Destination Starnberger Five Lakes Region & Ammersee Lech

Between Munich and the Alps lies a beautiful vacation paradise that invites you to relax, enjoy diverse nature, and actively experience Bavarian traditions and culture: The Starnberger Five Lakes Region & Ammersee Lech. This recreational area, not only popular among the residents of Munich and Augsburg, includes Lake Starnberg, Lake Ammer, Lake Wörth, Lake Pilsensee, and Lake Wesslinger, sparkling amid a landscape of green coniferous and deciduous forests, small moor lakes and ponds, gentle hills, and some rugged mountain ranges.

For water enthusiasts, culture lovers, active visitors, and enjoyers, the Starnberger Five Lakes Region & Ammersee Lech offers the perfect backdrop for a varied, multifaceted vacation. Explore the Bavarian communities of Starnberg, Tutzing, Seefeld, Pöcking, or Dießen and discover traditions, enjoy the picturesque Alpine foothills, hike along the idyllic shores of the five lakes, embark on sailing trips and bike tours, or set sail on a steamer. We will tell you what you can discover in the Five Lakes Region and what makes the area special.

The Five Lakes Region was formed around 10,000 - 15,000 years ago by the Isar-Loisach glacier during the Würm ice age.

The name 'Five Lakes Region' is a coined term, as the area includes many more lakes (about 27 in total) in addition to the five from which it derives its name.

The deepest and largest of the five lakes is Lake Starnberg.

The smallest and shallowest lake is Lake Wesslinger.

The region is characterized by its many lakes, which are nestled in gently rolling landscapes, adding to the region's appeal.

Numerous nature reserves, such as the European Bird Protection Area at Lake Starnberg, shape the Starnberger Five Lakes Region & Ammersee Lech and provide a natural refuge for flora and fauna.

Lake Starnberg, at approximately 56 km², is the second largest lake in Bavaria after Lake Chiemsee; it was originally named 'Würmsee.'

Lake Pilsensee was once part of Lake Ammer; the rivers Ammer and Windach washed so much gravel and sand into Lake Ammer over millennia that a filling-in occurred, costing Lake Ammer 5/6 of its area and creating Lake Pilsensee.

At the southern end of Lake Ammer is the nature reserve 'Ammersee-Southern Shore Bird Sanctuary,' which is home to the uninhabited Swedish island, where endangered bird species breed.

The Starnberger Five Lakes Region & Ammersee Lech is a true vacation paradise in Bavaria, inviting visitors for wellness and relaxation, as well as interesting excursions and attractions. Here, a unique natural experience, pure culture, rustic traditions, first-class cuisine, and Bavarian charm come together to create an unbeatable ensemble. Each of the five lakes boasts its own unique character, making the Five Lakes Region attractive to both active vacationers and families or those seeking wellness retreats.

Here are some attractions to look forward to:

Sporty, sportier, Nordic Walking Park: The park features the largest contiguous trail network in Germany with 280 km across 23 routes - conquer one of the six trails that run through Tutzing.

Wanderlust is guaranteed: Use the beautiful natural backdrop at Lake Starnberg for hiking through varied landscapes on one of the many hiking and walking paths. Tutzing is a perfect starting point for extensive tours - for example, to Deixlfurter See and up to Ilkahöhe.

Visit Castle Tutzing - enjoy panoramic views of the lake, the Alps, the Wetterstein Mountains, and the Karwendel, and stroll through the historic park.

Good views: Enjoy a wonderful view over the lake from the Brahms promenade, the Kustermann park, and Johannishügel - or from Ilkahöhe, where you can enjoy the pre-Alpine landscape with a view of the Chiemgau Alps and the Zugspitze.

Culture and enjoyment at the Tutzing Museum Ship: Experience cultural highlights at Bavaria's only ship stage and be enchanted by jazz, cabaret, and theater.

Experience tradition up close at the traditional Fisherman's Wedding historical play, which is only performed every five years.

The charming old town: Stroll through the city center with its partially preserved city wall, late Gothic parish church, and Mariánplatz with the Marian column - cafes, taverns, and restaurants invite you to linger.

Experience a piece of culture: Visit the Weilheim city museum in the old town hall at Mariánplatz and admire sculptures, paintings, crafts, furniture, and more from Pfaffenwinkel.

Adventure awaits at the UNDER THE ROOF climbing hall: Prove your strength, endurance, and skill on 1,000 m² of climbing area with varying levels of difficulty, top rope climbing, ladders, or in the bouldering area.

Enjoy the best of leisure: In Weilheim, you have the choice - Ammersee, Starnberger See, Osterseen, Dietlhofer See... regardless of how and where you wish to enjoy the cool waters, from Weilheim you have an ideal starting point for excursions to one of the lakes.

Active relaxation: Utilize the idyllic landscape of Weilheim and its surroundings while cycling on the 30 km long Stork Route along the old Ammer or hiking on the Gögerlrunde southeast of Weilheim.

Lakes, lakes, and more lakes - this might best describe a vacation in the resort of Seeshaupt. Seeshaupt is located at the southern end of Lake Starnberg, adjacent to the nature reserve of Osterseen. The Osterseen include the Garden, Ur, Lust, and Stech lakes, which boast a fascinating play of colors from azure blue to turquoise green.

What can you experience in Seeshaupt and its surroundings during your vacation? We tell you in the following:

No other place in the Starnberger Five Lakes Region embodies artistic creation as much as Dießen at Lake Ammer. Located at the southwest end of Lake Ammer, Dießen has long been a center for art, culture, and craftsmanship. More than 100 years ago, artists like painters, musicians, or writers discovered Dießen and its idyllic landscapes as a place to work. To this day, craftsmanship, art, and culture shape the town's image, evident in ceramic workshops of international repute, tin foundries, or the famous potter's market that takes place annually on Ascension.

Furthermore, a vacation in Dießen is especially worthwhile because here you will find a perfect mix of nature, Bavarian lifestyle, relaxation, tradition, and culture.

Discover, for example, the following:

Landsberg am Lech is one of the most beautiful towns in Bavaria. Located about 20 km west of Ammersee, the town impresses with its remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, culture and art, abundant coziness and hospitality, picturesque squares, impressive architectural monuments, and its stunning natural backdrop. Look forward to a varied vacation in Landsberg am Lech, defined by both active enjoyment of nature in the Lech valley and cultural delights.

For example, you can look forward to the following:

Let's head to the lake!

Getting from Munich to Herrsching at Lake Ammer: Traveling from the metropolis of Munich to Herrsching at Lake Ammer takes about 50 minutes via the A96. If you take the train, you can reach your destination in about 45 minutes with S8.

Getting from Munich to Tutzing: If you're drawn to Lake Starnberg for Tutzing, drive from Munich via the A95 and reach your destination in about 50 minutes. With the regional train, you can get to Tutzing in less than half an hour.

Accommodation options: Want to experience and enjoy the magic of the region personally? Then take a look here and discover one of many restful accommodation options.