- Lake Starnberg is officially the second largest lake in Bavaria and one of the deepest in Germany, with a maximum depth of 127 meters.
- The lake was formerly known as 'Würmsee' until 1962, when its name was changed to match the town of Starnberg, which had become its most prominent municipality.
- The area has long served as a prestigious retreat for Munich's elite, earning the nickname 'the bathtub of Munich' due to its popularity for weekend bathing and recreation.
- The town's location on the northern shore of the lake was historically strategic, serving as the main terminal for the first railway line from Munich in 1854.
- The lake has been a protected landscape since 1976, preventing extensive development on much of its shoreline to preserve the natural character of the environment.
About Starnberg
Starnberg serves as the principal gateway to Lake Starnberg, functioning as a sophisticated residential and recreational hub located just 25 kilometers southwest of Munich. The city is defined by its deep historical association with Bavarian royalty, evidenced by the proximity of the Roseninsel mit Casino and the serene waterfront surroundings of the Seepromenade Starnberg See. Beyond its aristocratic legacy, the area offers substantial natural recreation, ranging from the dramatic geography of the Maisinger Schlucht to the expansive panoramic views found at the Aussichtspunkt Starnberger See. It remains a focal point for maritime activity and historical preservation, housing significant artifacts at the Museum Lake Starnberg.
Highlights of Starnberg
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Walk the extended waterfront promenade for unobstructed views of the Alps and the lake.
Museums
Examine the local cultural evolution and maritime history through the museum's dedicated regional archives.
Parks
Hike through this unique geological gorge formed by post-glacial runoff, leading toward the nearby Maisinger See.
Places of interest
Visit this UNESCO-recognized island site, once a private summer retreat for King Ludwig II.
Places of interest
Access the highest vantage points to view the expansive lake basin and distant mountain ranges.
Temples
Explore the memorial chapel marking the site where King Ludwig II died in 1886.
Historical places
Admire the distinct neo-Gothic architectural style of this castle overlooking the lake shores.
Temples
View this historic religious structure known for its simple, traditional lakeside design near Possenhofen.
Top things to do in Starnberg
The 114 highest-rated places in Starnberg, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
Kloster Andechs is a historic Benedictine monastery situated atop the Holy Mountain (Heiliger Berg) in Upper Bavaria. It...
2
Amusement parks
Freizeitpark Märchenwald im Isartal is a family-oriented amusement park located south of Munich, specifically designed f...
3
Museums
The Buchheim Museum, known as the Museum of Imagination, is situated on the shores of Lake Starnberg and houses a signif...
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Natural attractions
Lake Starnberg is the fifth largest lake in Germany and is located approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Munich. Form...
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Natural attractions
Ammersee is the third-largest lake in Bavaria, formed by the melting of the Ammer Glacier after the last ice age. It cov...
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Places of interest
The Seepromenade in Starnberg serves as the primary pedestrian gateway to Lake Starnberg, offering direct access to the...
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Temples
The Votivkapelle in Berg is a historic memorial chapel constructed to commemorate the death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria...
8
Parks
Bernrieder Park is a 90-hectare historical English-style landscape garden located on the western shore of Lake Starnberg...
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Parks
Maisinger Schlucht is a protected natural monument featuring a narrow gorge carved into Molasse rock layers by the Maisi...
10
Historical places
Schloss Höhenried is a historic estate located on the western shore of Lake Starnberg, currently serving primarily as a...
11
Places of interest
The Seeanlagen Dießen am Ammersee is a sprawling lakeside park and promenade located on the southwestern shore of Lake A...
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Temples
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Historical places
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Parks
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Museums
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Historical places
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Starnberg on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Starnberg
Late May to September, when the lake's water temperature is optimal for swimming and the alpine trails, such as those through the Maisinger Schlucht, are free of snow.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the lakeshore museums, take a boat trip to the Roseninsel, and hike the local nature gorges.
The city is highly walkable near the waterfront, while the broader region is served by the S-Bahn (S6 line) connecting to Munich and local bus networks accessing outlying villages.
Stay near the Starnberg Nord or Starnberg See train stations for easy access to regional transport and immediate walking distance to the lake promenade.
Expensive; as one of Germany's most affluent regions, accommodation and dining costs consistently exceed the national average.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 114 curated attractions in and around Starnberg, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kloster Andechs is the highest-rated place to visit in Starnberg right now.
The largest category is temples, with 46 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
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