Photo: Sascha Wittmer
Lakes near Munich without a car: 5 lakes for a 3-day trip using public transportation
In just three days, you can visit five beautiful lakes from Munich using public transportation—no car needed, and still stress-free!
Lake Ammersee and Lake Starnberg
Lake Starnberg and Lake Ammersee are among the easiest lakes to reach from Munich by public transportation and are perfect for a spontaneous day trip or the start of a 3-day getaway.
Both lakes are well connected to the rail network and can be easily reached without a car. Especially convenient: You can depart directly from Munich Central Station or central S-Bahn stations along the main line and get off almost right at the water’s edge.
When visiting Lake Starnberg, it’s definitely worth stopping in Starnberg or Tutzing. In Starnberg, you’ll find a beautiful promenade that’s perfect for a stroll, while Tutzing offers a somewhat quieter and more idyllic atmosphere. A real highlight is the view of the Alps on a clear day, which sets the lake apart from many others around Munich. There are also numerous swimming spots with amazingly clear water—ideal for hot summer days. It’s especially worth visiting in the evening, as the sunsets against the mountain backdrop are truly impressive here.
The Ammersee also has its own unique charm and feels a bit more laid-back overall. If you take the S-Bahn to Herrsching, you’ll arrive right at one of Bavaria’s most beautiful lakeshores, complete with a long walking path and a pier. From here, you can not only enjoy a relaxing swim or a stroll along the water, but also take a short trip to the famous Andechs Monastery. The combination of an easy hike, a beer garden, and a stunning view of the lake makes this spot a real highlight. Especially in the evening, the Ammersee, with its many sailboats, often creates a wonderful atmosphere at sunset.
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Photo: Eduard Martin Getty Images
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Photo: Magann Getty Images
Public transportation access
These are the routes we’ve used ourselves:
Ammersee: Take the S8 toward Herrsching to the last stop
Starnberger See: Take the S6 toward Tutzing – get off at Starnberg or Tutzing. Alternatively: Take the RB60 toward Pfronten-Steinach or the RB66 toward Kochel, also to Tutzing
Ticket tip: For this route, the CityTourCard Munich in fare zone M-6 is a great value. It allows you to use all public transportation flexibly without having to worry about individual fare zones—perfect for a relaxing trip to several lakes.
You can purchase the Munich CityTourCard online right here.
Lake Kochel and Lake Walchensee
Lake Kochel and Lake Walchen are among the most impressive lakes in Bavaria and offer you a true Alpine experience—all without a car.
While Lake Kochel has a quiet and cozy atmosphere, Lake Walchen features a mountain backdrop with turquoise-blue water that’s somewhat reminiscent of Canada.
Lake Kochel is ideal for a relaxed start to the day. Right from the town of Kochel, you can take a leisurely stroll along the shore, enjoy the mountain scenery, or simply let the tranquility wash over you. The combination of lake and village is particularly beautiful — everything here feels a bit more rustic and less touristy.
Just a short drive away lies Walchensee, which many consider one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes. The water here is exceptionally clear and shimmers an intense turquoise depending on the light. Surrounded by mountains like the Herzogstand, you’re treated to a panorama that’s perfect for photos. In summer, you can not only swim here but also take long walks along the shore or simply enjoy the view.
Both lakes can easily be visited in a single day.
A tip we wish we’d known beforehand: In bad weather, especially in winter, Walchensee doesn’t look as turquoise as usual — it looks just like any other lake. In winter, many places there are still closed, which is why it’s best to visit the lake in late spring (April/May) or during the summer months when the weather is nice. That will save you a bit of disappointment ;) If you want to avoid crowds, try to go during the non-holiday season and preferably on weekdays.
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Photo: Nordseher auf Pixabay
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Photo: Nordseher auf Pixabay
Public transportation access
Kochelsee: Take the RB66 toward Kochel – get off at the final stop in Kochel, then walk or take the bus to, for example, Fa. Dorst (several stops available)
Walchensee: Also take the RB66 to Kochel, then continue by bus toward Walchensee (e.g., to Urfeld or Walchensee Ort)
Ticket tip: The CityTourCard Munich is also worth it here, but in the M-12 fare zone. This means you don’t have to worry about which ticket you need for the different zones — everything is covered by your CityTourCard.
Lake Eibsee
For many, Lake Eibsee is the most beautiful lake in all of Germany — and definitely a highlight of your 3-day trip from Munich.
Located at the foot of the Zugspitze, the lake impresses with its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and small islands that evoke an almost Caribbean atmosphere.
The loop trail around the lake is an absolute must, offering ever-changing views of the Zugspitze. Especially on calm days, the mountains are reflected in the water — a true postcard scene. Despite its popularity, you’ll find plenty of quiet spots along the way where you can relax or take a dip.
Eibsee is also perfect for a full-day trip, as you can easily spend several hours here — whether swimming, taking photos, or simply enjoying the scenery.
Eibsee is also worth a visit in spring and winter. In March, we were treated to the sight of a lake that was half-frozen and half-thawed, creating a beautiful visual contrast. The sun was already warm enough to walk around in a long-sleeved shirt without a jacket. Plus, there were hardly any people there, since March isn’t yet the peak season. In winter, you have a good chance of experiencing a beautiful snow-covered landscape!
Photo: Sascha Wittmer
Public transportation access
RB6 toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen; get off directly in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
RB60 toward Pfronten-Steinach; also get off in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
From there, you’ll need to take the Eibsee bus (Line 323), but please note:
Important! As of April 1, 2026, standard public transit tickets (D-Ticket, Bayernticket, CityTourCard, etc.) are no longer valid on the Eibsee bus. You must purchase a ticket for €12 (round-trip included) from the bus driver, and only cash is accepted.
The bus takes about 20 minutes to reach Eibsee on the express route.
The CityTourCard Munich will definitely take you to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Grab your ticket for Zone M-12 now and you’re all set to go!
If you like the Munich area and other destinations like these, then click this link to explore our website further and discover all the wonderful places you can visit with the CityTourCard Munich!