Bavaria is an amazingly scenic part of Germany that is filled with romance and history. There are literally hundreds of sights that are worth seeing throughout the area, but if you're more pressed for time, here are the top five cities worth a visit along with a rundown of some of the major sights within them.

Munich

Naturally, this is the place to be come Oktoberfest. But if you're here during another time of year then you can still experience the taste sensation that is German beer. Visit the Hofbrauhaus Beer Garden for a full-on experience and great atmosphere. Don't forget to take a tour of the Residence Palace and the nearby English Gardens. If you're interested in history, you can take a turn through the BMW Museum or the Museum of Technology. Walk around Marienplatz, the central square, for a feel for both the old and new styles of architecture. It's also worth a trip north to see the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Nuremburg

Few places have the history that Nuremburg has. Visit the Documentation Museum at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds for an idea of how Hitler gained power, then swing by the Lochgefangnis Prison. For a more lighthearted tour, visit the Toy Museum or the Nuremburg Zoo. The Albrecht Durer House is definitely worth a stop, as is the Christkindlesmarkt, a huge Christmas market teeming with traditional knick-knacks.

Passau

If you're into boats, you can head down to the docks to watch the cruise ships come in. Visit the old city center and stop in at some of the cafes to do a bit of people watching. Veste Oberhaus Castle offers a great view of the town below, and St. Stephens Church holds an organ recital most afternoons. The Glass Museum is also an interesting, if somewhat delicate place to see.

Bayreuth

Here you can see the New Palace and the Hermitage Castle. There are several museums in town, including the Richard Wagner Museum and the Franz Liszt Museum, both of which are worth a visit. One of the most impressive sights is the opera house.

Fuessen

Fuessen is the epitome of what Bavaria is all about for most people. The main attraction is the amazing, fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Equally remarkable are the Hohenschwangau and the Linderhof. And no trip would be complete without touring the Reichenstrasse for a quaint look at German villages.