Fodor's Expert Review Museum of the Bavarian Kings

Housed in the former grand hotel, this museum chronicles the history of the Wittelsbach kings and queens from the 11th century to the present day. Focusing primarily on King Maximilian II and his son Ludwig, it details the family's story and the fabled Wittelsbach family's influence in the region, from the development of Munich, their founding of the first Oktoberfest, and the family's role in the resistance to the Nazi regime and their eventual imprisonment during World War II. Interactive exhibits couple state-of-the-art technology with the gold and gilt belongings of the royal family, including an elegant fur robe worn by King Ludwig II, builder of the nearby castles. The adjacent Alpenrose-am-See café overlooking the lake is a good spot to relax.