The Best Sight in Munich, Germany

Background Illustration for Sights

Munich is a wealthy city—and it shows. At times this affluence may come across as conservatism. But what makes Munich so unique is that it's a new city superimposed on the old. The hip neighborhoods that make up the City Center (Innenstadt) are replete with traditional locales, and flashy materialism thrives together with a love of the outdoors.

Andechs Monastery

Fodor's Choice

One of southern Bavaria's most famous pilgrimage sites, this Benedictine monastery is 5 km (3 miles) south of Herrsching. Surmounted by an octagonal tower and onion dome with a pointed helmet, Andechs has a history going back more than 1,000 years. The church, originally built in the 15th century, was entirely redone in baroque style in the early 18th century. The Heilige Kapelle contains the remains of the old treasure of the Benedictines in Andechs, including Charlemagne's "Victory Cross." One of the chapels contains the remains of composer Carl Orff, whose works are performed on the grounds. The monastery also brews rich, almost black beer and makes its own cheese as well. You can reach the monastery from Munich city center via public transportation: S-Bahn S6 to Tutzing, then change to bus 951 (get off at station Andechs) or S-Bahn S8 to Herrsching, then change to bus 958 (get off at station Andechs). Make sure to check the S-Bahn and bus connection prior to your excursion, waiting times for the bus can be quite long. If you are up for some exercise before and after your beer, you can hike from Herrsching S-Bahn station to the monastery; it's an easy hike, but it takes approximately 1.5 hours depending on your pace.