Possenhofen: Sisi, Culture and Lake Starnberg

Possenhofen combines the history of Empress Elisabeth with walking trails, Lake Starnberg and a variety of excursion destinations. Those looking for a holiday apartment for a cultural and family holiday will find various options here for a day combining museums, historical memories, nature and swimming.

In the Footsteps of Empress Elisabeth

The Empress Elisabeth Museum is a good starting point for exploring the area's history. It is located in the former royal railway station of Possenhofen, now Possenhofen S-Bahn station on line S6, at the east exit. The exhibition features pictures, printed materials, memorabilia, literature and historical documents relating to Empress Elisabeth and her family from various periods of their lives. The theme is complemented by exhibits on King Ludwig II, Lake Starnberg and the history of the railway station.

The museum tour is available in six languages. Younger visitors can use a children's audio guide; there is also a German-language audio/video guide for deaf visitors. This makes it possible to plan a museum visit based on a range of different interests. Possenhofen Palace is also part of the area's history: Sisi, the future Empress Elisabeth of Austria, spent carefree summer months there with her family during her childhood and youth.

Circular Trails and Audio Stations for Different Day Plans

The Elisabeth Trail is a cultural and historical circular hiking trail following in Sisi's footsteps. From the Empress Elisabeth Museum, it takes about 10 minutes on foot to Possenhofen Palace and about 30 minutes on foot to the crossing to Rose Island. In Feldafing, the trail follows the Empress Elisabeth Trail and passes through the Wolf Gorge nature trail. It then leads back to Possenhofen S-Bahn station or can be shortened to Feldafing S-Bahn station. The approximate walking times and the different endpoints help you put together a day plan suited to your own interests.

In addition, the free audio walk “Audio Walks Empress Elisabeth, ‘Sisi’ – Feldafing and Possenhofen” tells the story of Empress Elisabeth's life at nine stations in Possenhofen and Feldafing, from her childhood on Lake Starnberg to her tragic death. The audio stations can be accessed via QR code, combined freely and are suitable for all age groups. Those who prefer a shorter guided option can plan the “In Possenhofen in Sisi's Footsteps” tour. It begins and ends at Possenhofen railway station by the Sisi statue and covers a walking distance of 2.8 km.

Lake Starnberg and Swimming Destinations

The districts of Possenhofen and Niederpöcking border Lake Starnberg. This provides access to the predominantly tourist-oriented boat services operating on the lake. The City of Munich's bathing area in Possenhofen/Niederpöcking has four jetties and sufficient toilet facilities. The large sunbathing lawn with trees has sufficient paid parking spaces; near Possenhofener Straße there is a large kiosk with a beer garden.

Another swimming spot is known as “Paradies”. It is located on the former park grounds of Possenhofen Palace and complements the area's history with a present-day stay by the water. This allows you to give different emphasis to cultural attractions, walks and a day of swimming without limiting your holiday to a single activity.

The Right Holiday Apartment for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Possenhofen, it is worth first deciding on your personal focus: Would you mainly like to get to know the museum and Sisi's story, connect several stops on foot or spend time at Lake Starnberg? The routes and audio stations described above are ideal for an active cultural day. For a more relaxed plan, the museum, lake and bathing area can be visited on different days.

Possenhofen therefore offers an unusual combination of Empress Elisabeth's history, the regional landscape and water-based activities. Depending on the children's ages and your preferred pace, you can make a museum visit, a short guided tour, the longer Elisabeth Trail or a day at Lake Starnberg the focus of your itinerary.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pöcking.