Munich is Germany’s beer capital – and the Oktoberfest is a byword for beer all over the world. When the first Oktoberfest was held back in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding, nobody could have dreamt it would go on to become such a famous event. Since that time, the world’s biggest beer festival has been held every year in October on the Theresienwiese grounds, bringing smiles to people’s faces in classic Bavarian style with beer fresh from the barrel and plenty of good cheer. And in other seasons of the year you simply visit the beergardens.

After the cultural riches of Munich, it’s time to enjoy the scenic splendors of Bavaria. Drive 31 miles south of Munich to spend the day in Tegernsee, a spa and resort town on the shores of a lovely lake. In summer, the lake is great for swimming and fishing, or you can rent one of the pleasure boats that ply the waters.