. Excellent North Indian dishes with local and imported beers, lassi and noteworthy entrees. Mains from US$3-5.

Budget

Stay safe
Battambang is very hot during Feb–May, when air conditioning (which adds perhaps US$5 to room cost) is hard to do without. For those with vulnerable stomachs, the hot season is also the least safe, food-wise. Like all Cambodian cities, Battambang is dusty, and eye problems can result. Wear your largest sunglasses when moving around on foot or by tuk tuk.

Street dogs (including those fed by stallholders in the main market, Psar Nath) occasionally attack non-locals, so carrying a stick or stones is a good precaution if out walking.

A general rule if you want to help out the kids begging on the streets is to buy them food but don't give them money. Adults with 'charity ID' collecting money 'for the children', generally near the river, are scammers. Sometimes they'll ask you to volunteer to teach local kids English: this generally ends in an attempt to get money from you.

If you are sick or injured, see a Western-trained doctor not one trained in Cambodia; there is often at least one of these at the Handa Medical Centre. (No appointment needed: just show up.)

Go next

 * Phnom Penh
 * Siem Reap (for Angkor)

title: Battambang


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Battersea (Ontario)

Battersea is a community in the township of South Frontenac, Ontario, 20 km north of Kingston. Battersea is well known for its fishing and outdoor activities as it is close to Loughborough Lake, Dog Lake and the Rideau Canal Waterway.

History
Henry Van Luven, a veteran of the War of 1812 Battle of Lundy's Lane, was the founder of the village of Battersea in 1840 when he bought 1,200 acres (4.9 km²) of Crown land at the time of the development of the Rideau Canal. He called it Van Luven's Mills, then Rockland. The post office requested it be renamed to avoid confusion with a similarly named city elsewhere in the province. His first choice was to name it after a section of London, England and that was accepted. He gave 200 acres (0.81 km²) to each of his six sons and lots in the village of Battersea to his daughters. Henry built the stone mill in Battersea.

The large Van Luven family home is on a rise at the entrance to what is now Battersea. In 1912 the home was converted into a fishing lodge, now called the Holiday Manor Northern Lodge.

Get in
From Kingston and Kingston Mills, take Battersea Road (Montréal Street, 401 exit 619) northbound to Battersea.

From elsewhere in the Rideau Canal system (including Smiths Falls), take 15 south and cross the canal near Brewers Mills (any of Burnt Hills Road, CR12 - Sunbury Road or Washburn Road join Hwy 15 to CR 11 - Battersea Road). While the Battersea Road continues north to end at Highway 15, this becomes a winding road and progressively more difficult as one continues north through Frontenac County.

From Westport, take CR 10 - Perth Road south to Inverary, then turn east.

Get around
This is a large rural area with small villages, most or all of which are only reachable by car.

See

 * The are east of Battersea, on the Cataraqui River south of Cranberry Lake. Parks Canada operates a few "oTENTiks" (platforms with semi-permanent tents) at this location, and launch points for canoes or kayaks.
 * The are east of Battersea, on the Cataraqui River south of Cranberry Lake. Parks Canada operates a few "oTENTiks" (platforms with semi-permanent tents) at this location, and launch points for canoes or kayaks.

Go next

 * Westport — a rural village with various stores selling crafts on the main street, as well as motel and bed and breakfast accommodation.
 * Kingston — on Lake Ontario, at the end of the Rideau Canal.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Battersea (Ontario)


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Battle

Battle is a small town in the county of East Sussex, England, about 5 miles (8 km) inland from Hastings and is the aptly-named site of the Battle of Hastings, fought between Harold, King of England and William (the Conqueror), Duke of Normandy in 1066. The association with the famous battle, and the abbey built on its site, attract thousands of visitors each year.

The small town of Battle is literally built around the memories of the fateful battle on 14 October 1066, when Anglo-Saxon England fell to the Norman conquerors, determining the direction of the country for centuries to come.

Get in
Trains from London Charing Cross run twice an hour via several south London stations and Tunbridge Wells, taking 90 min to Battle and continuing to St Leonards and Hastings.

is half a mile southeast of village centre and close to the battle site. The station itself is a time warp piece of Victorian Gothic.

Battle is reached by road by turning off the A21 onto the A2100 (OS Map 199; reference TQ 749157).

Get around
Bus 304 / 305 runs hourly from Hastings via St Leonards and takes 30 min to Battle station and abbey. It continues to Robertsbridge and Hawkhurst.

Go next

 * Hastings with St Leonards is a rather run-down beach resort.
 * Bexhill is a smaller resort west, but the next large town along the coast is Eastbourne.
 * Robertsbridge is near Bodiam Castle.

title: Battle


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Battle Creek

There's more than one place called Battle Creek:

United States of America

 * Battle Creek (Iowa) - a city in Ida County, Iowa
 * Battle Creek (Michigan) - a city in Calhoun County, West Michigan
 * Battle Creek (Nebraska) - a city Madison County, Nebraska

title: Battle Creek


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Battle Creek (Michigan)

Battle Creek is a city in West Central Michigan. It boasts a population of 52,721 as of 2020. The city is renowned for its prominent breakfast cereal industry.

Understand
The city enjoyed prosperity through much of the 20th century. However, akin to numerous small Midwestern cities, it witnessed a decline in manufacturing jobs and stagnant wages. The impact was particularly severe on Kellogg Cereal, the stalwart that once upheld the now-closed Cereal City attraction.

Additionally, the city resides adjacent to a substantial National Guard base. A portion of the erstwhile Fort Custer Army base has now transformed into a state park. Moreover, during the 1980s and 90s, the city undertook the annexation of various nearby areas, resulting in its present expanse of, a significant portion of which remains sparsely populated.

By car
Battle Creek is between Chicago and Detroit on Interstate 94.

By bus
Greyhound stops at a Intermodal station downtown on McCamly St.

By train

 * Routes serving Battle Creek:
 * Wolverine Service operates several times daily between Pontiac and Chicago including stops along the way in Troy, Royal Oak, Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Niles, and New Buffalo.
 * Blue Water operates daily between Port Huron and Chicago including stops in Flint, East Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Niles, and New Buffalo.
 * Blue Water operates daily between Port Huron and Chicago including stops in Flint, East Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Niles, and New Buffalo.

See
Battle Creek is home to Post and Kellogg's Cereal. These companies are renowned for their production of cereal and breakfast foods. The factories are on the east side of town; however, they do not provide any tours.

Eat
The usual chain-type family restaurants are clustered near I-94 on the southern edge of town.

Sleep
Motels are mostlynear the Interstate highway.

Go next

 * Kalamazoo
 * Gull Lake is a half-hour NW of the city.
 * Marshall, an attractive small town to the east of Battle Creek, boasts the Dark Horse Brewery, renowned for its exceptional micro-brewed beer, all within a laid-back ambiance. Moreover, Marshall is adorned with numerous splendid Victorian houses and features a pedestrian-friendly downtown area.

title: Battle Creek (Michigan)


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Battlefields (KwaZulu-Natal)

Battlefields is in the northern part of the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. During the nineteenth century it was the scene of battles between the Zulu and the Voortrekkers (Boers), between the British and the Zulu and between the British and the Boers.

Towns

 * — a coal-mining town and the site of the Battle of Blood River in 1838
 * - a country town on the main Durban Johannesburg route, home of the Eskort brand of meat products
 * — an industrial town at the foot of the Drakensberg mountains
 * — At the top of the Drakensberg escarpment. It has an interesting 8-seat church
 * — The industrial city that is a gateway to the Zulu Kingdom
 * Located on the Mpumulanga side of the Mpumulanga/kwaZulu-Natal border.
 * Located on the Mpumulanga side of the Mpumulanga/kwaZulu-Natal border.

Understand
The province of KwaZulu-Natal is bounded in the west and in the north by the Drakensberg [mountains] (”Berg” is Dutch for “Mountain”) and in the east by the Indian Ocean. The main river in the province, the Tugela, flows from west to east cutting the province into two half-way between Estcourt and Ladysmith. One of the main tributaries of the Tugela, the Buffalo River flows from the province’s northern border close to Majuba, south-eastwards and joins the Tugela half-way along its course to the sea. The Battlefields area of the province occupied much of the north-west quadrant of the province. The area to the east of the Buffalo River, which includes the towns of Vryheid and Utrecht are in the area formerly known as Zululand. At the start of the nineteenth century, the area was inhabited mainly by the Nguni people. The Zulu were a small clan within the greater Nguni linguistic area. During the first decade of the century, a small clan, the Zulu, asserted themselves and became the dominant clan. In the 1820s a small number of British adventurers established a base in what is now Durban and in 1837 numbers of Voortrekkers (from the Dutch word for “pioneers”) entered the area from across the Drakensberg with the intent of establishing a republic outside British control. Their leader, Piet Retief, negotiated the sale of the land south of the Tugela River, but immediately the negotiations were complete, he and his followers were murdered as were many of those hoping to acquire land. A retaliation raid followed, the Zulu were beaten in the Battle of Blood River and Mpande installed as King of the Zulu. Memorials now exist to this conflict at Bloukrans and at Blood River.

In 1842 the Natalia Republic which was set up by the Voortrekkers in the area south of the Tugela River passed into British hands. For the rest of the century, the area south of the Tugela was effectively British territory, the area east of the Buffalo River was effectively Zulu territory and the area between the Buffalo and Tugela Rivers was under partial Boer and partial British control. ("Boer", from the Dutch word for “farmer”, was applied to the Voortrekkers once they had settled and started farming.)

In 1879, after the death of Mpande, the new Zulu king Cetewayo, attempted to invade the “white man’s” territory, resulting in battles at Islandwana and Rorke’s Drift and elsewhere and also resulting in the death of Prince Louis Napoleon during a reconnaissance trip.

At about the same time, Britain annexed the Transvaal (a Boer republic) territory. One of the results was the First Boer War of 1880-1 which spilled over into the Natal Battlefields area at Majuba.

During the last two decades of the Nineteenth Century, the politics of Southern Africa were dominated by the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand. Tensions between Boer and Briton resulted in the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902). As soon as the war broke out, the Boers swept through Northern Natal and laid siege to Ladysmith. The Tugela River became the effective front line. British attempts to cross the river failed at both Spioen Kop and at Colenso but they finally broke through at the Battle of the Tugela Heights and relieved Ladysmith.

Visitor information

 * Battlefields Visitor information from KwaZulu-Natal Tourism

By plane
There is a small regional airport at Ladysmith, but flights to and from Ladysmith are extremely limited. The closest international airports to the Battlefields area are in Durban (150 km to the south of Estcourt) and Johannesburg (200 km) north-west of Volksrust.

By car

 * From Durban, follow the N3 road for about 150 km, then take the turning to Estcourt which is one of the most southerly towns of the area.
 * There are two routes from Johannesburg:
 * Follow the N3 southwards for about 250 km. About 30 km after you enter the province of KwaZulu-Natal, take the R103 for another 10 km which will bring you into Ladysmith.
 * Follow the N3 southwards out of Johannesburg for about 20 km. At Junction 59, follow R23 (signposted for Standerton). After 150 km, you will reach Volksrust, a town which is on the border of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields area.

Get around
Unless you are on an organised tour, the best way to get around is by car using SatNav. Note that under South African it is illegal to conduct a guided tour unless the guide is accredited and registered with the South African Tourism Authorities.

The Battlefields
These sites are listed in chronological order. Many are spread over several square kilometres. The directions and grid coordinates are for the museum associated with the site, if one exists, otherwise to the largest of the monuments.

In the area of Ladysmith, there are five important sites: the Bloukrans Memorial (Weneen Massacre), the Siege of Ladysmith memorials and museum; the Battle of Colenso (the Robert E Stevenson Museum, memorials and graveyards); the Battle of Spion Kop; and the Battle of Tugela Heights.

In the area of Dundee, you will also find four important sites: the Ncome-Blood River Heritage Site (monuments and two museums, one commemorating the battle from a Afrikaner point of view, and the other from a Zulu perspective); Isandlwana Battlefield (memorials, a visitor centre and museum); Rorkes Drift Museum; and the Prince Imperial Memorial.

The Battle of Majuba memorials and O'Neil's Cottage, near Newcastle, host a museum and a cemetery.

Eat
The Battlefields area of KwaZulu-Natal is spread over many hundreds of square kilometres and has few roadhouses. Most of the towns have various restaurants. It is recommended that the user refer to the list of towns in this article to find suitable places to eat.

Go next

 * Drakensberg
 * Kruger National Park

title: Battlefields (KwaZulu-Natal)


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Battle Mountain

Battle Mountain is in Nevada between Winnemucca and Elko on US 80.

By car
Interstate 80 has three exits for Battle Mountain. Eastbound Exit 231 leads to Broad Street, in the center of the town. Westbound Exit 231 leads to Broyles Ranch Road a block west of Broad Street. Exit 233 leads to the eastern end of Front Street, another of the town's main thoroughfares, while Exit 229 for Allen Road will put you near the western end of Front Street.

Go next

 * Death Valley
 * Las Vegas

title: Battle Mountain


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Batu

Batu is a pleasantly cool and verdant hill station on the slopes of Mount Welirang (Gunung Welirang) in East Java. Batu, Selecta and the surrounding villages are a charming area worth a couple of days to explore, and more importantly to relax.

Understand
Batu is a very common Indonesian place-name element - Batu Gajah, Batu Ampar, etc. Sometimes these get informally shortened to “Batu”, but this place is Batu full stop. The word means “rock” or “boulder”, and is often applied to landing places, but in this instance it may indicate a royal retreat in a pleasant upland climate. In ancient times only the ruling elite could take themselves away in that fashion, with their grand entourages. Early modern times and the Dutch colonial period saw the growth of a mercantile class glad to escape from sweltering Surabaya, and Batu expanded as a hill station. The nearby town of Selecta was constructed as a purpose-built hill resort in 1928 on the slopes of Mount Arjuna (Gunung Arjuna), and city-dwellers acquired weekend houses here. The area had reached a population of 190,000 by 2010. The climate also suits the growing of apples and orchids.

The Batu area is at 800 to 1100 metres so it is pleasantly cool compared to lowland East Java. Typical day time temperatures are 17 to 20 °C. The mountain tops reach over 3000 m and their night-time temperatures regularly drop to 3 to 4 °C.

Get in
It is a 45-minute drive from the centre Malang to Batu and 3 to 4 hours drive from Surabaya to Malang. Using 2 hours train from Surabaya to Malang would be advisable and then take a GrabCar or GoCar for added convenience.

Regular shuttle buses and bemos ply the route, departing from Malang's Landung Sari bus terminal.

The better hotels in the area are open to arranging to collect you from Malang.

Batu gets very crowded at weekends and during school holidays with trippers from Malang and Surabaya. Avoid those periods if possible.

Get around
The area lends itself very well to walking. There are regular local bemo services and all of the better hotels offer tours and/or private transport to the main sights. Batu complex becomes bigger due to constructions of newer theme parks and attractions and to visit them all might take 2 or 3 days. Use ride-hailing services such as Gojek and Grab for easier navigation around the area.

Do
Climb Mount Arjuna and Mount Welirang. This is a tough 3-day expedition for experienced trekkers only. These two mountains combine to form a volcanic massif. Dormant Arjuna is at 3,338 m and active Welirang at 3,156 m and the two are joined by huge saddle ridge. There are several ways to approach the trek but the best start point is at Selecta, 4 km north of Batu. You will need a guide and these are best found in Selecta village. If you are staying in Batu your hotel may also be able to help you find a good guide. Plan for two nights on the mountains in temperatures which can approach freezing. There is no need to cart tents as there are simple hut shelters used by the local sulphur workers and all guides will know the locations. You will need a warm sleeping bag and appropriate clothing though.

The lower slopes are lush but this gives way to a high terrain which more recalls the Andes or Tibet than tropical Indonesia. The same is true of the basic shelters in which you will be sleeping. The route from Selecta tackles Arjuna first and the views from the top are stunning - the whole volcanic spine of East Java stretches before you. The following day, Welirang offers similar magnificence with the added thrill of a steaming, sulphurous active crater. Be very careful on Welirang and take no risks: this mountain is classed as a very active A-type by geologists. This is a very rewarding trek with views as good, if not better, than from any of Java's volcanic peaks.

Walk. The area in and around Batu and Selecta is very scenic indeed and lends itself well to casual walking as well as more strenuous treks.

Eat apples. They are everywhere and you can hardly not.

Buy
While it is not exactly a shopping mecca, there are interesting souvenirs one can take away from Batu.

Eat
Apples again. This is the country's major apple producing centre and aside from the delicious fresh produce, try:

 * Dried apple chips. A real speciality here which are sold in bags so you can stock up. Healthy and truly delicious.

 * A local apple cake known as Dodol.

There are good quality restaurants attached to all of the main hotels.

Drink
Unsurprisingly, there are several local variations on apple juice, both pure and laced with different syrups.

Sleep
There are a lot of quite highly priced hotels in Batu these days which were set up to cater for the wealthy local weekend market. If you are visiting Batu on a weekday outside of the school holiday season you'll likely get a good deal at a higher end hotels.

Simpler budget accommodation is also available and if you visit on weekdays without a reservation you will almost certainly find plenty of available options.

Connect
The telephone area code for Batu is 0341.

Internet connectivity is good and you will find public internet cafes in central areas of Batu.

Go next

 * The historical and cultural delights of Malang are 45 min away
 * Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park for active volcanoes

title: Batu


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Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is a beach town in Penang, Malaysia. It takes up the northern coast of Penang island along with the nearby beach town of Tanjung Bungah and the local fishing village of Teluk Bahang, which are also covered on this page.

Understand
Probably the single most heavily developed stretch of tourist resorts in the entire country, the scenery and the beaches have undeniably suffered under the assault of all that concrete. Still, while the beaches aren't the best in Malaysia, there are still miles of white sand and palm trees left. Fierce competition keeps hotel prices low and there's some great food to be found too. Also a notable fact making the decision to visit Batu Ferringhi an easier one is, that the more you approach to the west, the less the touristisation has infected the beaches. Beaches near the famous night-market are very nice, though with less than perfect water quality because of the extensive powered water sports and infestations of jellyfish.

Orientation
From east to west (that is, moving further 'out' from George Town and the airport), the main beaches are Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi proper and Teluk Bahang.

Get in
From Kuala Lumpur, a 45-minute flight to Penang Airport, or several hours by bus or car.

On Penang Island (and neighbouring Butterworth), Penang's Rapid Transit bus system is very efficient, with a fleet of modern buses (some even have free wi-fi). It's possible to catch a bus #102 all the way to Batu Ferringhi from the airport, or you might have to go to the central transport hub — Komtar in George Town first and then catch a #101 bus. Bus drivers are usually quite helpful.

Taxis are the alternative - they almost never use the meter, so negotiate a price first.

Get around
Taxis trawl up and down the windy roads of the north coast. Fares are negotiable but tourists will have a hard time getting anywhere for less than RM 15. Most hotels have shuttle services too.

Penang Rapid buses are fairly regular till about 11PM, plying the route from Georgetown through Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi to Teluk Bahang. One bus route goes down the western coast from Teluk Bahang, but with an average frequency of 2 hours at best, and reputedly can't be relied on. 7-day Rapid Transit Passport cards (RM 30) give unlimited travel, though are available from limited locations including Komtar and the airport (see website for complete details). Bus stops can be unmarked, so ask a local.

Do

 * Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy the foot or body massage could be a good idea to rest and relax.
 * Watersports are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits. Beware of the jellyfish! If stung, apply vinegar and if you experience chest pain, consider seeing the doctor for something to combat the allergic reaction.

Eat
There are plenty of places to eat all around, although discerning gourmands might want to explore less watered-down Malaysian cuisine in George Town.

One option worth a special trip are the seafood restaurants at the pier of Teluk Bahang, at the northwestern tip of the island, past the hotels and the little village. The famed "End of the World" has closed, but quite a few have sprung up to take its place.

For families, or those who just want to get out of the resort, you can't go past the hawker centres and fresh fruit stalls on the side of the road. At the hawker centres the kids can pick and choose what they like from the different shops, you just pay the bill when it is delivered to your table. For best results, stick with the Asian cuisines, the attempts at Western food are not worth eating.

 * Viva Food Court, formerly known as "Golden Sands Bayview food court; this eatery is just outside the Naza Hotel and it provides a wide range of Malaysian food (mostly Penang hawker).
 * Ferringhi Garden, just south of the Parkroyal Plaza. A little pricey, but a wonderful atmosphere and a very wide ranging menu.
 * Gerai Makanan, hawker centre near the Golden Sands Resort Hotel, a dozen or so food and drink stalls. Covers a range of cuisines, with Indian, Chinese, Malay, Seafood and reasonably priced beer.
 * Khaleel Nasi, at the south end of Eden Parade mall, serves reasonable Muslim Indian food such as roti, prata and nasi kandar. Good for breakfast, brunch or lunch and expect to pay RM 8 per person for a filling meal and a soft drink.
 * Beach Corner Seafood, good quality seafood restaurant at reasonable prices almost on the beach near the Lone Pine Hotel.

Drink
Fresh juice at the hawker centre about halfway through the markets. At RM2 each, these are a bargain and there are many different combinations, helpful if you are travelling with fussy kids!

Sleep
There are lots of options with rack rates above RM 500, but only in peak season (notably Christmas/New Year) will you have to pay this much. The cheaper places charge around RM 50.

Budget
Almost all backpacker accommodation, in the form of local guest houses opposite the beach past the Parkroyal Resort has been destroyed and it's really difficult to find some cheap bed. A simple room with a fan begin at around RM 15-60 per night, it is some times cheaper to sleep in Georgetown (also much more services and better local meals) and travel back and forth by public bus. If arriving by bus get off at the post office and walk down to the beach.

Go next
There is still plenty more of Penang to visit, simply hop on one of the local Rapid Penang buses and explore.
 * Head south to discover Penang's backcountry at Balik Pulau. The area is literally the back of the island and is a slice of an undeveloped Penang. Around the expansive area you will find kampungs, fruit farms and rice paddies scattered throughout.
 * Visit Air Itam, a town just west of George Town. Explore the famous Penang Hill, either by funicular train or spend a few hours and trek to the top. The views of Penang are exceptional from the hill. Be sure to check out the local markets and the gigantic Kek Lok Si Temple.
 * Cross over to Penang's mainland, which is somewhat off the tourist track. The towns of Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam are a great place to start.

title: Batu Ferringhi


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Batumi

Batumi is the capital city of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara in the country of Georgia. Batumi's coastal location and sub-tropical climate make it a popular holiday destination. It's the party capital of the region, with a nightlife to match, which increasingly includes big name international DJs on the beachfront clubs.

Understand
Expect to party on the beaches with Russians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Iranians, Turks, Dutch, Germans, and, of course, Georgians.

Also, Batumi has an interesting architecture, mixing modern attempts with old architecture.

Climate
Batumi and its vicinity is one of the important tourism and resort zones on the Georgian Black Sea littoral. The climate is humid subtropical. The low annual range of temperature, with a mild winter and warm summer is a characteristic of the city and of the Georgian coast as well. The average annual temperature is 14.5°C. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 7.1°C and in August, the warmest month, 23.2°C. The annual precipitation is 2,560 mm. Showers are frequent. It rarely snows but when it does, the snow melts easily. The average annual temperature of the sea is 16.7°C at the shore.

Talk
The official and majority language is Georgian. Nonetheless, English, Russian, and Turkish are also commonly spoken. Russian is spoken by most older Georgians, while English is spoken by many (though hardly most) younger ones. In addition, because of the large number of Turkish tourists, it's not uncommon for locals to speak Turkish, or at least simple Turkish phrases.

By plane

The following airlines operate service to Batumi International Airport:

 * Air Arabia (Sharjah) (seasonal)
 * Aircompany Armenia (Yerevan)
 * Belavia (Minsk)
 * Buta Airways (Baku)
 * flydubai (Dubai) (seasonal)
 * flynas (Dammam (seasonal), Jeddah (seasonal), Riyadh)
 * Georgian Airways (Tbilisi, Ben Gurion International Airport / Tel Aviv (seasonal), Yerevan (seasonal))
 * Pegasus Airlines (Istanbul-Sabina Gokcen)
 * SCAT Airlines (Aktau (seasonal), Astana)
 * SkyUp (Kyiv-Boryspil, Kharkiv (seasonal), Lviv (seasonal), Odesa (seasonal), Zaporizhzhia (seasonal).
 * Sundor Airlines (Tel Aviv) (seasonal)
 * Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-New Airport)
 * Vanilla Sky Airlines (Tbilisi)
 * Yanair (Kyiv-Zhuliany, Kharkiv (seasonal), Lviv (seasonal), Odesa (seasonal))

By bus
There are three bus/marshrutka stations in Batumi:

From specific destinations:
 * Tbilisi – Buses and marshrutkas operate regularly between Batumi and Tbilisi: 6-7 hr. 40 lari (Sep 2022). The scenery along the way is breathtaking.
 * Akhaltsikhe (via Khashuri) – 08:30, and 11:30. 6 hr. 20 lari.
 * Akhaltsikhe (via Khulo, Jun-Aug) – 10:00. 6 hr. 18 lari.
 * Borjomi – 1-2 early ones. 4½ hr. 17 lari.

From Turkey: Daily buses also operate between Trabzon or Istanbul and Batumi (or Sarpi), with stops in Rize and the border crossing at Sarpi. Some coming from/going to Tbilisi. Check out Metro Turizm and Lüks Karadeniz. (Make sure you meet all visa requirements before crossing the border into Georgia.) Buses will generally wait for you the other side of the border, but marshrutkas are less reliable. From Sarpi you can take a minibus for 2 lari to bring you the short distance to the center of Batumi. The border in Sarpi is open 24/7.

By car
Batumi is on the E70 and S2 roads, which stretch north to Poti, and south into Turkey and along the Turkish coast to Samsun. The E97 road connects Batumi with Abkhazia, Russia and Crimea to the north, and also to Trabzon, Rize and Aşkale in Turkey to the south.

By train

Georgian Railways operates several daily (+one night) fast trains between Batumi and Tbilisi. During the summer, an extra train Batumi-Tbilisi-Yerevan also operates. There are also slow trains to Kutaisi and Ozgureti, one pair each. Daily trains are typical by western standards. For the night trains, there are 3 classes: In first class, there are two people per cabin, the berths are a little short, narrow and hard but rather comfortable, and linen is provided. First class costs 40 lari, second class costs 23 lari, seats cost 13 lari (do not rely on the latter though, a check at the station in March '19 suggests that this option is not always available). Since the schedule changes quite often, you can check before hand on the Georgian Railways website - be careful with the simplified version of the timetable - the Georgian version tends to be updated more often than the foreign ones (check the last update timestamp on both to be sure). However, the ticket booking system always has correct times.

Train tickets can be bought online, which is the easiest as trains tend to fill up fast (except local ones). You can do it at the station or from an office in the old town at 5 General Mazniashvili St (between Melashvili and Abashidze). This office is very plain and nondescript with no signs in English. The door and window frames are green and some metal chairs are visible inside. Hours are 09:00 to 18:00.

Unless taking the slow train to/from Kutaisi or Ozgureti, reserve your seats in advance on the weekends, as many Georgians flock to the seaside.

By boat
Ferries run from Sochi, Russia and from Ilyichevsk, near Odesa, Ukraine (US$145, 42 hours, irregular service). More boats are operated from Poti (5 lari with marshrutka and take one hour). It's a kind of Freighter travel. Probably best to call first to make inquiries, to avoid coming back from Poti empty-handed. The booking office is on Kutaisi 34, but the staff only speaks Russian and are not very helpful.

A boat operates between Sochi, Russia to Batumi, Georgia. It is a high speed hydrofoil which operates three times a week: W 10:30, F 09:30, Su 10:30. In 2010, the cost was ₽3,500 for adults and ₽1,750 for children. The number is +7-8622-609-622 or +7-918-409-12-96. Sochi port schedule

Two ferry lines run from Bulgaria at the farthest rim of the Black Sea: from Burgas (by PB Management) and Varna (by Navibulgar). The target market of these ferries is freight traffic so foot passengers and light vehicles are served on an availability basis. They have infrequent departures, from twice weekly to once every 10 days, and the crossing takes about three days.

By bus
There is the usual choice of marshrutkas crossing the city in all directions. The newer city buses require a Batumi Card to be ridden. Yandex Maps has inner city bus connections for Batumi.

By bicycle
An automatic bike sharing scheme, called BatumVelo is available to rent bicycles and ride along the beaches.

Do
Walk along the 'Bulvar' and watch the beach. During daytime families and youngsters play, during nighttime it is the favourite place for couples and party-goers. There are a number of restaurants and bars both on the beach and a little inland. The area is generally safe, but watch out for pick-pocketing. Batumi also has many casinos, for visitors so inclined. These tend to have an over-21 policy.

Hiking

Buy
The main (open-air) food and clothes market in the city is on the Eastern side, near the sea on the main (Chavchavadze) street. In poor weather the sellers move down side streets under umbrellas and are harder to spot, but still there. Vegetables and grains are much cheaper here than at the smaller indoor 'markets' dotted around the city.

As per usual in Georgia, prices are almost always slightly higher in the supermarkets than in the small family-run shops. This is counter to what most westerners will be used to. The difference is about 5–10%.

Eat
Western Georgia has plenty of local flavours, and a local specialty is a type of khachapuri named acharuli khachapuri (Ajarian khachapuri) that resembles a Viking boat, with the cheese all mixed up with an egg in the centre.

The (vegan) Georgian classic, lobiani (kidney bean paste in bread or pastry) is available at any small bakery around the city. Most are 1 lari but can be up to 1.50. Perhaps the best lobianis in the city are sold just north of the cross section of K. Gamsakhurdia and V. Gorgasali streets, in a nondescript bakery opposite Carpisa and Georgian Kitchen. Unlike other doughy lobianis in the city, they are triangular with flaky pastry. 1.20 lari (Mar 2019).

Budget
All these are in the city center:

Sleep
Batumi increasingly attracts investors and well heeled visitors from Russia, Iran and Central Asia. The emphasis is on casinos and luxury hotels. Prices vary depending on proximity to the beach and level of service provided, but mostly depending on the season. For private accommodation, prices are from 40 lari for a double room including breakfast. But in winter you might get lucky and have one for 20 lari.

Mid-range

Stay safe
Batumi is generally quite safe. Drivers are more careful than in Tbilisi and the police are reliable for the high number of tourists coming through the city. However, more caution should be taken with street beggars than in Tbilisi. Very young children are often used as pickpockets, especially around the area just south of Batumi Piazza, and beggars are generally more aggressive than in the capital.

Laundry
Many hostels and apartments have washing machines, but laundry and dry cleaning services are available.

Go next

 * Khulo — village in the mountains of Ajara, 3 hr drive east of Batumi
 * Kobuleti — sleepy nearby coastal town
 * Sarpi — border village with Turkey, 15 km south of Batumi
 * Tbilisi — the capital of Georgia
 * Kutaisi — historically the capital of western Georgia, Kutaisi is a must visit for its two UNESCO World Heritage sites
 * Zugdidi — stopping off point on the way to Mestia and Svaneti. Marshrutkas run from the bus station.

Armenia

 * Direct trains to Yerevan run daily during summertime. The train leaves at 15:35 and you'll arrive to Yerevan around 07:30. Second class (coupe, 4 people) costs 93 lari.

Turkey

 * Direct buses from the terminal to various cities in Turkey. Coaches to Istanbul 60-80 lari depending on operator.
 * Trabzon, Turkey – From the old bus terminal, near the centre, there is a marshrutka that runs by Rize until Trabzon for 65 TL (June 2021)

title: Batumi


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Batu Pahat

Batu Pahat, also called Bandar Penggaram, is a town in Batu Pahat District, Johor, Malaysia.

By car
Exit the North-South Expressway (PLUS) via Air Hitam/Yong Peng (if coming from the south) or Tangkak/Pagoh (if coming from the north) and follow the signs to Batu Pahat.

Average journey times (via Expressway):
 * Kuala Lumpur (3.5 hours)
 * Johor Bahru (2 hours)
 * Singapore (2.5 hours)
 * KLIA (3 hours)

By train
There is no local train station. The nearest train station is in the nearby town of Kluang.

By plane
Batu Pahat does not have its own airport; the nearest airport is located in Malacca, and has very limited connections. For most visitors, the nearest airports of significance are the ones in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Singapore.

By car
The best way to get around is by car or taxi. There are several one-way roads so be wary and keep a look out for the roadsigns.

By bus
The main local bus terminal is in the town centre next to the intercity bus terminal. Stage buses take you to the surrounding suburbs and are fairly cheap.

See

 * Check out the famous Batu Pahat roundabout with the 100-year-old tree.

Buy
Batu Pahat city is one shopping paradise which offers more value for your money, compared to other cities in Malaysia due to its lower cost of living.

Night markets
These famous night markets are a must for any visitor. Every night, stalls are set up along a small road selling all sorts from food, clothes, toys and shoes. The markets take place at a different location every day on a rotating basis.

Eat
Batu Pahat is fabulous for its food. Look for these Malay specialities:
 * Pisang goreng - only the original fried banana in batter along Jalan Omar (Warung Tandan Emas). Its unique taste comes from being mixed with their delicious blend of kicap pedas (spicy soy sauce).
 * Nasi bariani - seen all around Malaysia, the nasi bariani Batu Pahat originates from here. There are plentiful shops around Batu Pahat selling them but the best allegedly is located across the Batu Pahat Bridge opposite Putra Hospital. Alas, commercialisation has caused its quality to deteriorate.

There are a few coffee shops selling delicious teatime cakes, toasts, half-boiled eggs and desserts.

Go next

 * Yong Peng - the other town in Batu Pahat District
 * Muar
 * Kluang
 * Johor Bahru
 * Singapore

title: Batu Pahat


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Baucau

Baucau is East Timor's second largest city, behind Dili. It is located on the northern coast of East Timor, east of Dili.

The city has East Timor's only major airport outside of the capital. During the political events of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the city found itself accommodating an influx of overseas jets and airplanes shipping people and supplies into the country. But Baucau has always been an important administrative and agricultural centre. It is the capital of a district with the same name.

Understand
Baucau has always played second fiddle to Dili in terms of national relevance. But the town has a backdrop that is just as scenic as that of Dili, with dramatic cliffs skirting the town.

Like Dili, Baucau suffered from the post-referendum carnage in 1999 where many of the main administrative buildings were burnt down. Departing Indonesian troops and the mobs they sponsored ripped out all infrastructure and utilities, leaving it without electricity and telephones. Baucau has since recovered, although you can still see many gutted buildings.

Baucau's administrative centre is located at the foot of the cliffs that overlook the town. There is a large colonial hall surrounding a small fountain that was used for public addresses in colonial times. Nowadays you are more likely to see a goat wandering through than any colonial administrators. The real action now happens up on the cliffline - an area called Kota Baru (Indonesian for "New Town") which was developed during the Indonesian era - where the UN and now the East Timorese government have set up shop.

By plane
The airport has not seen scheduled commercial flights since before the Indonesian invasion. Instead, it is largely a military-style operation reserved for the delivery of goods and personnel.

By car
The drive from Dili is 123km (3-4 hours) along a windy but fairly safe road that follows the northern coastline. Many of the turns provide stunning views across pristine beaches to the ocean. The hillsides rise dramatically on the otherside of the road.

Cars can be hired from Rentlo and Thrifty in Dili, and possibly left at Baucau.

By bus
All long distance buses departing Baucau leave from Kota Baru (New Town), just beside the roundabout near the market. There are buses to Dili, Los Palos, Viqueque on the south coast, as well as many of the small villages around Baucau.
 * To/from Dili: Several buses daily, most leave early in the morning. US$4 (you pay towards the end of the trip). Journey takes about 3 hours. Buses depart when they're nearly full, so prepare to wait. Buses from Dili to Baucau leave from Becora (on the eastern side of Dili), take microlet 1 or 2 to get there.

By boat
There are no regular ship routes visiting Baucau, although a major port development is scheduled for the near future.

Get around
Some taxis shuttle passengers around the city for US$1 (although locals pay less). Further journeys, such as to Manatuto will cost more.

Mikrolets (vans converted to take passengers) may also be flagged down.

Most foreigners who are in Baucau for any length of time will hire or buy a scooter or motorbike. There is a large demand for second hand motos, so ask around town for any deals. You can usually resell quite easily when you move on.

Do

Eat

 * The local food, KULU, is well known in the country and has become the identity of the district.

Drink

 * The handmade liquor, "tua sabu", is also worth trying.

Sleep

 * Loro-Sae Guesthouse: in the Old Town, US$ 10 / night
 * Vitoria Cafe: in the "Old Town" (Rua Vila Antigua Bacau), US$ 10 / night for a simple room with fan. Food available. Bus from Dili can drop you there. Phone +670 726 3569, +670 729 7970

title: Baucau


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Bauchi

Bauchi (earlier Yakoba) is a city in North East Nigeria. This article also covers the city of Kangere, 20 km to the east.

Understand
Bauchi has an estimated population of 693,700 (2016). It's the capital city of Bauchi State. Bauchi was also the capital of the Bauchi Emirate, an independent state from 1805 to 1904 when it came under British protection. Several landmarks from the era remain in the city centre.

It is the host of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State University, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. In addition, there is the College Of Education in nearby Kangere.

Get around
It's fairly easy to get around once you can communicate in Hausa or in English.

See

 * Gongola River crosses Bauchi state in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in the south and in Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas in the Eastern part of the state.
 * Jama’are River cuts across a number of Local Government Areas in the northern part of the state. Moreover, a substantial part of the Hadeja-Jama'are River basin lies in Bauchi state, which along with various fadama (floodplain) areas in the state provides suitable land for agricultural activities. These are further supported by the number of dams meant for irrigation and other purposes. These include the Gubi and Tilde-Fulani dams. There also lakes such as the Maladumba Lake in Misau Local Government Area that further provide the necessary conditions to support Agriculture.
 * Gongola River crosses Bauchi state in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in the south and in Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas in the Eastern part of the state.
 * Jama’are River cuts across a number of Local Government Areas in the northern part of the state. Moreover, a substantial part of the Hadeja-Jama'are River basin lies in Bauchi state, which along with various fadama (floodplain) areas in the state provides suitable land for agricultural activities. These are further supported by the number of dams meant for irrigation and other purposes. These include the Gubi and Tilde-Fulani dams. There also lakes such as the Maladumba Lake in Misau Local Government Area that further provide the necessary conditions to support Agriculture.
 * Gongola River crosses Bauchi state in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in the south and in Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas in the Eastern part of the state.
 * Jama’are River cuts across a number of Local Government Areas in the northern part of the state. Moreover, a substantial part of the Hadeja-Jama'are River basin lies in Bauchi state, which along with various fadama (floodplain) areas in the state provides suitable land for agricultural activities. These are further supported by the number of dams meant for irrigation and other purposes. These include the Gubi and Tilde-Fulani dams. There also lakes such as the Maladumba Lake in Misau Local Government Area that further provide the necessary conditions to support Agriculture.

Do
Bauchi state is popularly known for Yankari Game Reserve. Below is a list of places that can be explored while visiting Bauchi state:
 * Unity Park. This is the most visited leisure park in the city along Ahmadu Bello way in Bauchi. It has features like an open theatre, indoor sports hall and a shopping complex
 * Shehu Azare Park It is a park located at Adamu Jumba road in Bauchi, a great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, reading and chilling.
 * Yankari National Park and Game Reserve.
 * The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.

Stay safe
Bauchi is a safe state, but in any case, be careful with arrangements or organizations that sound unrealistic (particularly messages mostly via e-mail requesting your assistance), and don't transparently display your assets, particularly in broad daylight places.

It is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late-night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups as against going out alone.

Furthermore, you should stick to places and people you know and avoid going anywhere without a trusted guide if it is your first visit.

Go next

 * Kano
 * Jigawa
 * Taraba
 * Jos
 * Gombe
 * Yobe
 * Kaduna

 * Yankari National Park - Wildlife resort that is a must-see once you are in Bauchi state.

title: Bauchi


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Tadley

Tadley is a small town in north Hampshire near Basingstoke.

Get in
Tadley and Baughurst can be reached by road from the more major towns of Basingstoke, Newbury and Thatcham, and Reading and is roughly equidistant to all three.

Get around
Stagecoach bus route 2 serves Tadley and Baughurst from Basingstoke. Also, there are several local taxi firms operating from Tadley. There are many small roads and country lanes, and cycling or walking may be an option depending on your personal circumstances.

Go next

 * Newbury and Thatcham
 * Reading
 * Basingstoke

title: Tadley


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Bauru

Bauru is a city of 380,000 people (2020) in the state of São Paulo. It is home to many post-secondary education campuses, including the University of São Paulo and Universidade Estadual Paulista.

By car

 * Via the Marechal Rondon Highway (Rodovia Marechal Rondon), it is 335km from São Paulo, via Botucatu.
 * Via SP-225 it is 353 km from São Paulo, via Jaú, access from km 206 of the Washington Luís Highwayin Itirapina.

By plane
There are two daily flights from Congonhas Airport in São Paulo to Bauru's nearest airport in Arealva, 25 km from the city. The airport is served by GOL and Pantanal. Taxis charge a fixed fare of R$60 to reach Bauru, or you can take a city bus that connects to the bus terminal for less than R$3.

Drink
Bauru has a fairly happening nightlife for a city its size, due to the large number of university students. Bars and dance clubs are concentrated around Getúlio Vargas and Nações Unidas Avenues.

Go next

 * São Carlos
 * Araraquara

title: Bauru


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Bautzen

Bautzen (Sorbian: Budyšin) is an old city in Saxony, Germany. It is a well preserved medieval city and the cultural center of the Sorbian community in Germany.

Understand
While an eastern Germanic settlement existed in the 3rd century AD and archaeology finds habitation back to the late Stone Age, the oldest written records date from 1002, when the Sorbian fortress of "Budusin" was mentioned as the centre of Upper Lusatia. One of the battlefields of the Napoleonic War Battle of Bautzen in 1813 and the World War II Battle of Bautzen, the town has at various times been part of Poland, Bohemia, Hungary, Saxony, Germany or East Germany.

Bautzen was infamous throughout East Germany for its penitentiaries. During World War II, a subcamp of the Groß-Rosen concentration camp operated in Bautzen; in Cold War Europe, Bautzen I was an official prison (which remains operational today) while the secret Bautzen II imprisoned prisoners of conscience. Since 1993, Bautzen II has served as a memorial.

Bautzen's medieval town centre is defended by a city wall on the steep embankment to the river Spree. St. Peter's Cathedral is Eastern Germany's only historic interdenominational church edifice; the Hexenhaus (Witch's House, built 1604) is the oldest preserved residential building. The Reichenturm is one of the steepest leaning towers north of the Alps to still be passable. The Old Waterworks (built 1558), an architectural monument and museum, is one of the oldest preserved waterworks in central Europe. Other sites of interest include Ortenburg Castle and four museums including the Stadtmuseum Bautzen ("Bautzen city Museum") and the Sorbisches Museum ("Sorbian Museum", Sorbian: Serbski muzej).

By car
Bautzen can be reached without problems by car from the rest of Germany. It is connected with the German highway system via motorway A4. The best way to get there is from Dresden.

By bus
Flixbus offers service to Berlin.

By plane
Besides flying into the close-by major airports of Dresden, Berlin or Prague  there is also a small general aviation airfield

Get around
The best way of getting around is on foot. The city center is compact. You can also easily use a bus or bicycle. If you got in by car, it is best to park it outside the city wall or at Schliebenstraße and walk.

See
Above all Bautzen is renowned for its historical town centre with its skyline of medieval towers.

Some examples:

Bautzen is the most important cultural center of the Sorbs, who make up 10% of the city population. You will find many places of Sorbian cultural importance in the city. As a result the city uses bilingual signs with street names both in German and Sorbian.

In the Kleinwelka subdivision of Bautzen, you can visit the largest maze of Germany.

Do

 * Go on a tour through town or rest at romantic places, go into the museums (city museum or Sorbian museum) or go shopping
 * Visit the notorious Stasi prison
 * The city nestled in the heart of Upper Lusatia offers plenty of opportunities for memeroable hikes and day trips. The biosphere preserve "Upper Lusation Pond and Heath Region" extends an area of 21,800 hectares with over 240 ponds. You can easily do day trips to the Upper Lusatian Highlands.
 * Do water sports at the Bautzen reservoir

Events
Bautzen is often called the "Easter capital". Sorbian and German customs, including famous processions during Easter, meet with a great deal of interest.

Easter events:
 * Easter eggs market (the Sorbian Easter eggs are known for their beauty and are made with special techniques)
 * Easter riding in Bautzen and the villages around
 * "Eierschieben"

Other events:
 * Wedding of the Birds ("Ptači kwas"; January 25th)
 * Bautzen has an important summer open air theater
 * street festival "Bautzener Frühling"

Buy

 * Easter eggs
 * Bautz'ner Senf (mustard) - one of East Germany's best-known specialities. In fact if people hear Bautzen, they usually think one of two things: the notorious Stasi prison - or mustard.

Eat
Sorbian and traditional German-Lusatian cuisine.

Drink
Bautzen beer is only obtainable in only a few places in the city, but it's worth trying.

Sleep
The Youth Hostel is in an old bastion. There are also some rooms of a hotel in another bastion. There are many other places to stay in Bautzen.

Go next

 * Dresden
 * Görlitz
 * Herrnhut

title: Bautzen


text:
Bavaria

 Bavaria (German: Bayern) is the largest federal state (Bundesland) of Germany, situated in the south-east of the country. It extends from the middle German hills down into the Alps. Bavarian folk culture has shaped many non-Germans' view of Germany, though ironically, much of Bavaria has more in common culturally with its southern neighbours Austria and Switzerland, than with the rest of Germany. Stereotypes about Bavaria include leather trousers (Lederhosen), sausages and lots of beer - however, the state has much more to offer to the traveller. Along with the Rheinland and Berlin, it is Germany's most popular tourist destination, so expect long lines and high prices, especially in summer and in ski resorts in winter.

Old Bavaria (Altbayern)
If you think of Bavaria (and by extension if you think of Germany) this is it. Lederhosen? check. Oktoberfest? (around September) check. White and blue skies? check. (also the national colors) fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein? check. FC Bayern, BMW, and Munich, the "world city with a heart"? check check and very much check. This part of Germany has long been a staple in the itineraries of international tourists to Germany, and it is very popular with Japanese and American organized tour groups to Germany who hardly leave Bavaria (not at all if you don't count Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is in Franconia). You might think that Bavaria is "overgrazed" and has nothing to offer to all but the most casual visitors, but you'd be very much mistaken, as there is lots and lots of nature that allows you to "get away from it all" and Munich draws visitors year round, not only for Oktoberfest. So whether you're a first time visitor with only limited time or come here every year, there is bound to be something new to discover for you.

Franconia (Franken)
This part looks and feels different from Bavaria "proper" (Altbaiern) and shares little history before the beginning of the 19th century when the many small and medium-sized (e.g. the margravedom of Ansbach-Bayreuth) territories as well as several self-governing Reichsstädte (such as Nuremberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber) and dioceses (e.g. Würzburg) were absorbed by Bavaria in the course of the Napoleonic wars. While some areas of Franconia are just as Catholic as Bavaria, the rule cuius regio eius religio (who owns the territory decides the religion of its inhabitants) caused some fiercely Lutheran areas as well, which - together with linguistic differences and the peculiarities of pork barrel spending - make for some lingering resentment against the "Bavarians" in Munich. Franconia is culturally very diverse and includes one of Europe's best climbing areas outside the Alps with the Franconian Switzerland, as well as prime wine and beer producing regions and cozy medieval towns such as Würzburg, Bamberg or Forchheim.

Bavarian Swabia (Schwaben)
The cultural region of "Swabia" (Schwaben) has been divided administratively between the Länder of Baden Württemberg and Bavaria. However, there are still more things in common across both sides of the border than sets them apart. Swabians are known as hard working no-nonsense types with a reputation for thriftiness (in fact there are many jokes where the requisite Scotsman has been replaced for a Swabian in Germany) and a (supposed) propensity to live in their own house rather than renting. Swabia also has a reputation for being clean and the Schwäbische Kehrwoche (roughly translatable as "Swabian sweeping week", a tradition of communally keeping streets and houses spotless) is well known and notorious throughout Germany. That being said, Swabia boasts lovely old towns and - you might be surprised to hear - a bustling nightlife where even Swabians let the rules be rules from time to time. Swabia is also a region where the regional dialect is very much alive and for some standard German is their first "foreign language". However, you should be able to get by with English just as well as it is basically a job requirement for most tourism related professions nowadays and mandatory in almost all schools. The region might not appear to be as economically dynamic as the rest of Bavaria, but do not be fooled; in addition to a strong tourism sector, Bavarian Swabia has excellent industrial and logistical bases, and locals enjoy a very high standard of living.

Cities

 * (München) — the capital of Bavaria, known for the annual Oktoberfest and one of Europe's economic powerhouses.
 * — an important medieval city and the capital of Swabia
 * — a festival city in Upper Franconia and home of the composer Richard Wagner
 * — historical town in Upper Franconia that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in its entirety; also famous for its smoked beer (Rauchbier)
 * – charming medieval city center, which is stage to the quadrennial Landshut Wedding re-enactment
 * (Nürnberg) — a city of toys, famous for Christmas markets, a medieval castle towering over the old-town, the infamous Nazi Party rallies and the Nuremberg Trials against the main Nazi war criminals
 * - a small beautiful university town on the Austrian border
 * — the city on the banks of the river Danube (Donau), the center of which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
 * — a wonderfully attractive university city in the northwest of Franconia

Other destinations

 * - the German part of the magnificent and rough mountain range
 * — including the deepest lake in the Alps near Berchtesgaden
 * — a mountain range and national park along the Czech border
 * — the largest lake within Bavaria, complete with a copy of Versailles and mountain backdrop
 * – the Lake District comprises seven lakes
 * – castle ruins, hiking, canoeing, world class rock climbing
 * — amazing romantic castle near Füssen, a small town rich in culture and art
 * (Bodensee) - biggest lake in Central Europe, shared by Switzerland, Austria and the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg
 * — popular itinerary through the region past romantic castles and medieval villages

Understand
Bavarians are among the proudest and most independent minded people in Germany. Locals are loyal to their roots and traditions. Bavaria is also the most autonomous of German states, and many Bavarians see themselves as Bavarians first and foremost, Germans second. Some people have called it the "Texas of Germany". The German stereotypes of beer drinking, sausage-eating and Lederhosen might have originated here, but nowadays are found only in rural Bavaria, mainly so in the south and east towards Austria and the Alps or the thick forests that border the Czech Republic and Bohemia. Modern-day Bavaria is metropolitan and cosmopolitan, especially in the larger cities.

About 60% of Bavarians are Catholic (at least nominally) and are usually more conservative than the rest of Germany. Munich, however, is a liberal city with a huge number of people from other parts of Germany, Europe, and the world, and it has a large English-speaking community. It actually can be quite hard to find someone with truly Bavarian origins in this city.

Bavaria is bordered by the German federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia and Saxony in the west and north, as well as the Czech Republic in the east and Austria and Switzerland in the south.

History
Historically, Bavarians are Germans. Bavarians have often emphasized a separate national identity considered themselves "Bavarians". This feeling started to come about more strongly among Bavarians when the Kingdom of Bavaria joined the Protestant-Prussian dominated German Empire in 1871 while the Bavarian nationalists wanted to keep Bavaria as a Catholic and independent German state.

Franconia and in some respects Swabia still resent being lumped together with Bavaria, as they have their own cultural and religious heritage and traditions. As Franconia didn't become Bavarian until around 1806 (several small territories were annexed sooner or later than that date), the rest of Bavaria is often called "Alt-Baiern" (old Bavaria) and there is still a vocal group of Franconians that would rather separate from Bavaria, given the chance.

Tourist information

 * Bavaria tourism website

Get in
A Bavarian has held the post of German federal minister of transportation continuously since 2005 and it shows in the quality of long distance transportation infrastructure serving Bavaria.

By plane
Most international travellers will arrive at Munich Airport, which is the sixth busiest airport in Europe with a large number of international and intercontinental flights. Other alternatives are the airports of Nuremberg and Salzburg. Furthermore, Memmingen Airport is a destination for a number of low-cost airlines. Würzburg is also reasonably close (direct 1:25 hour ICE connections to the airport) to Frankfurt Airport, Germany's busiest airport, Lufthansa's main European hub), that it might be best for some travellers to arrive there.

From Berlin
With the completion of the high speed rail line between Nuremberg and Erfurt, the travel time on high speed ICE trains between Berlin and Munich has been reduced to about 4.5 hours, with 3 daily ICE Sprinters completing the trip in just 4 hours. Tickets can be had starting at €19 when bought in advance or up to €130 when bought immediately prior to departure or on the train.

From the rest of Germany
See Germany - Get around by train.

See also rail travel in Germany

The main routes Frankfurt-Nuremberg and Stuttgart-Munich are not yet upgraded for speeds higher than and  respectively along much of their length, leading to comparatively long travel times. That said, the Stuttgart-Ulm line is being upgraded with a tentative opening date some time in the 2020s.

From Austria
There are plenty of long-distance trains (category EC, ICE and Railjet) from Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Villach and Klagenfurt. If you travel in a group and want to save money, use a regional trains with combination of Einfach-Raus-Ticket and Bayern-Ticket.

From France
There is one daily TGV high-speed connection between Paris and Munich, via Augsburg, Stuttgart and Strasbourg. You can also buy through tickets with a change at Strasbourg, Stuttgart or Frankfurt for other departures if the direct train doesn't fit your plans

By night train (Nightjet)
After a long and precipitous decline, Deutsche Bahn finally abolished their night train brand "City Night Line" with the December 2016 schedule change. Thankfully for fans of sleeper trains, their Austrian counterpart ÖBB has bought up some assets and taken over some routes at the same time, now operating them under the name Nightjet with a couple of connections to / from Munich. Prices vary from regular seats to bunk beds of varying room sizes but early booking can get you surprisingly affordable rates. Nuremberg and Würzburg are also "on the line" but departure and arrival times are awkwardly in the middle of the night.

By bus
There are now several domestic bus routes in and out of Bavaria, as well as a couple of international routes (mostly serving the Balkans as well as countries from the former eastern bloc) that have already existed pre-2012. The Romantic Road is another route that has already been served by buses before 2012.

Get around
There is a pretty clear north south divide in the quality and price of transportation infrastructure. While Munich and its environs enjoy one of the best public transit networks in Europe, Nuremberg has the most expensive single ticket for a trip within the city and rural Franconia is even more neglected with many places lacking adequate bus service and many former rail lines abandoned.

By train
Trains are the main mode of transport for visitors since they easily connect towns with larger cities.

If you're travelling within Bavaria, you can purchase the Bayern-Ticket, which will give you all-day travel in regional trains (categories S, RB, RE and IRE) within Bavaria and even to the border towns of Salzburg, Reutte or Ulm. You can use it also for private trains and most of local buses and city transport. On working days the ticket is valid 09:00-03:00 the following day. On weekends it is valid from midnight.

There are variants of regional Bayern-Ticket:

 * Bayern-Ticket: €25 for one person, €7 for every additional person for up to a party of five. Valid from 9:00-3:00 the following day on weekdays, and from 0:00-3:00 the following day on weekends and public holidays.
 * Bayern-Ticket Nacht: €23 for one person, €4 for every additional person for up to a party of five. Valid 18:00-06:00 the following day (07:00 if the following day is a weekend day or public holiday)
 * Bayern-Böhmen-Ticket: €28 for one person, €7.60 for every additional person for up to a party of five - valid also in border regions of the Czech Republic. On Czech territory it is only valid in trains, not in buses.
 * Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket: €44 for one person, €8 for every additional person for up to a party of five, allows travel on all regional trains in Germany.

For general information about network tickets see Germany.

By car
Bavaria is well served by the German autobahn network. The main grid is made up by the north-south autobahn A 9, and the east-west autobahns A 3, A 6 and A 8. Going by car is sometimes the only way to get around, especially deep in Bavaria's rural and mountainous areas. In the countryside, roads are winding, tricky, and sometimes cut dramatically through farmland, but are otherwise EU-standardised and generally well-paved.

By bus
Intercity buses are mostly limited to longer distances than you'll commonly find in Bavaria, but they are a good option along the Romantic Road or for airport transfers.

By boat
The Main Donau Kanal links Kelheim in Lower Bavaria with Bamberg in Upper Franconia. There are cruises by major riverboat cruise operators even though the original purpose of this costly and controversial canal was freight.

Talk
Of course all Bavarians understand and most speak standard German. However, in southern Bavaria, outside of Munich, Bavarian or Swabian is the native language of many, which can differ dramatically from standard German. In the north Franconian is the traditional language. In the cities (including Munich) standard German is the local language, but Bavarian-speakers and Swabian-speakers typically do speak standard German as well (except possibly older people in the far south).

Most people in Bavaria speak at least basic English, especially the younger generation, since learning a foreign language is compulsory in German schools. Bavarian education policy stipulates the teaching of the British version first and foremost, but in reality the American has been more popular and more widely understood ever since Bavaria was part of the American zone of occupation after World War II. Media, tourism, and the actually quite strong popularity of American football have ensured the continuation of this trend into the 21st century. Curiously, even when speaking English, many traits of the local dialect may be audible, such as a difficulty in differentiating between b and p or d and t in Franconia, or replying "please" to "thank you" (as is correct in German).

Other foreign languages are taught in school, with French and Spanish being particularly common. University towns will have notable presences of foreign students, particularly from other parts of the European Union who usually speak several languages but not always German. Speakers of immigrant languages such as Turkish and Serbo-Croatian are also found in the bigger cities.

In university cities, there is a fair chance that someone (especially younger people) will speak (in descending order of likeliness) French, Spanish or Italian. On the very eastern edge of Bavaria, mostly Upper Franconia and Upper Palatinate, some people also speak Czech, or have at least had some course in it.

See
Bavaria has many family-friendly places, as well as those for the younger generations. Places to see include the medieval walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Herrenchiemsee Palace - Ludwig II's unfinished castle, based on Versailles, on its own island in the beautiful lake Chiemsee, the historical city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg), the scenic city of Regensburg, Bodenmais (known for its fine crystal), and of course the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, often called the "fairytale castle" - the role model for the "Magic Kingdom" of Walt Disney.

Of course, for kids, there is the Playmobil park in Zirndorf near Nuremberg, an indoor Trampoline funpark in Regensburg, and the town of Riedenburg at the river Altmühl, that has a castle with daily falconry shows.

Also, many towns have some historical features within their city limits. There are castle ruins, full castles still being used as residences, local museums, caves, and old mines that most tourists will never see. Some of these are better than the typical €20 fee to join a boring, guided tour at one of the more famous cities in Germany. Why pay a fee for seeing only a small part of the castle when you can find an old castle in the countryside that you can explore and maybe discover something new that is not even documented? It's sad to see tourists who pay too much money to see "tourist castles" when the price of a rental car and the will to explore can yield many free or cheap sites, which are sometimes better than the overpriced attractions, that limit what you can see or do.

Do
The Bavarian Alps are Bavaria's main attraction for Doing things. There you can find skiing a snowboard resorts, which are very well maintained and not too expensive, though much smaller than those of neighbouring Austria and Switzerland. In summertime hiking and mountain biking is the sporty thing to do in Bavaria.

Another great thing to participate are the regular traditional beer festivals. Of course, everybody knows Oktoberfest in Munich, but actually every city and town in Bavaria has its own festivities at least once a year for a few days. In fact, those are mostly much more traditional and fun is guaranteed, as those obviously come with the same beer drinking culture but lower prices smaller crowds and arguably more authenticity.

Eat

Bavarian cuisine is the stereotypical German cuisine, famous for roast pork (Schweinsbraten), Bratwürstl sausages, Nürnberger Bratwurst (probably the smallest sausage in Germany), veal sausages (Weißwurst) eaten for breakfast, Leberkäse (a type of meat loaf), grilled pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), as well as a variety of different dumplings (Knödel/Klöße) and potato salad (Kartoffelsalat). In the Oberallgäu, the south-westernmost part of Bavaria, the traditional food is Kässpatzen made with much Bavarian cheese.

Also, some restaurants have various seasonal specials based on what is available locally at that time. There can be specials like truffle dishes in the southern mountain areas, specialty mushrooms in the Upper Palatinate area, seasonal salmon dishes on the Danube and Altmühl area, local trout specials in all small villages, seasonal asparagus dishes, and occasional fresh wild boar and venison dishes during hunting season – Bavaria is a gastronomic wonderland, especially for the meat aficionado!

If you want to eat seasonally, then look for these things:
 * Early spring: Wild garlic appears in many dishes.  Look for "Frankfurt green sauce" on beef or white fish.
 * Mid-April to mid-June is Spargelzeit.  It will be easy to find asparagus dishes. White asparagus is a delicacy.  You'll also see strawberry punch during this time.
 * July and August is Zwetschgenzeit ("plum time") – the time for cherries, plums, and other stone fruits. Almost every bakery will offer Zwetschgendatschi (a thick layer of quartered plums on top of yeast dough or pastry) throughout the plum season, and many will offer several baked goods that feature plums or cherries.
 * August to October is a great time for apples and mushrooms. Apples and pears appear in many baked goods as the stone fruits of summer fade away and the autumn fruits reach the market.  The main mushroom season begins with chanterelles (Pfifferlinge) in August and ends with porcini mushrooms (Steinpilz).  If you somehow tire of mushrooms during this season, then try to find Federweißer (young wine), which pairs well with an onion tart.
 * Late fall and winter feature wild game with sauerkraut, potatoes or dumplings.
 * The Christmas season comes with its own treats, including marzipan, candied almonds, mulled wine, and gingerbread. The strongly spiced Lebkuchen hearts, which look like large, thick, crisp gingerbread cookies with hard icing decorations, are available year-round in most tourist spots and larger bakeries.  A small one will usually cost €4-5.  During the Christmas season, it's easy to find soft, round Lebkuchen cookies in the bakeries as well. Nuremberg in particular is famous for its Lebkuchen as the wealthy trading town had easy access to the spices needed during the early modern era. In many cases the same business will be an ice cream parlor in the summer and a Lebkuchen shop in winter.

Beer
Bavarians love their beer. One of the most beloved is wheat beer (Weißbier), a cloudy, top-fermented beer brewed with malted wheat, which is commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. It's good to know that there exists a special ritual with this beer: Normally it will be served in a special glass, called Weißbierglas. But if you get the empty glass and the bottle of beer, you have to fill it by yourself: in one step without dropping the bottle. Weissbier is more carbonated than most other beers and produces a lot of foam so it is not easy to fill without spilling something.

Bavaria could easily opt for the title of "Promised Land of Brewing". Not only is it home to Oktoberfest, the world's biggest beer festival, but also the highest brewery density in the world is in the north of the state, in Franconia. There, you can find a brewery in almost every village (it is sometimes very small and maintained among a few families). You can find a lot of local beer specialities, as for instance the Bamberger Schlenkerla (a beer with a taste of smoked bacon). So always try to stick with the local beers - especially tasty (and supposedly healthy) are the unfiltered beers (served only in pubs, because they don't store well for a long time).

In summer, you can generally find beer festivals everywhere: not only in the bigger cities but also in the smaller villages; be warned, however, that the beer there is normally served in 1 L ceramic glasses called Maß. The biggest beer festival certainly is the Munich Oktoberfest, followed twice a year by the Nuremberg Volksfest and Gäubodenfest in Straubing. Also very nice is Bergkirchweih in Erlangen. If you are touring Upper Bavaria in August, you shouldn´t miss Barthelmarkt in Oberstimm, next to Ingolstadt, which is one of the oldest traditional beer festivals in Bavaria. It´s still kind of a local insider tip. You will hardly find foreigners there. On Monday there is a big horse market and the beer tents open already at 05:30 and they are packed with people at 06:00.

Bavaria's beer garden (Biergarten) season starts in mid April and runs right through well into October. The shade of ancient horse chestnut trees become a rendezvous point for both young and old, white and blue collar workers, rich and not-so-rich, and locals and visitors alike: a place to enjoy a convivial glass of cold local beer and some tasty Bavarian snacks. You can even bring your own food (but not drinks).

Franconia is known as the home of beer cellars. What is called beer gardens in the south are called beer cellars (Bierkeller) in the north. But rather than sitting in the beer cellar you actually sit on top of it. The ancient underground cellars, that are just perfect for storing beer, are usually in idyllic rural settings. So it really was a natural step to set up a few beer tables and serve the beer to people right on site. As many Bierkeller are too far away from town to walk and driving there presents obvious DUI problems, Franconians like to visit them with a bicycle (the DUI limit being notably higher at 0.13% and less strictly enforced). It is perfectly okay in the great majority of them to bring your own food, as long as you order at least one drink (alcoholic or not). A common choice in drink is Radler (literally cyclist, so called probably because it is an ideal refreshment for cyclists that leaves them sober enough to drive on) a mix of roughly equal parts lemonade (Sprite or 7up or a generic clone) and beer. The selection of food in a Bierkeller includes mostly cold foods like Kellerplatte (mostly different types of sausage and bread) or Obatzda (a type of cottage cheese) or Handkäs mit Musik (literally hand-cheese with "music" the "music" being caused by the onions...). More and more Bierkeller also offer warm food including all the Franconian food listed above and in the Franconia article. Breweries in Franconia lists breweries, beer cellars, brewery museums.

Brandy
Germans generally make brandy out of everything; most common are the fruit brandies (Obstler) and the herb liqueurs (such as Sechsämtertropfen from eastern Upper Franconia). For a real Altbayern feeling, try Bärwurz, Kräuterwurz, or Blutwurz.

Wines
The north of Bavaria is famous not only for its beer but especially for its (white) wines that come in special bottles called Bocksbeutel (bottles with a big round yet flat belly). For a sweet treat, try ice wine (Eiswein), made from grapes that are allowed to stay until the first severe frost and then pressed and made into a very sweet wine.

Stay safe
Statistically, Bavaria is one of the safest regions (if not the safest) in Germany and maybe Europe. The biggest threat to your wallet are the (perfectly legal) high prices, and the beer drinking culture in combination with the easy availability of alcohol.

Be aware that there is a big difference between the Bavarian police and the police from basically all other states. In Berlin, it might not pose a problem if you are caught with a few joints in your pocket (because you may carry it for your personal use). In Bavaria, it definitely is a big problem for you. Police presence is notably higher than in other states, particularly in urban areas. This is due in part to the philosophy of the reigning CSU party (The Bavarian branch of the centre-right CDU) on "law & order", in part due to Bavarians being much more conservative than other Germans and having lower tolerance for poor behaviours, and in part just to show presence. Police are very strict about their rules and you won't find a crooked cop, but they may be equally strict about you breaking even minor rules. Don't provoke them and don't let them provoke you.

Still, you won't have any problems if you drink alcohol in public as in the rest of Germany and Central Europe though local and municipal restrictions are becoming more and more common in places like train stations or some cities. Beer or wine is permitted if you are at least 16, spirits at least 18, but the law is loosely enforced, if at all. Especially in mid sized towns at night police might get bored by the small amount of serious crime they get to catch, so they might fine you for a DUI on a bicycle, not walking on the sidewalk or other minor nuisances that police in Berlin usually don't have the time to care about.

While police are armed and the 2010s terror scare has seen an increased militarization of police, police all throughout Germany rarely make use of their firearms and shooting on unarmed people is basically unheard of. Police may be more disposed towards reacting aggressively during political demonstrations (particularly when the fringes of the political spectrum are involved) or important soccer games when police on horseback, riot gear clad "robocops" and the likes are a common sight. However, the worst that will happen is a liberal use of nightstick, pepper spray, tear gas and water cannon as - supposed or actual - riot and crowd control. Stay away from this and you won't get in trouble, but you may have your own opinion on Bavarian policing.

Some people may assume that Bavaria's more conservative nature means that the place is full of hateful people that reject outsiders. In reality, locals are welcoming to people from all walks of life. As with anywhere in the world, there will always be fringe racist comments and ethnic groups that will discriminate against each other, but overall you will never have to fear for your life because of your identity.

Go next

 * Baden-Württemberg
 * Hesse
 * Thuringia

title: Bavaria


text:
Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps are part of the Alps and are located in Germany at the southern end of the federal state of Bavaria and continue across the border into Austria. The region is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes of Germany and ranks as one of the most scenic places in all of Central Europe. This is where German or Bavarian stereotypes of lederhosen, dirndls, weißwurst, and glistening alpine peaks come true. Ironically it only comprises less than 3% of Germany's total area. It is also a very rural area, abundant with wildlife and many glacial lakes and thick fir tree forests. It has much more in common, both culturally and geographically, with its neighbours Tyrol and Salzburg Province in Austria than the rest of Germany to the north.

History
Bavaria used to be an independent kingdom and you can visit the royal castles built by the former kings in the mountains. It joined the German Empire in 1871 and has been part of Germany ever since. It is the largest federal-state by area in contemporary Germany. Bavarians are generally more conservative than other Germans and the traditions of the past generations are alive and well in this scenic region of Central Europe. Roman Catholicism also plays an important role in local customs and culture and the Bavarian Alps are home to many beautiful churches and shrines. In particular, the roadside shrine is a common sight as in neighbouring Tyrol.

Landscape
While the mountains are not particularly high, (the Zugspitze rises only to about 10,000 ft), they are nonetheless imposing to the visitor and native alike. This is because of the massive vertical rise that the mountains take on from the Bavarian countryside south of Munich giving the viewer the impression that they are much higher than they really are. Added the fact that the mountains are older in geological terms, they are quite chiselled at their peaks giving the traveller wonderful views like the famous home peak of Berchtesgaden, the Watzmann. Alpine crystal blue lakes and flowing rivers are abundant in the region as well. Thick fir tree forests hide abundant wildlife and thousands of kilometres of marked hiking trails that could easily lead you over the open frontier to Austria. The region is popular with motorbike riders and mountain bikers too.

Cities

 * Füssen with Neuschwanstein
 * Oberstdorf
 * Bad Reichenhall
 * Mittenwald
 * Berchtesgaden
 * Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Get in
The closest major cities are Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck. The border to Austria is open to passport-free travel. There are both excellent road and rail links from the above cities. Major highways (Autobahns) can get jammed during the summer tourist months in Bavaria.

Get around
Considering the rural and mountainous nature of the region, the area's rail network is well established and its hub is in Munich. There are many connections to neighbouring Innsbruck and Salzburg in Austria. The road system is excellent as well and offers wonderful opportunities for road biking.

See

 * Lake Chiemsee, Herrenchiemsee Palace, Fraueninsel
 * Zugspitze at 2,962 m is the highest mountain in Germany. Can be reached with cable car from Garmisch-Partenkirchen,

Do
Hiking or "wandern" in German, is a major pastime in the summer months. Skiing and snowboarding are quite popular at the high quality (yet small) resorts found in southern Bavaria.

Drink
Bavaria is known for some of the best beer on the planet!

Lodging
Bavaria's youth hostels (Jugendherbergen) are the only ones in Germany that have an age limit. If you are over 26 years of age you are out of luck, unless you are a member of a hosteling association (although nightly guest memberships are available from hostels for a small charge). The Bavarian Alps are a major tourist and vacation destination inside Germany so there are thousands of guesthouses or pensionen in the area. Cities also have hotels which are more pricey and less charming.

Stay safe
There are no major cities in the Bavarian Alps so dangerous drivers and mountain roads and wildlife may be your only real concern. Mountain safety is the key when going to higher altitudes as every year tourists die in accidents because of reckless behaviour and poor planning.

title: Bavarian Alps