Six Scenic Lake Cruises Near Munich: Perfect for Autumn Excursions
Date of Publication: September 12, 2026
Last Updated: September 13, 2026
Applies to: Residents and visitors of Munich and the surrounding region seeking autumn recreational activities
With autumn just around the corner, the lakes surrounding Munich offer a fantastic opportunity for boat trips and family-friendly hikes. While some services are seasonal, many are still operating, providing breathtaking views and memorable experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to six lakes perfect for your next autumn adventure.
1. Chiemsee
The 80-square-kilometer Chiemsee, home to the Herreninsel and Fraueninsel, is always a captivating destination. A trip to Fraueninsel is a must-do, offering a delightful island stroll before a meal or a drink. If the weather permits, the 47 Grad La Riva provides a beautiful lakeside setting. Culture enthusiasts can continue to Herrenchiemsee for a castle tour. For hikers, the 238-hectare island, partly forested, offers numerous trails.
- Current Low Water Impact: The jetties at Seebruck and Übersee/Feldwies are currently not being served due to low water levels. The ‘Große Chiemseetour’ (Grand Chiemsee Tour) operates without a stop in Seebruck.
Information: www.chiemsee-schifffahrt.de/de/home
- Example Fare: The ‘Inseltour West’ (Western Island Tour) from Prien/Stock, Gstadt, or Bernau to Herreninsel and Fraueninsel costs 13.50 Euros for adults and 6.50 Euros for children.
- Getting There: Prien am Chiemsee train station, then Bus 9520 to Gstadt.
2. Tegernsee
Many are familiar with Tegernsee, but not everyone has experienced a boat trip on its turquoise waters. Five passenger ships navigate the lake. You can choose between the extensive 90-minute round trip or the southern tour, which lasts approximately an hour. Unlike some other Bavarian waters, Tegernsee’s boat services are not affected by low water levels or partial cancellations. Beyond the well-known Bräustüberl Tegernsee, charming spots like Café Franzl in Rottach-Egern offer delightful coffee and cake near the jetty.
Information: www.seenschifffahrt.de/de/tegernsee
- Example Fare: Large round trip: 19.50 Euros for adults, 9.80 Euros for children. Partial routes are cheaper.
- Getting There: Tegernsee train station.
3. Ammersee
At 46 square kilometers, Ammersee is Bavaria’s third-largest lake, with five ships in operation. One notable vessel is the historic paddle steamer ‘Dießen’ (MS Dießen) from 1908, considered by many to be the most beautiful ship on the lake, regularly used for scheduled services in summer. Shore excursions allow exploration of beautiful destinations, such as a stroll through Herrsching, the impressive Marienmünster in Dießen, or the Gasteiger Künstlerhaus. The Ammersee fleet operates until October 18, allowing for flexible day planning with hop-on, hop-off options.
Information: www.seenschifffahrt.de/de/ammersee
- Example Fare: Large round trip: 27 Euros for adults, 13.50 Euros for children. Partial routes are cheaper.
- Getting There: S8 Herrsching (approx. 500 meters to the jetty).
4. Starnberger See
Starnberger See has also been impacted by the low-rainfall summer: the jetties at Berg, Possenhofen, Bernried, and Ambach are currently not being served. However, the Grand Round Trip, Northern Round Trip, Southern Round Trip, and Short Round Trip continue as scheduled, calling at Starnberg, Leoni, Tutzing, and Seeshaupt. The magnificent castles, elegant villas, and the stunning Alpine panorama remain unobstructed from the water. The fleet operates until October 18.
Information: www.seenschifffahrt.de/de/starnberger-see
- Example Fare: Large round trip: 27 Euros for adults, 13.50 Euros for children. Partial routes are cheaper.
- Getting There: S6 Starnberg.
5. Staffelsee
Staffelsee, with its seven islands, offers an 80-minute round trip providing unique views, including the foothills of the Alps. Jetties are located in Seehausen, Murnau, Achele, and Uffing. The most beautiful lakeside beer garden can be found in Uffing at the Seerestaurant Alpenblick. Strandbad Seehausen and Laguna in Seestraße 31 in Murnau are excellent places to unwind after a boat trip. Active visitors can walk along the lake or take a nearly twelve-kilometer loop from Murnau through the moorland on the western edge of Staffelsee to Uffing and take the boat back. The season for boat trips on Staffelsee ends on October 3.
Information: www.staffelsee.org
- Example Fare: Round trip: 15 Euros for adults, 7 Euros for children (6-16 years). Partial routes are cheaper.
- Getting There: Murnau train station; 13 minutes walk to Achele boat jetty, 20 minutes to Seehausen.
6. Königssee
To explore the Bavarian fjord, consider combining it with a weekend trip to Berchtesgaden, though travel by bus and train can be lengthy. The 200-meter-deep lake is nestled between steep rock faces at the foot of the Watzmann east face. To explore the lake in Berchtesgaden National Park by boat, board a passenger boat at Königssee-Seelände in Schönau and glide through a captivating panorama to the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, the landmark of Königssee. The highlight of the trip is the trumpet solo at the Echo Wall. Continuing to the final stop ‘Salet Obersee’ is highly recommended, where a 15-minute hiking trail leads via the Saletalm to Obersee, separated from Königssee by a moraine wall.
Information: www.seenschifffahrt.de/de/koenigssee
- Example Fare: Trip to Bartholomä: 23.40 Euros for adults, 1 Euro for family children (6-17 years).
- Getting There: Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Bus 840 to Schönau am Königssee.
Plan your autumn getaway to these stunning Bavarian lakes for an enriching experience amidst nature’s beauty!
