Why I Recommend This Journey

Lake Starnberg is close enough to Munich that you don't spend much of the day traveling, yet once you arrive it feels completely different from the city. The lake is surrounded by some of Bavaria's most beautiful countryside, and the cycling route around its perimeter is one of the finest day rides I know. You can shorten or extend the route easily, and there are plenty of places to stop for swimming, food and coffee along the way.

Getting There

Take the S6 S-Bahn from Munich Hauptbahnhof or Pasing to Starnberg. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Bicycles are permitted on S-Bahn trains outside peak hours — check the MVV website for current rules. Alternatively, bicycle rental is available in Starnberg if you prefer not to bring your own.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Morning

   Arrive in Starnberg and begin cycling south along the western shore. The path is well-marked and mostly flat, passing through Possenhofen, where Empress Elisabeth of Austria spent her childhood.

2. Mid-Morning

   Continue to Tutzing, a pleasant lakeside town with a good café stop. From here the route continues south to Bernried, home to the Buchheim Museum with its extraordinary collection of Expressionist art.

3. Lunch

   Stop at Seeshaupt at the southern end of the lake. The Fischerei Sebald is famous for its smoked fish — a perfect lakeside lunch. There are also several beer gardens and restaurants here.

4. Afternoon

   Cycle north along the eastern shore, which is quieter and more wooded than the western side. Stop for a swim at one of the public beaches near Ammerland or Ambach.

5. Late Afternoon

   Return to Starnberg via the eastern shore, or take the train from one of the stations along the route if you're tired. The ferry also connects several points around the lake in summer.

My Favorite Moments

Sitting at a picnic table at Fischerei Sebald with a plate of smoked fish and a cold beer, looking out over the lake with the Alps visible in the distance on a clear day. It's one of those simple, perfect moments that Bavaria does better than almost anywhere.

Food & Drink

The Fischerei Sebald in Seeshaupt is the highlight — smoked fish, fish soup and local specialties served at outdoor tables beside the lake. In Bernried, the Klosterwirtschaft serves traditional Bavarian food in a beautiful setting next to the monastery. In Starnberg itself, there are several good restaurants and cafés near the station for the journey home.

Practical Tips

• Check MVV rules for bicycles on S-Bahn trains before traveling — restrictions apply during peak hours
• The full circuit is around 50 km — allow 5–6 hours of cycling plus stops
• Bring a swimming costume — the lake is clean and warm enough for swimming from June to September
• The Buchheim Museum is closed on Mondays
• Sunscreen is essential — the lake reflects a lot of light and sunburn is easy to underestimate