Things To Do
in Starnberg

Traditional Bavarian white sausage served with a pretzel and sweet mustard; a morning specialty often found at cafés and beer gardens.

Must-Try!

Fresh fish from the alpine lakes, commonly prepared pan-fried or as fillets; look for it in lakeside restaurants and seasonal menus.

Roast pork with gravy, dumplings and cabbage—classic Bavarian comfort food available in local Gasthäuser.

Grilled whole fish on a stick, often served at summer festivals and beer gardens around the lake.

Local farmers, bakers and cheesemakers sell fresh produce, bread and regional specialties—good for picnic supplies or trying local cheese and sausages.

In summer there are regular stalls and pop-up stalls near the marina selling grilled fish, pretzels and sweet treats; check local event listings for festival dates.

Germans value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments, tours and restaurant reservations.

Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet times) typically in the afternoon and at night, and be mindful of noise in residential areas, especially Sundays and public holidays.

Use formal greetings (Guten Tag, Guten Morgen) in shops and with older people unless invited to use first names; a firm handshake is common.

Follow local rules for swimming, boating and hiking, keep lakesides and trails clean, and observe any protected-area restrictions.

Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service; in cafés or bars people often round up. For taxis, a small round-up is customary; tip hotel porters and cleaners a few euros if you wish.

Cash (Euro) is widely used and accepted; most shops, restaurants and hotels accept major debit (Girocard/EC) and credit cards, though smaller businesses and markets may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.

Warm days, ideal for swimming, boating and lakeside beer gardens. Expect busy weekends and increased prices; book accommodation in advance. Evenings are pleasant for promenades and outdoor dining.

Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage around the lake and hills—great for hiking and photography. Cooler temperatures, quieter tourist scene, and many seasonal menus with game and hearty dishes.

Cold, often frosty with occasional snow; the lake is dramatic and peaceful, though swimming is off the agenda. Many restaurants reduce hours outside peak season; bring warm layers and check local transport in snow conditions.

Blossoms and returning greenery; temperatures rise and outdoor activities resume. Shoulder season means fewer crowds and good deals, but weather can be changeable—pack waterproof layers.

Walk parts of the trail that follow the lakeshore for easy, flat paths with scenic views—ideal for a relaxed day hike and photography.

A popular outing combining a visit to Andechs Abbey with pleasant countryside trails and views over the Ammersee and surrounding lakes.

More challenging hikes in the nearby alpine foothills offering panoramic views of several lakes and the Alps; accessible by car or regional transport and suitable for experienced hikers.

Shorter, easy hikes and walks around neighboring small lakes with peaceful woodland sections and picnic spots—good for families.

Major international airport about 30–40 km northeast of Starnberg; reachable by car, regional trains and S-Bahn plus bus connections—typical transfer times are 40–60 minutes depending on route and traffic.

Smaller regional airport and business aviation field roughly 20–30 km northwest; limited commercial flights—useful for private flights or certain business services.

Lake Starnberg is a hub for sailing, yachting and rowing clubs with active local communities, regattas and boat rentals.

Open-water swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and recreational boating are popular during warm months.

Trail walking, mountain hikes in nearby foothills and cycling around the lake are common weekend activities.

Like much of Germany, football is widely followed and local clubs provide amateur and youth play opportunities.