Weßling: Lake, Art and Living Tradition
Accommodation in Weßling
Weßling is a destination for travellers who want to combine a lakeside walk with art and local tradition. Lake Weßling probably formed during the Würm glaciation as a kettle hole left by a block of dead ice. The dragon sculpture “Wessy” can be spotted in the water: an unusual work of art that lends the lake a surprising cultural touch. Together with the municipal gallery and the Grünsinker Festival, it shows Weßling from several different angles.
Around Lake Weßling
The circular route around Lake Weßling takes about 30 minutes to complete. This approximate duration gives you an idea of whether the walk will fit into your daily schedule. Halfway around, there is a playground with a zip line. The route can also be done on a balance bike or scooter—another way to enjoy the walk with children.
The route also has two named stops with different purposes: the playground is halfway around, and at the end, the “Café am See” invites you to stop for a bite to eat. When the lake freezes over in winter, it serves as a meeting place for Weßling residents to play ice hockey. Both the lakeside route and the winter activities on the ice are among the aspects of local life described here.
The Municipal Gallery and the Renoir Story
The historic municipal gallery reopened in 2016 and offers an insight into Weßling’s artistic community over the last two centuries. The building itself also tells a story about the town: it was built as a schoolhouse in 1871/72. If you are interested in art and history, you can make the gallery a focus of your exploration of Weßling.
The former schoolhouse is also connected with a stay by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. In August 1910, the painter and his family stayed in Weßling, lodging in the home of teacher Felix Besold. This specific episode adds a personal historical connection to the town to the story of its artistic community, without implying any connection to works on display.
The Grünsinker Festival and Local Tradition
The Grünsinker Festival carries on a Weßling tradition dating back to 1825. It brings living customs together with convivial gatherings and has united people for more than two centuries. The festival features market stalls, musical entertainment and a beer garden. If you are interested in local traditions as well as the lake and art, it offers another glimpse of community life in Weßling.
Getting There and Choosing Weßling
Weßling is accessible from Munich on S-Bahn line S8. By car, take the A96 Munich–Lindau to the Oberpfaffenhofen exit, then continue towards Weßling to reach Lake Weßling. You can choose between the S-Bahn connection from Munich and the described drive for your journey.
When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Weßling, you can start by deciding which aspect of the town you want to shape your stay: the lakeside route, the art history of the municipal gallery or the tradition of the Grünsinker Festival. These experiences offer different starting points for planning your holiday; they describe the destination, not the features of individual accommodations.
More places to consider for your trip: Berg, Andechs, Tutzing, Bernried Am Starnberger See, Allmannshausen, Wörthsee, Gilching and Pöcking.
Go to the main travel overview: Starnberg.
