Ultimate Guide to Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg (germ. Starnbergersee) is the second-largest lake in Bavaria and one of the largest lakes in Germany. The length of the lake is about 20.2 km (12.6 mi) and the deepest point is at 127.8 m (419 ft).  It is one of the favorite lakes of German elite and royal families. It is associated with the King Ludwig II and Wittelsbach royal family, which is why Lake Starnberg is also called Fürstensee (Prince’s Lake).

How to get to Lake Starnberg from Munich

Lake Starnberg is situated about 27 Kilometers from Munich Center and is easily reachable by public transportation making it one of the most popular day trips from Munich. The main stations on the lake are Starnberg, Possenhofen, and Tutzing.

Munich to Starnberg By Car

Starnberg, the main town on the Starnbergersee Lake, is easily accessible from Munich by car. It is one of the most popular towns near Munich. The journey will take about 30-40 minutes depending on the traffic. There are many parking lots at the lake. Most of the parking spaces are located close to the town of Starnberg. One hour of parking will cost you 1,50 euros.

Munich to Starnberg By Train

There are regular trains called S Bahn in German, going to different towns on the lake. From Munich Central or East Station, you can take train S6 towards Tutzing. It goes every 20 minutes from Munich to Starnberg. The journey takes about 30 minutes (shorter if you start from south of Munich). Be aware that with the train you can go only to Tutzing. If you want to go to the very south of the lake you need to go either by car or take a ferry. 

Munich to Starnberg By Bicycle

Another way to go to Starnberg from Munich is by bicycle. It is one of the favorite ways for locals to get to the lake in summer. From south of Munich, it will take you only one hour to get to the northern shores of the lake by bicycle. 

Can you Swim in Lake Starnberg?

Lake Starnberg is one of the most popular lakes near Munich for locals and tourists. Many people come here to take a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. With a shore length of about 49 kilometers and a depth of up to 128 meters, it offers a lot of beaches to relax and sunbathe.

Beaches Around Lake Starnberg

Most of the beaches at the lake are private property, but there are enough beaches available for the public for free. The largest public beach at Lake Starnberg is located at Percha about 3 kilometers walking distance from Starnberg train station. Other popular public beaches are located at Possenhofen, Tutzing, Seehaupt, and Berg.

Percha Beach – Schiffbauerweg 20, 82319 Starnberg
Recreation area Ambach – Buchscharnstrasse 1B, 82541 Münsing
Lido Seerestaurant – St.-Heinricher-Strasse 113, 82402 Seeshaupt
Südbad Tutzing – Seestrasse 20, 82327 Tutzing
Nordbad Tutzing – Nordbadstrasse 1, 82327 Tutzing
Strandbad Feldafing – Königinstrasse 4, 82340 Feldafing
Bathing area Paradies Possenhofen – Ferdinand-von-Miller-Strasse, 82343 Pöcking
Strandbad Hubl – An der Mühle 1, 82347 Bernried
Seebad Starnberg – Strandbadstrasse 17, 82319 Starnberg

Map of Swimming Areas Around Lake Starnberg

Best Things to Do on Lake Starnberg

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to explore Lake Starnberg is by boat. There are regular boat tours available which will take you to the main cities at the lake. Before you plan your boat tour, you should check the timetable and availability. There are four types of tours available with prices ranging between 12,60 and 24,20 euros.

Sailing on Lake Starnberg

Sailing is one of the main activities on Lake Starnberg. On a sunny summer day, you will see a lot of sailing boats and catamarans on the lake. You can rent a sailing boat directly at the lake. There are various boat rentals in Starnberg, Tutzing, Seeshaupt, and Berg.

Standup Paddling (SUP)

Stand-up paddling(SUP) is a very popular activity on Lake Starnberg. To avoid the crowds, I recommend coming here during the week. There are various locations for stand-up paddle board rental and lessons. One of the popular rentals is the SUP club at Seebad, 10 minutes walking from the Starnberg Train Station. The prices for board rentals may vary, but you can expect to pay around 16 euros per hour for the board rental. The SUP club  is open between May and September. If you want to come here out of the main season, you should bring your own paddle board and neoprene suit.

Standup Paddling on Lake Starnberg

Hiking around Lake Starnberg

Another popular activity is hiking around the lake. My favorite hiking route is hiking from Tutzing to Starnberg. The route is 12 kilometers and will take you about 2.30-3 hours to complete. It is a very panoramic hike and you can always sit at the lake to enjoy the view. If you love hiking check out my favorite hikes near Munich reachable by train.

Having a Barbeque

Having a barbeque on Lake Starnberg is generally not allowed except in special barbeque zones (ger. Freizeitgelände ). On the western side of the lake close to the train station Possenhofen, you can find a relaxation zone called “Paradies” at Possenhofen the south of the lake Starnberg, you will find another barbeque zone at Ammerland.

Spa and Wellness

Lake Starnberg is a popular recreational destination. Its SPA and Wellness Center is very popular among locals and visitors. It is located directly in the town of Starnberg. It has a 45-meter-long indoor pool, saunas, a private beach, and outdoor pools.

Rose Island, King Ludwig II, and Bavarian Royalty

Despite its size, lake Starnberg has only one island. This island is called Rose Island (Roseninsel) and it is famous for the royal villa of the Bavarian fairytale King Ludwig II who built the famous Disney’s Castle. Rose Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rose Island has a beautiful rose garden. Roses blossom here usually in the middle of June and mid of August. Lake Starnberg is famous for the tragic death of Bavarian King Ludwig II who drowned under mysterious circumstances near the village of Berg.

Lake Starnberg Castles

There are several castles and palaces around the lake but they are not particularly beautiful or impressive compared to other famous Bavarian castles near Munich. Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) spent a large part of her childhood at Possenhofen Castle. Berg Palace was a residence of King Ludwig II. Today it is the residence of Franz, Duke of Bavaria.

Buchheim Museum of Imagination

Nestled in Bernried am Starnberger See, the Museum der Phantasie is a tribute to Lothar-Günther Buchheim’s eclectic art collection. Opening its doors on May 23rd, 2001, it showcases his passion for creativity. Buchheim’s legacy, including the iconic novel “Das Boot,” adds depth to the museum’s narrative, inviting visitors on a journey of imagination and discovery along the shores of Lake Starnberg.

The museum features beautiful modern art, kooky sculptures, comics, funny installations, and interactive activities for kids. After visiting the museum, you can enjoy a refreshing drink in a cozy cafe in the same building. You can buy tickets online on the official website but it’s unfortunately only in German.

Best Restaurants and Cafes

There are many great cafes and restaurants near Lake Starnberg. My absolute favorite is Hugo’s Udosa Italian restaurant and beach club. I love their truffle Pizzas and the atmosphere. I also love their white and Latino parties in summer. Next to Hugo’s beach club is a nice cafe with great cakes and ice cream. If you like fish and sushi, then Fisherman’s Sushi and Bar will be a great choice for you.

Best Time to go to Starnbergersee

Lake Starnberg is a great place to relax all year round. However, if you want to go swimming in the lake, then summer is the best time to do that when the water temperature gets a bit warmer. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn are a better option when it is not too hot.

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