Where nature, history and cuisine in Bavaria meet
The Ammersee, Bavaria’s third largest lake with 47 square kilometers, is a true paradise for nature lovers and recreation seekers. This picturesque lake, located in the heart of the Bavarian Alpine foothills, about 13 kilometers northwest of Lake Starnberg, attracts visitors from near and far all year round. With its breathtaking scenery, numerous recreational opportunities and charming villages along the shore, Lake Ammersee has much to offer.
Villages by the lake
Entlang des Ammersees Along the shores of Lake Ammersee are picturesque villages that embody the charm and hospitality of Bavaria. Here are three of the most charming:
- Herrsching: This idyllic village on the eastern shore of the lake is a popular starting point for boat trips and offers breathtaking views of the Alps. The nearby Andechs Monastery and the lakeside promenade are just some of the attractions.
- Utting on Lake Ammersee: Utting on the western shore of the lake was already settled in the second century BC and was also a frequently visited place during Roman times, as the settlement was located directly on one of the important Roman roads, the Via Raetia. Nowadays, visitors enjoy a stay at the lido with a ten-meter-high diving tower. https://www.starnbergammersee.de/detail/id=6076ac8f07bca56b2082f4b2
- Dießen: Historic Dießen on the southern shore is just like Utting known for its early settlement and the Roman road. In the town you can admire the well-preserved half-timbered houses and buildings such as the Dießen Marienmünster, a collegiate church. The market hall in Dießen is a must for gourmets and is open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm. https://markthalle-diessen.de
Recreational opportunities at the Ammersee
Outdoor: Lake Ammersee is surrounded by an impressive natural landscape. The shores of the lake are lined with dense forests, green meadows and rolling hills. The clear emerald color of the water and the majestic backdrop of the Alps in the background give the lake an incomparable beauty. That’s why Ammersee offers a wealth of outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, biking, swimming and water sports like sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddling. You can also rent the right equipment for these on site: https://wikiwakiwu.com
Navigation: As on many other Bavarian lakes, you can take a boat trip on the Ammersee. Landings on the Ammersee are at Herrsching, Dießen, Utting, Riederau, Holzhausen, Breitbrunn, Schondorf, Buch and Stegen.
Landings on the Ammersee are at Herrsching, Dießen, Utting, Riederau, Holzhausen, Breitbrunn, Schondorf, Buch and Stegen.
On the website of the Bayerische Seenschifffahrt you can find all routes, prices and departure times: https://www.seenschifffahrt.de/de/ammersee/fahrplan/fahrplan/.
Hiking:
Culinary at the Ammersee
Restaurants: The inns on Lake Ammersee serve hearty Bavarian dishes, including veal sausage, pork knuckle and obatzda. The dishes are often accompanied by a variety of excellent Bavarian beers. A visit to one of the traditional beer gardens, such as the beer garden at Andechs Monastery, is a must do.
Fish restaurants: Lake Ammersee is known for its fishing, and you can enjoy fresh, regional fish dishes in many restaurants around the lake. Trout, pike and pikeperch are some of the local specialties served freshly prepared.
Seehof Herrsching: Located directly on the shores of Lake Ammersee, Seehaus offers an impressive selection of fresh fish dishes ranging from pikeperch to trout. The view of the lake is breathtaking. https://seehof-ammersee.de/restaurant/
Cafés: For sweet treats and a cozy cup of coffee, the numerous cafés and pastry shops on Lake Ammersee are the perfect place to go. We recommend a visit to Carlas Kaffeehaus in Herrsching: https://www.carlas-kaffeehaus.de or at the café “Die Goldammer” in Dießen: https://diegoldammer.de
Markets: For those who want to be self-sufficient or simply appreciate fresh regional products, markets like the one in Dießen am Ammersee are a great option. Here you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, sausages and much more directly from the producers. https://markthalle-diessen.de
History of the Ammersee
Lake Ammersee not only has a breathtaking natural landscape to offer, but also a rich history. The region around the lake was already populated in ancient times, and numerous archaeological finds bear witness to this long history. Even in Roman times, the lake was an important trade route and played a significant role in the regional economy. Today, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Andechs Monastery and the village of Herrsching, which are closely linked to the history of Lake Ammersee.
Andechs Monastery
Andechs Monastery was founded in the 15th century and over the centuries has played an important role as a place of pilgrimage in the region. It was a place of prayer, education and social welfare. The monastery also houses an impressive collection of religious artwork and antiques that visitors can admire.
However, one of the most famous attractions of Andechs Monastery is also the in-house brewery, which produces some of the most famous beers in Bavaria, the “Andechser”. Andechs beer is brewed according to traditional recipes and is a real treat for beer lovers. Visitors can not only taste the beer, but also enjoy the cozy beer garden, which extends amidst the picturesque Bavarian landscape. Here you can sit in convivial company and taste the delicacies of regional cuisine. https://www.andechs.de/gastronomie.html
Another attraction of Andechs Monastery is the panoramic view from the monastery hill. Visitors can reach the viewing platform and enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Ammersee and the Alps. The pilgrimage trail to Andechs Monastery is popular with hikers and spiritual seekers alike. The path leads through picturesque forests and offers the opportunity for inner contemplation.
Today, Andechs Monastery is also a popular venue for weddings, conferences and cultural events. The elegant halls and idyllic castle garden provide a unique atmosphere for special occasions. Many couples choose the monastery as the place to tie the knot, enjoying the romantic backdrop of the monastery and Lake Ammersee in the background. https://www.andechs.de/veranstaltungen/feiern.html
Arrival
The travel time from Munich to Ammersee is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and route. The fastest route is via the A96 to the turnoff for Wörthsee.
Lake Ammersee can also be reached by public transport from Munich. The fastest and easiest way is to take the S-Bahn S8 from Munich main station to Herrsching. The journey time by train is about fifty minutes, depending on the connection and waiting times. The other villages on the Ammersee can be reached by bus.
The neighbor: Lake Starnberg
Lake Starnberg is located about 25 kilometers southwest of Bavaria’s capital Munich. With an area of 56.4 km², it is the fifth largest lake in Germany. One of the most famous sights on Lake Starnberg is Possenhofen Castle, which was once the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sisi). Today, Possenhofen Castle is probably one of the most exclusive residences in the Five Lakes Region. https://www.bayregio-starnberger-see.de/tipps/sisi-schloss-possenhofen.php/
All marked photos have been taken from Unsplash:
- Herrsching: Nkululeko Mayiyane
- Lake: Joshua Sukoff
- Food: Davide Cantelli
