Nestled in an idyllic landscape, Lake Starnberg offers an exciting mix of breathtaking nature, eventful history and attractive leisure activities. It is not without reason that it is one of the most charming bodies of water in Bavaria. We have set out on a journey of discovery to present you with the best options for an excursion to Lake Starnberg.
The water of Lake Starnberg is clear and of excellent quality. Already in June, the water temperature averages 20 °C. In midsummer it can be up to 23 °C. There are bathing opportunities everywhere where the shore is freely accessible. The offer ranges from wonderful pebble beaches to cosy swimming meadows to mighty wooden jetties that jut far into the lake.
The number one place for water lovers among those seeking recreation is the "Paradies" bathing oasis near Feldafing and Possenhofen. The former park of Sisi Castle not only offers great sunbathing areas, but also a playground, volleyball court, snack bars and barbecue areas. Surfers will find excellent conditions in the northern area of the complex.
In addition, the lakeside bathing resort of Starnberg, the Percha bathing area, the Ambach recreation area and many other bathing places invite you to stand up paddling, swimming and other water-related activities. Do you prefer peace and quiet on your trip to Lake Starnberg? In Bernrieder Park you will find cosy little swimming bays with a sandy ground.
If you would like to get to know the most beautiful sides of the region in comfort, you should plan a tour by boat during your excursion to Lake Starnberg. Whether modern with the MS Seeshaupt or in a historical ambience on the MS Bayern - the fleet of the Bavarian Lake Navigation offers the right floating vessel for every taste. Since 2021, shipping on Lake Starnberg has one more attraction: the "EMS Berg", which is powered by green electricity and is not only climate-friendly but also particularly quiet.
The ships operate from Easter to October. Round trips are offered as well as a ferry service. From May to October, the programme also includes adventure cruises, such as historical tours, brunch cruises or dance cruises.
If you would like to explore the surroundings from the water on your own during your trip to Lake Starnberg, you can rent sailing boats, electric boats, rowing boats and pedal boats in many sizes and with a wide range of equipment at various locations.
When hiking or strolling around Lake Starnberg, you will walk along historical paths. You will inevitably come across relics from the times of Elisabeth (Sisi), the Empress of Austria. But a visit to a museum is far from being a hike along the lake. You can expect varied landscapes of fields and meadows, forests and gorges, magnificent views of the lake and a spectacular Alpine backdrop.
If you would like to enjoy nature during your trip to Lake Starnberg, we recommend a hike through the Osterseen nature reserve. This idyllic area of around 1,000 hectares, located only a few kilometres to the south, with its diverse moorland landscape and its moorland and marsh forests, offers a perfect habitat for a wide variety of animals such as fish, insects, amphibians, reptiles and birds as well as a wide variety of plants.
There are hiking trails to suit every preference and fitness level. Whether you prefer hikes in the fresh green of spring, in the floral flair of summer, in the autumnal ambience or in the gleaming white of winter: Lake Starnberg is a worthwhile hiking destination at any time of year.
Empress Sisi spent a large part of her childhood in Possenhofen Castle. The lake also became known beyond Bavarian borders through the mysterious death of King Ludwig II, who drowned near the village of Berg in 1886 under still unexplained circumstances. Today, a wooden cross in the lake and a votive chapel on the steep shore commemorate the tragic event.
The fairytale king received famous guests such as Empress Elisabeth and Richard Wagner on the romantic Rose Island in the middle of the lake. The island, which can only be reached by boat, is home to King Maximilian II. summer house as well as prehistoric pile dwellings, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
If the weather plays tricks on you during your trip to Lake Starnberg, various museums will provide you with interesting impressions and a dry and warm shelter. In Pöcking, the Empress Elisabeth Museum shows you objects from Sisi's life, while the Buchheim Museum of Imagination in Bernried has an Expressionist collection. If you would like to learn more about the life and work of the rural population in the region or about the shipping of the Wittelsbach dynasty, the Museum Starnberger See in Starnberg is the place to go.
Whether big or small, young or old, bathing fan, nature lover, active holidaymaker or history lover: Bavaria's second largest lake has something suitable for everyone. The same applies to the country house café, restaurant and hotel in Wolfratshausen.
With 25 different rooms, our 400-year-old three-sided farmhouse, which has been converted and extended with great attention to detail, is almost as diverse as the lake itself. Whether as a starting point for an excursion to Lake Starnberg, for a culinary stop afterwards or as a retreat to spend the night - you are always welcome here.
English 
Deutsch 
