There's no doubt that Germany has a problem attracting British holidaymakers, so it's strange to think that, in the 19th century, it was British tour groups on their Grand Tours that made the Rhine and the wine-making Mosel region so famous. Our image problem has much to do with our recent history, of course. It offers the perfect countryside for everything from parachuting to cycling, mountain hiking to skiing in the winter and summer dips in mountain streams and lakes. I think anyone who visits Bavaria will quickly realise the wide range of culture and traditions in the regions of Altbayern, Franken and Schwaben. Outstanding attractions in Bavaria are its wonderful royal castles such as King Ludwig's romantic castle, Neuschwanstein, and the Linderhof Palace.

I also recommend a visit to our beautiful state capital, Munich - the site of the legendary Oktoberfest - or to the Northern Bavarian city of N?erg (Nuremberg). Both cities will host several matches during the football World Cup in Germany 2006 and will be ideal places for football fans from all over the world.Bavaria is great for sport-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Edmund Stoiber Prime Minister of Bavaria I can only recommend that British visitors to Germany do what most visitors do: come to Bavaria, my homeland. Bavaria is not only Germany's leading economic area and a world-class hi-tech region, it is also number one on every German's holiday list.

This is for good reason: it's located between the River Main in the north and the Alps in the south, the Bodensee (Lake Constance) in the west and the Bayerischer Wald mountain range in the east, and it offers beautiful countryside and cities bustling with life.Bavaria is also well-known for its wonderful cultural treasures and a long and varied history, which stretches back more than 1,000 years. I can only recommend that British visitors to Germany do what most visitors do: come to Bavaria, my homeland. Cologne Cologne's 13th-century cathedral dominates the city from the banks of the Rhine. A stone's throw from the cathedral is the Museum Ludwig, which has works by Picasso, August Macke and Paul Klee. Also tucked away in the old town is one of Germany's most famous breweries, "Fr?- home to a delicious lager, served in tall glasses.. In 1835, Germany's first railway was built between N?erg and the Fuerth. Every December, thousands of tourists come to visit the Christmas market.