Some still refer to Munich, the 1.5 million-strong metropolis, as a village. The mountains are close, there are few high-rise buildings, but plenty of green spaces. The English Garden comes to mind first, but there are also several picturesque lakes in and around Munich. Here, you can swim, enjoy outdoor sports by the shore, and immerse yourself in nature.

Lake Starnberg, located just 25 km south of Munich, is one of the most famous and popular excursion destinations in the region. With its clear waters and stunning backdrop of the Alps, it is a perfect spot for nature and water enthusiasts. Particularly popular activities include boat trips, hiking around the lake, and relaxing moments at the many swimming areas. The surrounding area also offers numerous cozy restaurants, cafes, and attractions such as Starnberg Castle, which is linked to the Bavarian King Ludwig II.

How to get there from Munich Hauptbahnhof:

By car:
Lake Starnberg is easily accessible by car, with a travel time of around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. From Munich Hauptbahnhof, take the A95 towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen and follow the signs to Starnberg.

By public transport:
From Munich Hauptbahnhof, you can quickly reach Lake Starnberg by public transport. The S-Bahn line S6 takes you directly to Starnberg in about 40 minutes. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the lake. Alternatively, you can also take the RB regional train, which offers a convenient connection as well.

Lake Ammersee, located about 40 km southwest of Munich, is a popular destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With its idyllic setting and clear waters, the lake offers numerous recreational activities such as swimming, sailing, stand-up paddling, and cycling. Particularly charming are the two picturesque towns, Diessen and Herrsching, which lie along the lakeshore and invite visitors to linger with their historic buildings, cafés, and restaurants. The surrounding area of Lake Ammersee is perfect for long walks and bike tours, where you can enjoy the beautiful nature and the gentle hills around the lake.

How to get there from Munich Hauptbahnhof:

By car:
Lake Ammersee can be reached by car in about 45 minutes. From Munich Hauptbahnhof, take the A96 towards Lindau and exit for Herrsching or Diessen, depending on your destination. Both towns offer good parking options and direct access to the lake.

By public transport:
From Munich Hauptbahnhof, the S8 line takes you directly to Herrsching in about 45 minutes. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the lake. Alternatively, you can take the RB regional train to Diessen. Both towns are well-connected by public transport, providing easy access to Lake Ammersee.

Tegernsee – A Natural Paradise in the Bavarian Alps

Located just 50 kilometers south of Munich, the Tegernsee is a true gem of the Bavarian Alps. Nestled in a breathtaking mountain landscape, it captivates with its crystal-clear waters and a wide range of recreational activities.

Whether hiking, cycling, or water sports – Tegernsee is a paradise for active vacationers. Numerous hiking trails wind through picturesque forests and lead to spectacular viewpoints. Especially the Wallberg, one of the most famous mountains in the region, offers an unforgettable panorama of the lake and surrounding Alps. With the Wallbergbahn, you can easily reach an elevation of 1,620 meters, where you'll find a restaurant and many hiking paths. In winter, the Wallberg transforms into a haven for tobogganing enthusiasts, boasting one of the longest toboggan runs in Germany.

How to get there from Munich Hauptbahnhof:

By car:
Tegernsee is about 1 hour away by car from Munich Hauptbahnhof. Take the A8 heading toward Salzburg and exit at Holzkirchen. From there, follow the B318, which leads directly to the lake. Parking is available in the towns around the lake.

By public transport:
The Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BOB) offers a direct connection from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Tegernsee. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The train stops in the towns of Tegernsee, Gmund, Rottach-Egern, and Bad Wiessee, making it easy to reach all key destinations around the lake.

The Chiemsee, affectionately known as the "Bavarian Sea," is one of the largest and most famous lakes in Bavaria. Surrounded by a breathtaking alpine backdrop, the lake is a true paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming are among the most popular activities on its clear waters.

The three islands of the Chiemsee are particularly charming: Herreninsel, with the magnificent Herrenchiemsee Palace, built by King Ludwig II, the idyllic Fraueninsel, known for its monastery and cozy atmosphere, and the small, uninhabited Krautinsel. Boat tours to these islands are one of the highlights of a visit.

The surrounding area also has much to offer. Picturesque towns like Prien, Gstadt, and Seebruck invite visitors for strolls along the lakeside promenades, while numerous hiking and cycling paths open up the natural beauty around the lake. Cozy inns and beer gardens serving regional specialties provide the perfect setting for relaxation.

How to get there from Munich Hauptbahnhof:

By car:
The Chiemsee is about 90 kilometers from Munich and can be reached by car in about an hour. Take the A8 toward Salzburg and exit at Bernau am Chiemsee or Prien am Chiemsee. From there, it's only a few minutes to the lake.

By public transport:
Regional trains from Deutsche Bahn take you comfortably to Prien am Chiemsee in about one hour. From Prien station, the historic Chiemseebahn takes you directly to the lakeside, where excursion boats depart for the islands. Alternatively, you can also get off at Gstadt or Bernau to explore the lake.