Fodor's Expert Review Andechs Monastery

One of southern Bavaria's most famous pilgrimage sites, this Benedictine monastery is 5 km (3 miles) south of Herrsching. You can reach it on Bus 951 from the S-bahn station, but you can easily walk there too, as most people do. 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.