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Maximilian II Emanuel, the Elector, wanted to rival Versailles with the Neues Schloss (New Palace). Begun in 1701 based on plans by Enrico Zuccalli and completed in 1719 by Joseph Effner, the complex includes a hunting lodge and Schloss Lustheim, a small summer palace on the eastern edge of the Baroque park (see Hofgarten Schleißheim), also designed by Zuccalli. The latter houses an important collection of early Meißner porcelain. Oberschleißheim is home to the Flugwerft Schleißheim (see The Branch Museums).

The historic seat of a bishopric, the town is dominated by the cathedral and the bishop’s residence, situated on a hill known as the Mons Doctus – Learned Mount. Designed as a Roman basilica with five aisles, the cathedral was completed in 1205 and embellished from 1723 to 1724 by the Asam brothers, with stucco and stained-glass windows. Not to be missed are the Romanesque crypt and its famous Bestiensäule , a column elaborately carved with fabled beasts. Near the cathedral lies the former Benedictine monastery, Weihenstephan. Today, it is a brewery – arguably the oldest in the world – with a wonderful beer garden.

Set in the foothills along the Amper River, some 15 km (9 miles) north of Munich, Dachau is a small town built around a prominent palace – part Renaissance, part Baroque – which has an excellent restaurant. In 1933, the first Nazi concentration camp was set up here, now a place of remembrance – the KZ Gedenkstätte – one of the most frequented in Europe today. Refurbishment of the exhibition at the adjacent museum was completed in 2003.

Near Glonn, 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Munich, the Hermannsdorfer Landwerkstätten complex was completed in 1986. The centre produces, processes, and sells organic food products, and features a gourmet restaurant and beer garden. Take the time for a walk to view works of art such as chimes and sculptures placed throughout the grounds.

Situated on the eastern shore of Ammersee on a hill rising to a height of 200 m (650 ft), this monastery with its lovely Rococo church is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Germany. Many, however, journey here to sample the famous monastery beer, served in the beer garden and pub.

Lining its elongated town square, Fürstenfeldbruck boasts a town hall and historic houses in the Baroque and neo-Classical style, and a Baroque abbey by Antonio Viscardi. Its stunning interior includes work by the Asam brothers, among others.

Wolfratshausen lies some 30 km (19 miles) south of Munich on the River Loisach and has a long central market street flanked by 17th- to 18th-century Upper Bavarian gabled town houses. This small town is the starting point for river-rafting tours to Munich, which launch at the Loisach bridge. These are cheerful excursions accompanied by music, picnics, and beer, down the rafting chutes of the Isar to the central landing area near Tierpark Hellabrunn. During the six-hour ride, passengers experience the largest chute in Europe with an 18-m- (60-ft-) drop in altitude.

Bavaria’s third-largest lake, Ammersee lies in a glacial basin from the Ice Age surrounded by forested moraines. Under clear skies, there is a glorious view of the Alps. Its shoreline is studded with many small towns, offering activities such as sailing, rowing, surfing, cycling, hiking, and much more.

South of Lake Starnberg near Seeshaupt, travellers will find the delightful Osterseen, a group of some 20 small moor-land lakes that are among the warmest in Bavaria. This is a perfect spot to go for swimming and peaceful walks in a nature reserve.

This is a city straight out of a picture book. Lining the triangular market square are beautiful town houses and a stunning stucco town hall. It was built around 1700 by the famous building master Dominikus Zimmer-mann, who also served as mayor of Landsberg (1749–54). The 36-m- (125-ft-) high Bayertor, dating from around 1425, is one of the most impressive medieval city gates in Bavaria.