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Extremely popular with children, the city’s zoo includes highlights such as the jungle tent for big cats and the new primeval forest pavilion. For the little ones, there is a petting zoo. Be sure to ask about feeding times.

This is one of the most beautiful small towns in eastern Bavaria. After the salt trade collapsed, the town succeeded in preserving its historic image. Two city gates lead to a trapezoidal town square with stuccoed houses. A 13th-century castle set on the hill above the town gives a fine view of the surrounding countryside.

Half-price Sunday brunch for children.

Swings, playhouse, slides, and mini golf mean plenty of fun for young visitors.

Wasserburg benefits from its location on a spoon-shaped promontory in the Inn River. Typical of the Inn region, the old town is distinguished by wide, open squares lined with arcaded, leafy walkways. Its streets are lined with old houses with colourful painted façades, pretty bay windows, and stepped gables. All these elements give Wasserburg an Italian air. For a stunning view of the old town, head to the Schöne Aussicht (beautiful vista) lookout on the opposite side of the river. A wonderful path lined with works of art runs along this stretch of the Inn.

From the summit of the Wendelstein, hikers enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the region. In good weather, the Großglockner is clearly visible. There is a weather station and observatory, and Wettersteinhaus, a traditional mountain inn. Serviced by the oldest rack-railway (1912) in the Alps, the summit has also been linked by cable car since 1970.

The many Turkish, Greek, and other ethnic stores and bars contribute greatly to the appeal of this area, which – at 40 per cent – has the largest foreign population in the city, fertile ground for the vibrant arts scene emerging here. More and more galleries and advertising agencies are setting up shop here every year.

A smaller, west-end version of the Englischer Garten, West-park was created for the fourth International Garden Show in 1983 and offers landscaped lawns and gardens, as well as picnic and barbecue facilities. Especially pretty is the Asian section with its Japanese garden, Thai pagoda, and other highlights.

Wolfratshausen lies some 30 km (19 miles) south of Munich on the River Loisach and has a long central market street flanked by 17th- to 18th-century Upper Bavarian gabled town houses. This small town is the starting point for river-rafting tours to Munich, which launch at the Loisach bridge. These are cheerful excursions accompanied by music, picnics, and beer, down the rafting chutes of the Isar to the central landing area near Tierpark Hellabrunn. During the six-hour ride, passengers experience the largest chute in Europe with an 18-m- (60-ft-) drop in altitude.

High-flying acrobats, tigers, and lions – this is a classic circus. It tours in summer and is permanently based here in winter.