Starnberger See

In upper Bavaria just south of Munich you will find a stunning recreation area for the nearby city: An impressing nature consisting of five lakes such as Lake Starnberg, Wörthsee, Pilsensee, Lake Wessling and Ammersee.

Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See) is the biggest and most famous out of the mentioned and is located only about 25 kilometer drive away from Munich. With a total surface of 56 sqm, amaximum depth of 127 meters, and a picturesque view of the Alps, this lake is quite a sight to explore. The lake itself sources from ice age glaciers from the Alps . Today it is one of the fourth biggest within the whole of Germany.

Lake Starnberg offers great leisure activitiessuch as swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, water ski and more. Many sailing and yachting clubs, shipyards, boat rental shops and diving schools line the lakefront. Typical Bavarian villages such as Ambach, Kempfenhausen and Possenhofen have great leisure areas and the town of Starnberg itself also provides a water park.On the banks you can find many beaches inviting for a swim or just to enjoy the sun. Boat trips are highly recommended for relaxing and take you to historically interesting sites.

Starnberger See became popular because of the Munich court in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. On asingle, small island named Rose Island, situated in the north-west of lake there is the Royal Villa where King Ludwig II of Bavaria used to live and was found dead in the lake in 1886. Sited and now famous is the small town Berg . A nice path that follows long stretches of the shore is perfect to explore the beauty of the landscape with various sights, through the biggest towns and villages on the Lake Starnberg, Seeshaupt, Bernried, Tutzing and Feldafing.

Activities

Do not miss to circumnavigate Starnberger See by bicycle and take a glance of the numerous villas owned by Bavarian high society and many celebrities. The full distance is 55 km.

In good weather conditions, hot-air balloon rides departing from Starnberg-Landstetten are also highly recommended.

Starnberg

The former fishing village developed into a popular summer resort in the 19^th century. Nowadays this is the town, where Munich´s rich and elite people settled. As most of their villas have been built directly on the lake, access is very difficult here. A walk on the promenade can be pleasant. A good golf course not too far from the town is also available.

Possenhofen

Possenhofen is famous for its castle built in 1536 and reconstructed in the 17th century. This was a refuge for Sissi – Empress Elisabeth.

Berg

The palace Berg used to be the summer residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty and of Ludwig II, the fairy-tale king who died in the nearby lake. A cross on the shore of the lake near Berg marks the spot where Ludwig II was found dead in the water.

Seehaupt

This little village is attractively located at the southern tip of the lake with a harbor full of yachts and a nice lakeside promenade.  Seeshaupt has managed to preserve its rural character and offers a nature reserve called Osterseen just a short trip away.

How to get to Starnberg

By Public Transport:

By S-Bahn with the S6 direction Tutzing. You an get off at Starnberg, Possenhofen, Feldaching or Tutzing.

By Car:

Lake Starnberg is reachable by car. You can take the A95 Munich-Garmisch and exit at Starnberg.