Starnberg Am Starnberger See Overview

The beautiful small town of Starnberg (pop. 16,000), situated at the northern end of the Stanberger See just 20km south of Munich, has been a favorite vacation spot for Germans since the Wittelsbach family named the city its summer vacation destination of choice in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, verdant forests and the shimmering waters of the pristine Sternberger See, capped by the magnificent Alps to the south, draw visitors to this oasis of quiet beauty.

The stunning St. Joseph Kirche, Schlossbergstr. 3, is a short 5min. walk uphill from the train station. Completed in 1770, the church’s unique interior blends the styles of Baroque, Rococo, and Classical. Yellow arches and rainbow pastel columns support ceiling frescoes. The white marble altar, designed by famed Rococo master Franz Ignaz Günther, epitomizes the ornate detail and penchant for precious metals that characterized the opulent movement. Outside, the meticulously manicured garden offers a breathtaking view of the city and lake below. (Free. Open ­9am-­6pm.) Just off the lake shore 3min. west of the train station is the Heimat Museum (Local History Museum), Possenhofener Str. 5, which has fascinating exhibits that chronicle the notable maritime history of the city. The museum leads visitors between the modern main building and the ancient Lochmann-Haus next door, whose floorboards date back to 1474. Also on display is the “Delphin,” the last ship to be commissioned by Ludwig I, complete with glass cabin. The museum also displays a collection of local landscapes and still-lifes and ancient religious artifacts and medical instruments. (☎08151 44 77 570; www.museum-stanberger-see.de. €3, students €2. Open Tu-Su ­10am-­5pm. Cash only.)

The See Promenade, stretching along the northwestern coast of the lake, is dotted with cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds. Visitors can join locals dipping their feet in the water along the boardwalk, or stretch out and soak up the sun on one of the many public docks in the area. Bootverleih Schroop, Seepromenade 4, offers the best value for renting boats in town. (☎08151 162 52. Motorboats from €17 per hr., rowboats from €9 per hr. Open daily ­10am-­7pm.) For more fun in the sun, head to the Starnberger Wasserpark, Strandbadstr. 5. From the station, head right on Bahnhofpl. Turn right under the train tracks onto Nepomukweg. Follow the signs to “Wasserpark” at the water’s edge. With an outdoor beach and small playground, this complex is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air and cool waters of the Starnberger See. The park also features an indoor pool, waterslide, and sauna. (☎0815 11 26 66; www.wasserpark-starnberg.de. Outdoor beach €3, students €2; indoor complex €4/2.50. Open M ­10am-­5pm, Tu-F ­1pm-­9pm, Sa-Su ­8am-­8pm.) Adventurous weekenders enjoy balloon rides (breathtaking in winter) from Landstettener-Ballonfahrten, Klosterholzweg 1. (☎0815 791 04; www.landstettener-ballonfahrten.de, from €180.) Canoe, rafting, and biking trips are organized by Action & Funtours. (☎0850 59 04; www.action-funtours.de; from €35.)

Cafes and restaurants dot the lakeshore, while more traditional beer gardens can be found up the hill in the town itself. For a quick bite, try the small, shaded eaves of Cafe Restaurant City 2 , Zweigerstr. 2. Generous portions of seafood, grilled specialties, and traditional Bavarian fare start at €5. (☎08151 64 10. Open daily ­11am-­11pm. Cash only.) Undosa 4 , Seepromenade 1, serves rich Italian and Bavarian options (€11-16) on a Mediterranean-inspired terrace on the water’s edge. Live music and a marble dance floor make it worth the splurge. (☎0815 199 8930; www.undosa.de. Open daily ­10am-midnight. Cash only.)