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Ammersee
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Ammersee is the third largest lake in Bavaria, located approximately 35 kilometers west of Munich within a landscape shaped by glacial activity. Much like its neighboring lakes, it was formed at the end of the last ice age by the erosive force of the Isar-Loisach glacier and currently spans an area of about 46 square kilometers. The lake is well-known for its largely preserved natural shorelines and the bird sanctuary on its southern shore, which serves as a critical habitat for rare wading birds. A prominent cultural landmark nearby is the Andechs Monastery, perched on the Holy Mountain overlooking the eastern shore, a significant pilgrimage site and brewery since the Middle Ages. Navigation on Ammersee has a storied tradition, with historic paddle steamers like the 'Diessen' still operating to carry tourists across its waters today. Lakeside communities such as Herrsching and Dießen are famous for their artisanal traditions, particularly pottery, and their laid-back atmosphere. As a popular local retreat, the lake has diverse opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and hiking amidst a well-preserved Bavarian cultural landscape.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Breitbrunn · Freizeitgelände mit Badestelle Sankt Alban · Freizeitgelände mit Badestelle Riederau
- Nearby: Starnberg (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 76 | 59 | 69 | 68 | 123 | 137 | 134 | 139 | 92 | 77 | 62 | 67 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Bavaria's popular third-largest lake is usually excellently accessible via the highways radiating from Munich, as well as by regional trains and commuter rails that reliably serve the pretty communities dotted around the shoreline.
Best season
A visit is highly rewarding all year round, with the summer months typically being absolutely convenient for swimming and sailing, while spring and autumn provide well-suited, milder conditions for extended scenic walks and cycling tours.
Terrain & paths
The shoreline is mostly flat and very well-developed, beckoning with extensive promenades, well-maintained gravel beaches, and dense riparian forests where excellently signposted hiking and cycling trails completely encircle the lake.
What to bring
For a deeply relaxing day by the water, everyday casual wear, swimwear for the warm sunny days, comfortable walking shoes for the promenades, and perhaps a bicycle to explore the beautiful coastal scenery are usually quite sufficient.
Parking
There are numerous, often paid parking spaces available in the many lakeside communities directly near the water, however, on sunny weekends, a stress-free journey by train is often highly recommended due to the massive crowds.
Safety
The waters are generally very safe and calm for swimming, however, one should always pay close attention to the storm warning lights on the shore, as the weather over the lake can change rapidly with approaching Föhn winds or storms.
Time needed
Due to the remarkably diverse recreational opportunities, the welcoming lakeside cafes, and the beautiful boat tours available, most visitors typically choose to spend a full day here or plan a completely relaxing weekend getaway.
Geography
Facts
- The maximum depth of Ammersee is approximately 81 meters.
- The lake contains a water volume of about 1.75 cubic kilometers.
- The primary inflow is the Ammer river, while the outflow is the Amper river.
- The lakeside promenade in Herrsching is one of the longest in Germany at about 8 kilometers.
- The lake basin was sculpted during the Würm ice age.
- The lake surface sits at an elevation of 533 meters above sea level.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ammersee (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which famous monastery is located near Ammersee?
Andechs Abbey, famous for its Baroque pilgrimage church and the monastery beer brewed there, is located on the 'Holy Mountain' above Herrsching.
Is Ammersee quieter than Lake Starnberg?
Generally, Ammersee is considered more natural, rural, and less fashionable than its eastern neighbor, making it popular with hikers.
How do you reach the lake from Munich?
Take S-Bahn line S8 directly to the final stop Herrsching (approx. 50 min), which is just a few meters from the lakeshore.
Are there historic paddle steamers on the lake?
Yes, the Bavarian Lake Shipping company operates two historic paddle steamers on Ammersee: the 'Diessen' and the 'Herrsching'.
Where is the best place to go swimming?
Beautiful swimming spots can be found in Herrsching (longest lakeshore promenade in Bavaria), Dießen, Utting (with a historic diving tower), and Schondorf.
Ammersee: where is it located?
Ammersee is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Ammersee: what is there to see?
Highlights include Breitbrunn, Freizeitgelände mit Badestelle Sankt Alban, Freizeitgelände mit Badestelle Riederau.
Ammersee: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ammersee: why is it worth visiting?
Ammersee is the third largest lake in Bavaria, located approximately 35 kilometers west of Munich within a landscape shaped by glacial activity.
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