Bavaria (Bayern) is Germany's largest state. In the Southeast corner of Germany, it is bordered by Austria and Czech Republic. Characteristics of the area include mountains, hills and rivers.
The central point of old Munich is the busy Marienplatz, with the Mariensäule (Virgin's Column; 1638) and the neo-Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus; 1867-1908). On the tower of the Town Hall can be seen a clock with mechanical figures; from the gallery their are fine panoramic views, with the Alps in the distance (best when the föhn, a warm dry wind from the Alps is blowing). On the east side of the square stands the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus; 15th century); the tower was rebuilt after 1945.
The history of the world of glass and artistic glass is displayed at the Glass Museum in the village of Frauenau. The collection is comprised of pieces from around the world from ancient times to present day.
Address: Frauenau Glass Museum, Am Museumspark 1, D-94258 Frauenau, Germany
The Annual Saint George Spearing the Dragon Fest in Furth-im-Wald, also known as Der Drachenstichl, is over 500 years old. The festival includes a theatrical performance, which is held on the second or third Sunday in August. The play performed is "Further Drachenstich," Germany's oldest and most popular play. Thousands of participants, hundreds of horses and dozens of musical groups reenact processions, battles and other historical events in this grand play, symbolizing the battle between good and evil.
Address: Drachenstich Festspiele, Stadtplatz 4, D-93437 Furth im Wald, Germany
Rising in terraces above the northern tip of the Starnberger See is the attractive little town of Starnberg. Above the town stands a 16th C. Schloss that belonged to the Dukes of Bavaria. The parish church (1765) has a fine Late Roccoco interior.
The Starnberger See (or Würmsee, with the river Würm flowing out of its northern end) is a lake in the Alpine Foreland 25km/15mi southwest of Munich. It occupies a basin 20km/12.5mi long and 2-5km/1.25-3mi wide gouged out by a glacier, and is surrounded by forest-covered morainic hills.