Читать книгу Walking in the Bavarian Alps. 70 mountain walks and treks in southern Germany онлайн

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Of the many hundreds of excellent walking trails to be explored in the Bavarian Alps only a small selection are described in detail in this book. They vary in length from a half-day to four or five days and many are circular (convenient if you have to get back to your car). Where possible, suggestions have been made for longer tours, but with the help of the recommended maps it should be possible to work out your own variations and additional routes.

History

Much of the history of what we now know as Germany is characterised by the fluctuating borders of independent and often warring duchies, princedoms and kingdoms. Bavaria’s history reflects this from the time Germanic tribes coalesced with other groups left after the retreat of the Romans in the late fifth century. This amalgam of peoples came to be known as the Baiuvarii or Bavarians.

In the sixth century Bavaria became a duchy and remained so until 1806. During this span of time its borders repeatedly changed; at one point large parts of Austria and part of northern Italy belonged to Bavaria. With the advent of the 10th century the duchy joined the Holy Roman Empire. In 1180 the Emperor awarded the duchy to the Wittelsbachs who were to rule first as dukes and later kings for over 700 years.