Starnberg Five-Lakes-Region

Beer gardens, picturesque villages, houses with painted facades - Upper Bavaria's towns and landscapes appear to come straight out of a fairy tale. Situated just a stone's throw away from the majestic scenery of the Bavarian Alps, 16 miles south of Munich, is the Starnberg Five-Lakes-Region. A cultural attraction, next to the famous Andechs Monastery, is the "Buchheim Museum" at Bernried, located close to Lake Starnberg. The museum presents a survey of the famous Buchheim Collection of expressionism as well as craftwork and folk-art from all over the world. Throughout history, royals and artists alike have appreciated the beauty of this magical landscape. It was here at Lake Starnberg where Sisi, the Austrian empress used to meet with the "fairy tale king", Ludwig II, on "Roseninsel"; an island of roses that can only be reached by a small wooden boat. Ludwig II spent his summers in Berg castle close to the lake. The commemorative chapel "Votivkapelle" and the memorial cross in the lake are reminders of the king's tragic death.