Ammersee
Lake Large Bavarian lake west of Munich, recreational destination
A lake west of Munich popular for day trips from the city. Ammersee offers steamer and sailing services, lakeside towns such as Herrsching, cycling routes and access to nearby Andechs monastery.
Ammersee is a freshwater lake in Upper Bavaria, Germany, set in a mix of agricultural lowlands and wooded hills west of Munich. It is a popular regional destination for day trips and water-based recreation.
The lake’s shoreline includes towns and villages with marinas, promenades and public beaches, and regional ferry services operate on the lake in the warmer months. Activities include sailing, swimming, angling and cycling along lakeside paths.
Historically the surrounding area developed around monasteries and market towns; the lakeshore retains a mix of recreational infrastructure and traditional villages. Seasonal tourism and local recreation are important components of the lake’s use.
Geographically Ammersee sits approximately 35 km southwest of central Munich and is accessible by road and regional rail from the Munich area.
- Proximity to Munich: Located in Upper Bavaria about 35 km southwest of Munich, the lake is popular for sailing, swimming and shoreline cycling routes during summer months.
What to See #
- Herrsching: Herrsching sits on the eastern shore and is a major lakeside access point with a ferry pier, a lakeside promenade and connections to regional rail.
- Andechs Abbey: Andechs Abbey lies on a wooded hill near the southern shore and is a historic Benedictine monastery with a well-known pilgrimage church and brewery.
How to Get to Ammersee #
From Munich, take the S-Bahn (S8 or regional trains depending on starting point) to Herrsching station, then a short walk to the lakeshore. Driving via B472 and local roads takes about 40-60 minutes from central Munich.
Tips for Visiting Ammersee #
- Rent a bike in Dießen or Herrsching to cycle around the lake for quiet villages and lakeside cafés.
- Take the Starnberg-Herrsching S-Bahn to Herrsching and walk to the lakeshore-ferries link towns around the lake in summer.
- If visiting the lakeshore islands, check ferry schedules; boats operate more frequently in July and August.
Best Time to Visit Ammersee #
Visit in summer for water activities and active ferry services; shoulder seasons are best for quieter exploration.
Weather & Climate near Ammersee #
Ammersee's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (982 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).