The Best Sight in Germany

As well as being the most visible landmark on the lake, this vast Benedictine monastery turned royal residence is perhaps its biggest attraction—especially when factoring in its superb brewery. Founded in the 8th century, the monastery was one of the most productive cultural centers in southern Germany; one of the Minnesänger (wandering lyrical poets), Walther von der Vogelweide (1170–1230), was a welcome guest. Not so welcome were Magyar invaders, who laid waste to the place in the 10th century.

During the Middle Ages, the monastery made a lively business producing stained-glass windows, thanks to a nearby quartz quarry, and in the 16th century it became a major center of printing. The late-Gothic church was refurbished in Italian baroque style in the 18th century, and became the place where heirs to the Wittelsbach dynasty got married; step inside to see the spectacular frescoes by Hans Georg Asam.

Sadly, as 19th-century secularization sealed the monastery's fate—and almost half the buildings were torn down—the church and brewery are the only parts left that are open to visitors. The remainder was converted into a summer retreat by Maximilian I and is still used by members of the Wittelsbach family.