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Benedictine monks founded a monastery at this site as far back as 762. The buildings seen at Schäftlarn today were built in 1702–07 after designs by Giovanni A Viscardi. Consecrated in 1760, the abbey is considered a masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo. Much of the stucco decoration is the work of the famous Zimmermann family. The beautiful beer garden attached to the monastery is perfect for a small repast.

In 1147, the Premonstratensians built this monastery and abbey under Duke Welf VI. It was the most important centre of monastic life in Bavaria during that era. Surviving elements include the Romanesque cloisters with late Gothic vaulting and a Romanesque basilica, whose exterior form has been preserved. The abbey’s interior is highly ornamented in the Rococo style.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Wessobrunn was the centre of the art of stuccowork. Masterbuilders of monasteries and master stucco-workers trained here, including Joseph Schmuzer (1683–1752) and Dominikus Zimmermann (1685–1766), who went on to build and decorate many of the monasteries and churches in southern Germany in the Baroque manner. Wessobrunn stucco became famous around the world through the work of the Schmuzer and Zimmermann families. Part of the monastery, including the gallery in the Fürstentrakt and Tassilo hall, is open to the public.

One of the oldest German-language manuscripts, the Wessobrunner Prayer , dating to around 800, was once held in the monastery’s library. It is now part of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek’s collection in Munich.

Bavarian cuisine complemented by monastery-brewed beer. The glorious view of the Alps is an added bonus.

The Lehel district is home to Munich’s earliest Rococo church, built by Johann Michael Fischer from 1727 to 1733, with an interior designed by the Asam brothers. Construction of the nearby neo-Romanesque parish church of St Anna began in 1887.

At the centre of this popular lakeside resort stands a monument to the legendary blacksmith Balthes, a hero of the Bavarian peasant uprising against Austria in 1705. This was also where the painter Franz Marc lived and worked in the early 20th century. His home has been converted into a museum of his works and those of his friends in the Blue Rider group.

About half of Kochelsee is surrounded by steep hills. Covering an area of just under 6 sq km (2.5 sq miles), the lake is 66 m (215 ft) deep in some parts. Excellent hiking paths run along its shores. A short distance to the south, and some 200 m (655 ft) higher, lies the blue-green Walchensee. Covering 16 sq km (6.5 sq miles) and with a depth of up to 190 m (650 ft), it is the largest and deepest mountain lake in Germany and, in summer, a wind-surfer’s paradise. A cable car affording a glorious view of both lakes runs up to Herzogstand (1,750 m/5,700 ft).

Annual “Cook’s Ball,” where costumed couples dance a Bavarian waltz and polka at 6am at the foot of the Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten. This tradition harks back to an annual ball for Munich’s domestic servants.

Asian furnishings and crafts, including some antiques, many plants, and books. Decorative household utensils and other items in the basement.

This elegant hotel is centrally located overlooking the lively Stachus square. Luxuriously furnished with great attention to detail, the establishment offers 74 rooms and 13 suites. The restaurant is among the very best in the city.