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Author: Barry Pickard
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Are you a car enthusiast dreaming of the ultimate European road trip? Or maybe you’ve wondered what it feels like to stand inside the birthplace of some of the world’s most iconic automobiles? When I traveled to Bavaria, I quickly realized it’s not just a paradise for history buffs or beer lovers—it’s also heaven for car aficionados like me.
Picture yourself walking into the BMW Welt in Munich, where the sleek curves of luxury cars gleam under dramatic, futuristic lighting. The air smells faintly of polished metal and new leather, and you can almost hear the soft purr of engines waiting to be unleashed on the autobahn. Just a few hours away, you’ll find the quiet elegance of the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt, where precision engineering meets cutting-edge design.
If you’re an independent traveler with a passion for cars, you’ve found the perfect guide. This article is packed with firsthand experiences and practical tips to help you explore Bavaria’s most exciting automotive attractions. Whether you’re planning a visit to world-class museums or dreaming of cruising on the autobahn, I’ve got the insights to make your journey unforgettable.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these motor-related attractions appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the auto attractions of Bavaria, or indeed, a general tour of this stunning state.
The History of the Bavarian Car Industry
When Karl Benz invented the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1886 in nearby Mannheim, it wasn’t long before the Bavarian auto-industry started to develop. With its roots as an iron foundry and machine factory, Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg (MAN) started commercial vehicle production in 1915 in Lindau on Lake Constance. This leading manufacturer of trucks and buses is now headquartered in Munich.
It was only a year later, in 1916, when Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) was established in Munich. Initially BMW was a manufacturer of aircraft engines, but after the Great War, it began turning out motorcycle engines, then in 1928, its first automobile.
Audi is also now synonymous with Bavaria and is headquartered in Ingolstadt, but it wasn’t until 1949 that Audi moved from its original East German bases (it was known as Auto Union at that point).
The Bavarian car industry experienced a period of rapid growth in the 1950s, with BMW and Audi quickly becoming leading world car manufacturers, well known for their high-performance luxury cars. Until today, where the Bavarian automobile manufacturing and supply industry employs over 500,000 people, generating over 100 billion euros in revenue.
Bavaria for Car Lovers
BMW Museum
The BMW Museum in Munich is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and fans of the iconic German automaker. Housed in a sleek, modern building, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the company's history, from its early days as an aircraft engine manufacturer to its current status as a leading producer of luxury vehicles. Visitors can see a range of vintage and contemporary BMWs, as well as learn about the brand's contributions to automotive design and technology.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Take the escalator up through the beehive structure of the museum to find out BMW’s futuristic plans for their cars.
BMW Welt
Adjacent to the BMW Museum is BMW Welt, the company's flagship exhibition centre. Here, visitors can see the latest BMW models, test-drive the cars, and learn about the latest advances in automotive technology. There is also a café, restaurant, and a shop selling BMW merchandise, making BMW Welt a great place to spend a few hours, even if you're not a car enthusiast.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: There is a large multi-storey carpark at the Welt, which ensures that you won’t have any problems accessing the BMW facilities. Prices are reasonable, so you could consider keeping your car here while you check out the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower), which is only a ten-minute walk from the Welt.
BMW Plant Tour
For those who want to see how BMW cars are made, a visit to the BMW Plant in Munich is a must. On a guided tour of the plant, visitors can see the production process for the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series, from start to finish. The tour is a fascinating look at the cutting-edge technology and engineering that goes into every BMW and is sure to impress even the most jaded car enthusiast. Photography is not permitted but trust me when I say that you will be in awe of the production process.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Plant tours are only available between Monday and Friday and are delivered in German or English, taking around two hours.
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Motorworld München
Motorworld München is a car enthusiast's paradise. It is a 75,000 square meter complex that houses over 30 classic and sports car dealerships, as well as a variety of automotive service providers, specialized workshops, stores, event locations, and restaurants.
Motorworld München is located on the site of the former Ausbesserungswerk der Deutschen Bahn, a railway repair shop that was built in the early 20th century. The complex has been carefully restored and preserved, and it now houses a huge collection of vehicles, including classic cars, sports cars, and motorcycles.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Admission is free, and you’d be advised to wear comfy shoes, because you will be doing a lot of walking!
Historic Industrial-Design Museum (within the Pinakothek der Moderne)
The Pinakothek der Moderne is Munich's premier museum of modern art and design, and it also houses the Historic Industrial-Design Museum. This museum showcases some of the most innovative and influential designs from the 20th century, including cars. Visitors can see how design has evolved over the past century, and how it has shaped the world we live in today.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Take time to browse the diverse collections held within the Pinakothek der Moderne and have a fascinating half-day or more.
Read on to find out about the Audi car museum.
Audi Car Museum in Ingolstadt
Audi is another of Germany's leading automakers, and the Audi Car Museum in Ingolstadt is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. Housed in a modern building, the museum showcases a range of vintage and contemporary Audi cars, as well as the company's contributions to automotive technology and design. Visitors can also see a range of special exhibitions and events, making the Audi Car Museum a fascinating and entertaining day out.
The museum is part of the Audi Forum complex, and has a captivating car showroom, excellent store, selling branded clothing and gifts, and a great canteen which offers a wide range of tasty treats, ideal for a lunch stop.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Ingolstadt is a charming city which has grown around its medieval centre. You can easily spend a day or two visiting its galleries and museums, as well as walking its beautiful, traditional streets.
