Lake Starnberg camping: hiking, beach & bike tour around the lake – vacation tips

Lake Starnberg Camping – Are you looking for a mix of beach vacation and picturesque nature?
Then Lake Starnberg in Bavaria is the right place for you.
Alongside Lake Constance, Lake Müritz and Lake Chiemsee, the lake is one of the largest lakes in Germany and is a popular destination for couples and families with children.
Exciting water sports, adventurous hikes or bike tours and exciting activities await you.
When camping with a roof tent, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes even in the evening at the campsite and make the most of your time here.
Find out our tips for a vacation at Lake Starnberg here.
Would you like to get started right away?
Then take a look here in the store for a suitable roof tent.

Nature vacation with the whole family

Lake Starnberg is the perfect place for a few relaxing days with the family.
For example, you can visit one of the lidos, take a dip in the lake and get a tan in the sun.
If you prefer, you can also try stand-up paddling or windsurfing, for example.
If you would rather explore nature, there are definitely some idyllic routes available that are ideal for hiking, walking or cycling.
Otherwise, how about a day trip to Munich?
The capital of Bavaria is just a few kilometers away and boasts numerous highlights worth seeing.
But there is also plenty to experience and explore here on a vacation with children.
The highlights at Lake Starnberg:

• Relaxation at the lido
• Try out water sports
• Hike in the idyllic countryside
• Cycle tour around the lake
• Excursion to the Rose Island
• Day trip to Munich

[sv slug=”camping”] Before we go into more detail about our vacation tips, here is some general information:

Map: Directions and location in Bavaria

Lake Starnberg is located in Bavaria, around 25 kilometers southwest of Munich.
It is the fifth largest lake in Germany and one of the deepest inland waters.
It is visited by numerous tourists every year.
The vacation region can be easily reached by car – ideally with a roof tent.

Explore the area: first impressions for your vacation

In the following video, you can get a first impression of the picturesque lake and the surrounding area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agu7PpGlPzo Now let’s move on to our tips for your vacation:

Top 5 things you can do at Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg impresses with its crystal-clear water and picturesque landscapes around the lake.
But apart from swimming, there is of course much more to do.
Hikes in the countryside, bike tours around the lake and action-packed water sports should definitely be on your to-do list!
But a winter vacation also promises a real adventure.
Nature with a wintry flair, skiing in the Alps and deserted beaches – if that doesn’t promise pure relaxation.
My top 5 tips:

Take a trip to the idyllic Rose Island

Roseninsel is the only island in the middle of Lake Starnberg.
It is not too far from the shore, which is why you can paddle there on your own in a canoe, paddle boat or wooden barge, for example.
Even the journey there is an exciting highlight.
Ferries also travel to the island at regular intervals.
As the name suggests, the island is covered in masses of roses in a wide variety of colors.
So a walk here is definitely recommended, especially in spring!
Information about the Rose Island:

• Numerous colorful roses all over the island
• Located about 170 meters from the shore
• Can be reached by canoe, wooden boat, paddle boat

Here is a first impression of the Rose Island:

Swimming, water sports & delicious food at Nordbad Tutzing

The Nordbad directly on the shores of Lake Starnberg is the perfect place for a relaxing and exciting day out.
Here you can spend a whole day full of action and relaxation with your loved ones.
There are numerous opportunities to try out exciting water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddling.
If you prefer something a little more relaxed, you can of course also go swimming or fishing.
Afterwards, a delicious meal awaits you, which you can enjoy with a picturesque view of the lake.
The restaurant is open in all weathers – even in winter thanks to radiant heaters.
Have you always wanted to try windsurfing?
Then take your chance at Lake Starnberg!

Relaxing day at the lido in Bernried

Things are definitely more relaxed at Strandbad Bernried.
If you are looking for a quiet place for a relaxing day by the water, then the bathing lake is just the thing.
Here you can spend the whole day swimming, sunbathing, relaxing on the sunbathing lawn with an exciting book and enjoying time with your loved ones.
There is even a jetty leading into the water from which you can jump into the lake and cool off.
There is also a kiosk with tasty snacks for when you’re feeling peckish.
If you like, you can also hire a rowing boat or pedal boat and take a few laps around the lake.
You have a unique view of the beautiful landscapes, mighty mountains and the clear water of the lake and can really switch off from the stresses of everyday life here.
The highlights of the Bernried lido:

• Relaxing day trip
• Lawn for sunbathing and relaxing
• Jetty for a dip in the water
• Kiosk with tasty snacks for the small appetite
• Pedal boat or rowing boat ride
• Views of beautiful landscapes, mighty mountains and clear water

That’s how relaxed it is at the lido:

Cycle tour around Lake Starnberg

Another thing you should definitely plan is a bike tour around Lake Starnberg.
There are several natural routes directly along the water, where you can expect beautiful, idyllic panoramic views all around.
In between, you can always take a short break and sit down in a nice café or take a quick dip in the lake.
There are bathing bays with beach sections and sunbathing lawns everywhere, which are ideal for a short break.
A complete loop around the lake by bike is around 50 kilometers long.
It will take you around 4 hours if you are in good physical condition.
Depending on how many breaks you take, you will of course need a little longer.
Either way, however, you’ll be treated to great views and, of course, having fun is always the priority!
Information about the cycle route:

• Duration: Approx. 4 hours
• Distance: 49.7 km
• Average: 12.4 km/h
• Ascent: 400 m

Take a look at some of the impressions that await you on your bike tour here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI-CsSTdGz8

A vacation at the lake is also highly recommended in winter

Lake Starnberg is definitely worth a visit in winter too.
First of all, the vacation region is not as crowded as in summer.
This gives you a little more peace and privacy, especially on the campsites.
Winter camping is no problem at all with the right equipment and is becoming increasingly popular among passionate camping fans.
You can explore the area on a walk, hike or bike tour and enjoy the winter atmosphere.
There are also several ski resorts in the immediate vicinity that can be reached in a short time.
So if you want to go skiing or snowboarding, a vacation here in winter is definitely a good idea.
That speaks for a winter vacation:

• The region is not so crowded
• Picturesque landscapes with a wintry flair
• Empty campsites and activities
• Hikes, walks or bike tours
• Sledging or ice skating with children
• Ski resorts only a short distance away

The lake is so picturesque in winter!

A vacation at Lake Starnberg is of course also recommended for families with children!

Excursion destinations and activities with children

The region around Lake Starnberg boasts picturesque, natural landscapes and is therefore ideal for walks, hikes and bike tours.
Your children will also get their money’s worth if you choose exciting trails.
But there are also plenty of other things to do with children.
For example, the Blombergbahn cable car or the Olching bird park are highly recommended for an adventurous day out.
My recommendations:

Blombergbahn: fun and games for the whole family

A trip to the Blombergbahn is ideal in both summer and winter.
There is a summer and winter toboggan run here, on which you can toboggan down the slope.
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult, but it’s just as much fun!
If you want, you can go for a walk afterwards and explore the area.
The highlights of the Blombergbahn:

• Summer and winter toboggan run
• An eventful day for the whole family
• The area is also ideal for walks

Choose one of the beautiful, natural routes and take a walk with your children!

Olching Bird Park: get to know a wide variety of bird species

A visit to the Olching bird park is particularly recommended in spring or summer.
There are numerous different bird species here that will not only delight the children.
From budgerigars and parrots to owls, buzzards and ostriches, everything is here.
A day trip to the bird park is therefore definitely recommended.
The park is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, so you should plan your visit for the weekend.
It takes about 40 minutes by car from the lake to the bird park.
Information about the Olching bird park:

• Numerous colorful birds
• Various species from budgerigars to ostriches
• Opening hours: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Access to the park by car:

Hike from the Bismarck Tower through the Höllgraben

If the weather is good, you should definitely take a hike with your children from the Bismarck Tower to Lake Starnberg.
This route offers your children plenty of variety, so there’s no chance of getting bored.

This is the route:

You start at the parking lot at the Assenhausen recreation area.
The first stop is the Bismarck Tower.
Once at the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alps and the entire lake.
The route continues along a paddock and extensive meadow, which is ideal for a picnic.
The next stop is the village of Allmannshausen, where you will come across a playground at the edge of the forest.
The trail now continues to Höllgraben.
From there, adventurous paths await you, which can be fully explored.
Fallen trees have to be crossed and a bridge leads directly along a stream.
The hike definitely promises fun for the whole family.
The last stop is Lake Starnberg.
Here you walk along the shore back to the parking lot.
Ideally, you should wait here for the sunset and bring the eventful day to a close together! The best stops on the hike:

• Bismarck Tower with picturesque views of the lake and the Alps
• Extensive meadows and paddocks invite you to picnic
• Playground at the edge of the forest in Allmannshausen
• Adventurous route from Höllgraben to Lake Starnberg

Information about the route summarized:

• Distance: approx. 4 km
• Duration: approx. 2 – 3 hours, including stops

Which time of year is best for a camping vacation at Lake Starnberg?

Temperatures at Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg has an ocean climate.
The average annual temperature is 13 degrees.
A beach vacation is definitely recommended in the summer months between June and August, as you can expect average temperatures of 24 degrees and a pleasant water temperature of 20 to 23 degrees.
The lowest average temperature, on the other hand, is 2 degrees in January.
But even in cold temperatures, winter camping is an unforgettable experience.

• Highest average temperature: 24 degrees in July
• Lowest average temperature: 2 degrees in January
• Warmest water temperature: 23 degrees in August

Weather today / in three days

Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:

That’s why you should definitely go camping at Lake Starnberg:

Camping vacation with dog and children

On a camping vacation, you are super flexible when it comes to planning your trip.
You can plan each day individually, where you want to go next and how you want to start your day.
You can also enjoy the closeness to nature and the feeling of complete freedom right into the evening hours and experience an intense time with your loved ones.
With a roof tent, you have a place to sleep right on the roof of your car and can fold it up in just a few minutes if necessary.
It costs you less than a vacation apartment or hotel and your children will have the time of their lives.
Read more about the different models, prices, roof load and other advantages here: Rooftop tent for the car. [sv slug=”dachzelt”] The advantages of camping:

• Adventurous time with your loved ones
• Flexible daily organization and travel planning
• Family and dog friendly
• A closeness to nature and a sense of freedom
• Sleeping place is ready anytime and anywhere
• Peace and privacy at the campsite
• Cheaper than a vacation in a hotel or vacation apartment

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

Campsite recommendations directly on the lake

As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose one or more campsites for your vacation.
The numerous campsites are all spread around the lake and are centrally located to the popular activities.
Although you have your peace and privacy in the countryside in the evening, you can start planning your day straight away in the morning.
These campsites are recommended in the region:

At the fisherman

4.4 stars / 592 Google reviews

• Address: Buchscharnstraße 10, 82541 Münsing
• Opening hours: 8:00 to 18:00
• Phone: 08801 802

Camping Seeshaupt

4.4 stars / 503 Google reviews

• Address: St.-Heinricher-Straße 127, 82402 Seeshaupt
• Opening hours: 7:30 to 18:00
• Phone: 08801 9146880

Camping Ambach am See

4.2 stars / 231 Google reviews

• Address: Lake Starnberg, Am Schwaiblbach 3, 82541 Münsing
• Opening hours: 9:00 to 16:00
• Phone: 08177 546

More tips?
You can find even more campsites in Bavaria here.

Campsite search: Experience – What is important?

When you go camping, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria when choosing your campsite so that you can enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
Here I have listed some factors that you should keep in mind when looking for the right pitch:

1. Rest
2. Catering
3. Friendliness
4. Price-performance ratio
5. General cleanliness
6. Sanitary facilities
7. Sanitary cleanliness
8. Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
9. Infrastructure
10. Leisure time
11. Location

FAQ: Everything about Lake Starnberg

What is the most beautiful place on Lake Starnberg, are dogs allowed on Lake Starnberg and which places are located on Lake Starnberg?
Here are some questions that often arise in connection with Lake Starnberg.

What is the most beautiful place on Lake Starnberg?

The lake has some beautiful and recommendable corners to offer.
Bernried, however, is particularly beautiful.
Not only is the picturesque lido located here, but also some idyllic paths around the town as well as numerous ancient beech and oak trees.
Bernried Castle, which is used as a monastery, is also worth a visit.

Why should I go to Lake Starnberg?

Lake Starnberg is a popular vacation spot for many German tourists.
It is the fifth largest lake in Germany and is one of the most water-rich bodies of water.
It is 128 meters deep and stretches for a total of 21 kilometers.
Here you can not only swim but also try out exciting water sports, explore the surrounding area on a bike tour or go skiing in the nearby Alps in winter.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Starnberg?

In summer, dogs are not allowed in the region around Lake Starnberg and should therefore not be taken to bathing bays and recreational areas.
That’s why a vacation here in winter might be recommended for you and your four-legged friend.

Which places are near Lake Starnberg?

• Starnberg
• Tutzing
• Seeshaupt
• Feldafing
• Pöcking

Reading tips: Camping vacation in Bavaria

If you are still undecided about where exactly to go on your vacation, there are other beautiful and recommendable lakes in Bavaria apart from Lake Starnberg.
These also impress with picturesque nature and exciting activities and are just perfect for camping.
So feel free to read more articles here as an alternative vacation destination. [sv slug=”reiseziel”]

Camping at Hopfensee

Hopfensee – A vacation at Hopfensee promises a real adventure, because on a trip to the beautiful lake you can not only swim, but also explore the exciting sights and activities nearby or go on a hike in the idyllic natural surroundings.
Afterwards, unique home cooking from the best fisherman’s hut in Germany awaits you.
Read all about the first camping trip to Lake Hopfensee here:

• Camping Hopfensee

Camping at the Ammersee

Ammersee – The Ammersee is the third largest lake in Bavaria and attracts thousands of vacationers every season.
The crystal-clear water and diverse nature are sure to win you over too!
As a couple or with the whole family, you can enjoy an active but also relaxing vacation at Lake Ammersee.
We’ll tell you where to stay and which places and activities you shouldn’t miss out on.
Find out more here:

• Camping Ammersee

Camping at the Chiemsee

Chiemsee – The Chiemsee Alpenland is one of the most beautiful regions in Germany and scores points not only with the beautiful lake itself, but also with the mountains of the Alps that frame the lake.
So don’t miss out on a vacation at the multi-faceted Chiemsee, pack your loved ones and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in one of Germany’s most beautiful regions.
Find out more here:

• Camping Chiemsee

Camping in Bavaria

Bavaria – Southern Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations for German and foreign tourists.
Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can hike and enjoy nature.
Find out everything you need to know about what to do on your camping vacation here:

• Camping Bavaria