Pöcking on Lake Starnberg: Culture and Nature

Empress Elisabeth and the History of the Town

At the Empress Elisabeth Museum, pictures, printed materials, memorabilia, literature and historical documents tell the story of Empress Elisabeth and her family. The exhibits cover different stages of her life; other topics include King Ludwig II, Lake Starnberg and the history of the railway station. The permanent exhibition is complemented by themed special exhibitions. This gives the museum a range of points of interest: you can focus on the family history or explore topics relating to the lake and the railway station.

Empress Elisabeth spent her childhood and youth at Possenhofen Castle. The cultural and historical Elisabeth Trail leads from the museum to the castle and continues to the crossing to Roseninsel. Walking times of approximately 10 and 30 minutes are indicated. If you are interested in the Empress’s history, you can combine your museum visit with a circular walk. The museum tour is available in six languages; you can use your own smartphone and headphones.

The Villa Trail offers a different perspective on the town’s history. It starts at the municipal library and passes villas and country houses. Some of the old buildings have been preserved almost in their original condition and illustrate 19th-century architecture. If you are interested in architectural history, this offers a subject beyond the museum exhibits: historic architecture in the townscape.

Walking between Pöcking, Maising and the Lake

The Maising Circular Trail runs between Pöcking and Maising. The route passes Pöckinger Alm and follows Maisinger Bach to the centre of Maising, then returns to Pöcking along a footpath at the edge of the forest. Alongside the cultural and historical trail, there is therefore a circular route featuring several different types of landscape. You can take the route into account when planning your day without needing to visit the museum.

The natural area includes Maisinger Moor and Maisinger See. The moor is a protected breeding ground for rare bird species. Maisinger See is Bavaria’s oldest nature reserve and has been protected since 1941. Reeds and extensive areas of moorland define the lake; it provides a habitat for rare bird and plant species. Maisinger Gorge is also designated as a water protection and recreation area. If you want to make nature a focus of your stay, you can take these different landscapes into account when choosing your excursions.

There are two specific options for spending time by the water: Das Paradies is an extensive recreational area right on Lake Starnberg, with a bathing area. Swimming is permitted at the dam at Seehof on Maisinger See. These places are situated on Lake Starnberg and Maisinger See respectively; choose according to your preferred excursion destination.

Which Location Suits Your Excursions?

Possenhofen and Niederpöcking border Lake Starnberg. These districts of Pöcking therefore offer access to the lake’s predominantly tourist-oriented scheduled boat services. If you would like to take boat trips into account when choosing your holiday apartment, these districts are a helpful point of reference. For walks and nature destinations around Pöcking and Maising, the circular trails and landscapes mentioned above can instead shape your excursion plans. The Empress Elisabeth Museum is at Possenhofen S-Bahn station; Pöcking can be reached by bus and train via this station.

The Elisabeth Trail leads to Possenhofen Castle; you can also explore more information about Possenhofen. More town pages: Gilching, Tutzing, Weßling, Wörthsee, Allmannshausen, Berg and Seefeld.

To the main travel overview: Starnberg.