A vacation at Lake Starnberg
Pure nature. Traditionally good.
Lake Starnberg – also called Wuermsee – is the second largest lake in Bavaria after the Chiemsee Lake. The northern shoreline by Starnberg enchants with a unique alpine panorama which frames the lake perfectly and the southern shoreline near Seeshaupt scores points with its sandy, flat ground and beautiful beaches.
Further inland, gentle hills with lush, green meadows unfurl. Centuries old farms, traditional beer gardens where you can enjoy Bavarian specialties, and picturesque churches with typical onion towers are nestled in the landscape.
The Bernrieder Filz, Bavaria's oldest biosphere reserve, and the Osterseen Nature Reserve offer pure nature. It is said that the azure blue and turquoise green lakes are Lake Starnberg's teardrops.
Bavarian hospitality in a unique setting
Lake Starnberg has long been a popular destination for summer visitors from the nearby metropolis of Munich. The Bavarian King Ludwig and his second cousin Sissi, the Austrian Empress, were often visitors here. Many of the places that are linked to the pair are located directly at Lake Starnberg and can be visited.
Now days, the lake offers its diverse possibilities for water sports: swimming, sailing, wind surfing, stand-up paddling, diving, fishing, water skiing, rowing, electric or paddle boating. There's something for everyone.The promenade along the lake entices you to a leisurely stroll and you can enjoy the famous Bavarian hospitality in the cafés and restaurants with the charming view of the lake and the mountains.
The landscape surrounding Lake Starnberg has always fascinated artists. The author Lothar-Günther Buchheim fulfilled his dream of the "Buchheim Museum of Imagination" in Bernried. In the Carl-Orff Museum you can appreciate the life and work of the famous composer.
Attractions at Lake Starnberg
Rose Island
This almost 2.5 hectare island with a civil registry office, casino, & museum on the west bank has always attracted visitors with its charming landscape.
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Empress Elisabeth Museum
The young empress Elisabeth spent summers in the Possenhofen Castle with her parents and siblings. The museum in her honor is located in the historic Possenhofen train station.
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Possenhofen Castle
The castle was the Empress Sissi's summer residence when she was young. The location at Lake Starnberg promises an incomparable historic experience in harmony with nature.
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St. Josef Church in Starnberg
The St. Joseph Church in Starnberg with an interior facade completely in a beautiful Rococo style. The high altar was designed by Ignaz Günter, one of the most well-known rococo artists.
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Votive chapel
Almost ten years after King Ludwig II's death, a votive chapel was erected in his memory in the Castle Park Berg, just above his place of death. Experience history in a heavenly setting.
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Buchheim Museum
Buchheim's museum concept combines four collections under one roof: Focus is on the famous expressionist collections with paintings, watercolors, drawings and prints.
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Lake Starnberg Museum
The Lake Starnberg Museum has been presenting the history and culture of the Starnberg region for more than 100 years. The focus is on the use of Lake Starnberg through the centuries.
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Andechs Monastery
The Andechs Monastery, visible from far away on the holy mountain above the eastern banks of Lake Ammer, it's the oldest pilgrimage site in Bavaria and attracts visitors with a brewery and beer garden.
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Marienmünster Church in Diessen
The Marienmünster Church in Diessen is one of Bavaria's most beautiful sacred baroque buildings. It was built in 1720 as the monastery church of the Augustinian Order and now serves as a parish church.
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Seefeld Castle
The Seefeld Castle has been owned by the family of the counts zu Toerring-Jettenbach since the mid-15th century. Visitors can eat at the Castle Restaurant with its brewpub, stop in the shops & ateliers and take part in numerous events.
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Carl Orff Museum
The Carl Orff Museum showcases the composer's life and work. Excerpts from his work, stage design drafts, music and manuscripts await you. There are even some Orff instruments waiting to be played.
Other attractions
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The view from the Lake: breathtakingly beautiful
Many of the villas and castles can only be seen when you approach from the lake side. On a boat tour on Lake Starnberg you can combine the attractions perfectly and enjoy the breathtaking alpine panorama at the same time. On some days, when the "Fön" wind prevails, you can even see all the way to the Zugspitze Mountain, the highest mountain in Germany.
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Starnberg is ideally located for your vacation at Lake Starnberg – you can reach the Lake in just 5 minutes.