WHILE London readies itself to host the greatest show on earth next summer, Bavaria is busy convincing the International Olympic Committee that it can provide the ideal location for the 2018 Winter Games.

The Germans are putting together a compelling bid based on two centres in Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and will learn their fate next month.

Whether they are successful or not, though, it seems a shame to wait another seven years to enjoy one of Europe’s most under-rated tourist haunts. It is a cause for bafflement that, in the most recent survey of this country’s favoured holiday and short-break destinations, only two German options featured in the top 50.

Munich was the 46th most popular behind an equally, modestly-placed Berlin, lying 31st.

Sadly, historical reasons probably remain a key factor behind some people’s reluctance to visit a country still perceived as enemy territory by some of our national tabloids.

Our two nations’ shared fascination with sport, cars, food and drink certainly makes a mockery though of any perceived cultural differences.

Bavaria, more specifically, offers the perfect opportunity to embrace all of the above in two contrasting environments at any time of the year with the charming city of Munich located only a 90-minute drive away from the breathtaking scenery of the Alps.

For sports enthusiasts, Munich’s Olympic Stadium should be scheduled into any visit.

Unlike the long-since, bulldozed White City Stadium, our last five-ringed host venue back in 1908, or indeed Wembley’s much-lamented Twin Towers, Germany’s historic arena still stands as a bastion of the country’s pride in their sporting heritage.

The facilities used for the 1972 Games have been carefully preserved and, even since the city’s two football clubs Bayern Munich and 1860 left for the purpose-built Allianz Arena six years ago, the stadium has remained sustainable because of regular concerts – Take That and Bon Jovi will play there this summer – as well as other inventive, income generators.

It is, for example, possible to zip wire off the roof from one side of the stadium to the other while the on-site museum is a treasure trove for sports fans too.

Even pictures of England’s famous 5-1 football victory in the stadium are on display – the type of gesture unlikely to be reciprocated on these shores.

Across the road, BMW Welt is a must for car enthusiasts with all the latest models to die for on display in all their glory.

If you fancy imminent bankruptcy, you can even drive your new ‘Beemer’ out of the factory and on to the Autobahn in front of an army of envious visitors.

In the evenings, a room at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel is beyond the budget of most, with the dearest suites costing 3,500 Euros a night.

The hotel’s Palais Keller, though, offers an affordable and typically Bavarian dining experience with beers fresh from the keg washing down the hotel bakery’s famous pretzels.

Other local delicacies not to be missed include the often cricket-ball sized Knodel dumplings, Obadzda – a cheese-based starter made from Camembert, Romadour, butter and red onion – and Schweinsbroten, roast pork in brown-beer sauce.

The Bayerischer Hof’s stylish, rooftop cocktail bar, better negotiated by lift than the stairs after dinner, also offers unrivalled views of the city.

A cosy cinema, available for hire and housing up to 38 people in unbelievably comfortable seats, meanwhile, is a new addition and has become the art-house venue of choice for premieres in the city.

Those looking for a more traditional nightcap could head for one of the long-benched beer halls with the Hofbrahaus in Herrnstrasse recommended.

A lack of fashion sense has often been sneeringly levelled at Germans, but the designer shops in Maximilianstrasse offer a shopping experience to push Milan close and, for history buffs, the Nymphenburg Palace is a must, especially during the cold winter months when hurling is played on the long, narrow lake, evoking scenes fit for any Christmas card.

For those with a more serious passion for winter sports, though, the neighbouring mountain resorts of Garmisch, Inzell and Berchtesgaden have something for everybody.

Garmisch forms the strong backbone of Bavaria’s Olympic bid and, as an annual stopping-off point for the Alpine Ski World Cup tour, any visit does not have to be pencilled in for seven years’ time.

Be prepared for a spectator experience with a difference, though. The sight of thousands of smiling supporters dancing to the YMCA and Is This The Way To Amarillo? during this year’s downhill World Championships certainly dispelled the myth that Germans lack a sense of humour, although perhaps gave more fuel to another popular stereotype – their supposed questionable musical taste.

For speed skating and ice hockey enthusiasts, the enchanting small town of Inzell hosts a new ice stadium and is also home to the excellent family-run Forsthaus Adlgass restaurant, where you can indulge in some top-class après-ski yourself.

The traditional hostelry provides hearty food, Bavarian-costumed accordion players and, best of all, a sledging track to hurtle down on toboggans at the end of the evening, which comfortably beats jumping in a Sainsbury’s trolley at the top of the Micklegate Run on a Saturday night. Berchtesgaden is still best known as the site of Adolf Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest mountain residence but the beautiful glacial lake, Konigssee, deserves to be just as famoust.

The lake – Germany’s cleanest – is noted for its clear water and has an air of fjord-like mystery with its steeply rising flanks of mountains.

A ride on one of the electric-driven passenger ships is spectacular, as are the rewarding views for hikers.

Konigssee is also the idyllic setting for the world’s first man-made bobsleigh, luge and skeleton track.

For 90 Euros tourists can experience the run themselves at speeds approaching 70mph. Only slightly less thrilling is adopting a watching brief instead.

Imagine standing next to the corner flag for football’s World Cup final and you won’t be far off recreating the unique up close and personal nature of world-class bobsleigh. Leaning on the track, you are amazingly within touching distance of the competitors’ G-force-wobbling faces.

• Dave Flett stayed at the Ortnerhof in Ruhpolding, Inzell’s Chiemgauer Hof and the Radisson Blu Axelmannstein Resort in Bad Reichenhall, all great bases for any Alpine Bavarian break.