Hiking through the Maisinger Gorge

South-west of Starnberg, the last ice age carved a mini gorge into the landscape. The family-friendly Maisinger Schlucht hike leads past extensive meadows, through mixed forests and meanders along the Maisinger Bach stream. The route is a classic in the unique Fünf-Seen-Land region. Start at Starnberg railway station: walk 450 metres along Bahnhofplatz in the direction of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße. The road then bends slightly to the right and becomes Bahnhofstraße. Follow this road for 200 metres and cross the main road. Keep slightly to the left and turn into Söckinger Straße. After 450 metres, the path leads you left onto Maisinger-Schlucht-Straße. From the waterworks, follow the signs for "Maisinger Schluchtweg".

Gorge adventure between meadows and bizarre rocks

The first part of the tour takes you along the stream and extensive meadows. In the warmer months, be sure to pack your swimming gear. The extensive gravel sediments invite young and old to splash around and play. As you continue, the valley becomes narrower and the tall beech trees to the left and right of the path only allow a few rays of sunlight to filter through. On hot days, the hike in the Maisinger Gorge is pleasantly cool. At irregular intervals, you can admire the Nagelfluh rocks, some of which rise several metres vertically. Shortly before the gorge ends, the path becomes a little steeper until you reach the entrance to Maising after about an hour.

You decide: crowning finale or stopover

Time for a stop: the Georg Ludwig inn will spoil you with down-to-earth Bavarian specialities such as roulades or roast pork. Tip: Share a portion of Kaiserschmarrn. In summer, the beer garden invites you to linger among the fruit and chestnut trees while the kids let off steam in the neighbouring playground. On colder days, you are in good hands in the cosy atmosphere of the pub. For those who would like to extend their hike, we recommend the 15-minute walk to the Maisinger See lake.

Your favourite beer garden right by the water

The tour continues: turn right from the Gasthaus Georg Ludwig onto the König-Ludwig-Weg and after another 500 metres onto the Seeweg. There you will see the Maisinger Seehof beer garden on the left-hand side, directly on the lake, which is open from mid-March to mid-October. This idyllic excursion destination has even won an award and was voted the most popular beer garden in Germany in the category for up to 500 seats. The menu includes hearty dishes such as schnitzel, cordon bleu and currywurst. Tip: The Seehof is known far beyond the borders of Starnberg for its particularly delicious cakes. The owners emphasise the importance of local ingredients. Even the Maisinger Kracherl lemonade was created in collaboration with Breitbrunn juice producer Johannes von Perger. The ideal thirst quencher: regional and without artificial flavourings.

Pack your swimming trunks - or your ice skates!

Lake Maisinger See was artificially created in 1680 for the purpose of fish farming. Today, large parts of it are a nature reserve and a refuge for native birds. Around 50 different species can be found here. Bathers should therefore only use the designated bathing area at the Seehof. Easily recognisable by the popular diving tower. By the way: in winter, the frozen surface of the Maisinger See is a popular spot for curling and ice skating. If you still feel like walking, you can take a 45-minute walk around the lake before returning to Starnberg railway station along the same route. What are you waiting for? Plan your hike in the Maisinger Gorge with DB Regio Bayern now.