Renting a boat on Starnberger See without a boating licence
4 h€ 90-180 Calm
A day on Bavaria's second-largest lake in a licence-free electric boat, departing from Starnberg, Berg or Tutzing.
Starnberger See is just half an S-Bahn hour from Munich and is one of Upper Bavaria's most popular day-trip destinations. On the lake, the standard German rule for licence-free boating applies: engines up to 15 HP (11.03 kW) are permitted without an official boating licence, and in practice almost exclusively electric boats are used. Combustion engines have been heavily restricted for decades, keeping the lake calm and clean. Rental stations are located in Starnberg, Berg, Tutzing, Possenhofen and Seeshaupt.
Hourly rates usually start at €25 to €35 for an electric boat with four to six seats. A half-day runs between €90 and €160. The best season stretches from May to September, and advance bookings are a must on weekends. A relaxed loop takes you from Starnberg past the Roseninsel near Possenhofen, by Schloss Berg, and back through the open centre of the lake with views of the Alpine chain.
Checklist
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Online-Reservierung bestätigt
Ausweis und Kaution dabei
Wind- und Wetter-App gecheckt
Schwimmwesten an Bord
Picknick und Wasser eingepackt
Rückgabezeit eingeplant
Book an electric boat in Starnberg, Tutzing or Berg online; book early on weekends.
Present your ID and deposit at the jetty and go through a brief orientation.
Check the weather and wind forecast; afternoon gusts are possible in summer.
Set course for the Roseninsel near Possenhofen and take a short break at the boat landing.
Drop anchor off Schloss Berg and enjoy the view of the Sissi shoreline and the Alps.
Return to the drop-off station on time and hand over the battery level reading and the boat.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Arrive by S-Bahn from Munich; the harbour is right next to Starnberg station.
- Go on a weekday, as all boats are fully booked on summer weekends.
- Choose an electric boat with a sun canopy, as the lake offers little shade.
- Pick up a picnic basket at Starnberg station instead of heading to a restaurant jetty.
- With family, opt for a pedalo from the shore instead for a more relaxed time all round.
Variations
- - Tour mit den Bayerischen Seenschifffahrts-Schiffen kombinieren.
- - SUP- oder Kajak-Verleih in Berg statt Motorboot ausprobieren.
- - Sonnenuntergangs-Slot buchen, das Alpenpanorama wirkt im Abendlicht.
- - Halbtag in Tutzing starten, weniger Trubel als in Starnberg.
by PlayTryBe team