Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps, on the River Isar, Munich (München) is a city that combines proud provincialism with international glamour. Founded by Duke Henry the Lion, in 1158, within a century, the city had become the seat of the Wittelsbach Dynasty, who ruled the duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I. Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich’s streets.

Final Days of Carnival Season: January and early February bring the carnival season to an end. Celebrations held throughout the city.

Andechs
This hill-top Benedictine monastery was rebuilt in rococo style in 1675 after being ruined during the Thirty Years' War. The monastery has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, but these days the pilgrims are beer-lovers rather than religious types, drawn here by the delicious beers the Andechs monks have been brewing for 500 years or so. It's very touristy and the monastery restaurant is akin to a train station's, but the views from the terrace are worth it, and the trek up from the station will make that litre of Weissbier taste all the sweeter.