Bavaria (Bayern) is the largest state of Germany and shares international borders with Austria and the Czech Republic as well as with Switzerland (across Lake Constance). Two major rivers flow through the state, the Danube (Donau) and the Main, and the upper Rhine forms part of the southwest border of the state. The Bavarian Alps define the border with Austria, and within the range is the highest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze.

The nearest major cities with airports are Munich (München 60 km) and Augsburg (80 km).
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (in front of the bavarian alps) is only 45 km, the royal castles (Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau) 40 km, the italian border 135 km away.