In the footsteps of the Ice Age: an excursion to the Maising Gorge

South-west of Starnberg, the last ice age carved a mini gorge into the landscape. The family-friendly hike through the Maisinger gorge takes you past extensive meadows, through idyllic mixed forests and along the Maisinger stream. This route is a real classic in the picturesque Fünf-Seen-Land region.

From Starnberg railway station to the Maisinger gorge

Start your hike at Starnberg railway station. Walk 450 metres across the station square in the direction of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße. The road then bends slightly to the right and becomes Bahnhofstraße. Follow it for another 200 metres and cross the main road. Bear slightly left and turn into Söckinger Straße. After 450 metres, turn left into 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 past extensive meadows. Especially in the warmer months, it's worth taking your swimsuit with you. The gravel banks along the stream are perfect for splashing and playing. Later on, the valley narrows and the tall beech trees to the left and right of the path only allow a few rays of sunshine through. On hot days, the hike in the Maisinger Gorge is a pleasant way to cool off. At irregular intervals, you can admire the Nagelfluh rocks, some of which are several metres high. Shortly before the gorge ends, the path becomes a little steeper until you reach the entrance to Maising after about an hour.

Stop off at Gasthaus Georg Ludwig or continue hiking

Time for a break: Gasthaus Georg Ludwig will spoil you with 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 little ones let off steam in the playground. On colder days, you are in good hands in the cosy ambience of the pub. If you want to extend your hike, take a 15-minute walk to the Maisinger See lake.

Popular beer garden at Lake Maisinger See

If you continue your tour, turn right from Gasthaus Georg Ludwig onto König-Ludwig-Weg and after another 500 metres onto Seeweg. You will soon see the idyllicMaisinger Seehof beer garden on the left, which is open from mid-March to mid-October. This award-winning beer garden, with seating for up to 500 people, has even been recognised as Germany's most popular beer garden. The menu includes hearty dishes such as schnitzel, cordon bleu and currywurst. Tip: The Maisinger Seehof is famous for its delicious cakes made with regional ingredients. Even the Maisinger Kracherl lemonade was created in collaboration with Breitbrunn juice producer Johannes von Perger - the perfect thirst quencher without artificial flavourings.

Pack your swimming trunks - or your ice skates!

Lake Maisinger See was created in 1680 for fish farming and is now largely a nature reserve and refuge for over 50 native bird species. Bathers should therefore only use the designated bathing area at the Seehof - easily recognisable by the popular diving tower. In winter, the frozen surface of the Maisinger See is very popular with curlers and ice skaters. If you still feel like hiking, 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? Start your hiking adventure in the Maisinger Schlucht gorge - an experience that takes you through the impressive Fünf-Seen-Land region in the footsteps of the Ice Age!