Study Trip Abroad to Southern Germany Highlights Bavaria’s Grandeur

Decorative Arts Trust members were wowed by the sites and collections of southern Germany, as we explored Bavaria during two tours and an extension in October 2022. Although many travelers seeking art and architecture often visit the eastern cities of Berlin, Dresden, and Potsdam, fewer venture to Munich and the nearby cities of Nuremberg, Regensburg, Bayreuth, and Landshut as destinations for cultural exploration. Based on our experience, Bavaria should be on top of everyone’s wish list! Below is a brief synopsis of our marvelous travels during the Bavaria Study Trip Abroad.

Munich

Our adventure began with a walking tour of sites in Munich, including the towering Frauenkirche, the historic Hofbrauhaus, and the astonishing Asamkirche. Watching the Neue Rathaus mechanical clock display was a special treat! We enjoyed the gorgeous Schloss Schleissheim and the impressive Ernst Schneider Collection of Meissen Porcelain at Lutsheim. Lenbachhaus and Villa Stuck gave us insights into turn-of-the-20th-century artists and architecture, and the curator-led tours at the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum offered sneak-peeks inside amazing objects. The Residenz’s collections were stunning, and we were thrilled to see behind-the scenes at the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory next to the breathtaking Nymphenburg Palace. An excursion to southern Bavaria led us to the fantastic Wieskirche and striking Schloss Linderhof.

Augsburg, Regensburg, and Landshut 

Augsburg’s Maximilianmuseum and Fugger und Welser Erlebnismuseum taught us more about the source of this region’s wealth and international connections, while showing us fabulous exhibits. In Regensburg, the Schloss St. Emmeram, home of the Thurn and Taxis family, and the family’s Basilika St. Emmeram were delights to experience. Landshut’s privately owned Schloss Kronwinkl and Burg Trausnitz, home to a stunning recreation of a kunst und wunderkammer, were impressives sites with glorious views. 

Nuremberg, Bayreuth, Bamberg, and Pommersfelden 

Nuremberg offered an assortment of not-to-be-missed destinations, including the wonderful Germanisches Nationalmuseum, the striking St. Lorenz-Kirche, and the stately Tucher Mansion. A short ride to Pommersfelden gave us the opportunity to visit Schloss Weissenstein. Bamberg’s Imperial Cathedral and Neue Residenz were absolute gems, and everyone reveled in the beauty of Bayreuth’s Neues Schloss and Markgräfliche Opernhaus.

Extension to Würzburg and Stuttgart

Some members spent extra time in Germany, joining us for the Optional Extension to Würzburg and Stuttgart. Wurzburg’s Veitshochheim and Residenz kicked off the program, followed by a tour of Schloss Weikersheim. From Stuttgart, we visited Schloss Ludwigsburg before returning to visit the Altes Schloss and the Weissenhofmuseum im Haus Le Corbusier.

As with all of our Study Trip Abroad programs, we were thrilled with the sites, educational opportunities, and convivial company. Learn more about the Trust’s upcoming programs on our Calendar of Events webpage.