Pöcking: History, Trails and Nature

Winter Excursions in the District of Starnberg

Cross-country skiing is available in the district in Tutzing, depending on snow conditions: when there is enough snow, trails for classic and skating styles are groomed on the local golf course. Tobogganing takes place on Johannishügel in Tutzing, where small children can also try skiing for the first time. These facilities are in Tutzing, not Pöcking. If you are planning a winter outing, check current snow and operating conditions and compare your accommodation’s location with your preferred starting point.

Cultural History and Architecture

The Empress Elisabeth Museum is housed in the former Royal Station of Possenhofen, now Possenhofen S-Bahn station on the S6 line, East exit. Its exhibition includes pictures, printed materials, memorabilia, literature and historical documents about Empress Elisabeth and her family from various stages of their lives. There are also exhibits on King Ludwig II, Lake Starnberg and the history of the station. The permanent exhibition is complemented by themed temporary exhibitions.

A guided tour in six languages can be accessed on your own smartphone with headphones. Possenhofen Castle is also part of the area’s history: Empress Elisabeth spent her childhood and youth there. The Elisabeth Trail reflects this connection. This cultural-history circular trail leads from the museum to the castle and the crossing to Rose Island; walking times are approximately 10 and 30 minutes, respectively.

The Villa Trail offers a different architectural perspective. It starts at the municipal library and passes villas and country houses. Some of the old buildings have been preserved almost in their original condition and illustrate 19th-century architecture. While the Elisabeth Trail focuses on the Empress and places associated with her name, this trail draws attention to villa and country-house architecture.

Trails and Protected Nature near Maising

The Maising Circular Trail runs between Pöcking and Maising. It passes Pöckinger Alm and follows the Maisinger Bach to the centre of Maising; the return to Pöcking is via a footpath along the edge of the forest. The stream, village centre and forest edge give the different sections of the route their character. The trail has a different focus from the cultural-history routes near Possenhofen.

At Maisinger See, the protected landscape and its habitats take centre stage. The lake has been a nature reserve since 1941. Reeds and extensive areas of moorland characterise the area; the lake provides a habitat for rare bird and plant species. Maisinger Moor is also important for wildlife: it is a protected breeding area for rare bird species. Maisinger Schlucht is designated as a water protection and recreation area.

These places differ in character: the nature reserve at the lake brings together reeds and moorland, while Maisinger Schlucht is classified as a water protection and recreation area.

Lake Starnberg, Swimming and Getting There

In Pöcking’s districts of Possenhofen and Niederpöcking, buildings extend to the shore of Lake Starnberg. This gives the area access to the lake’s boat services, which are predominantly geared towards tourism. Pöcking can be reached by bus and train via Possenhofen S-Bahn station. If you are planning to take a boat, check the current timetable before travelling.

Swimming is permitted at the dam at Seehof on Maisinger See. Paradies is a spacious recreation area directly on Lake Starnberg, with a bathing spot. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider culture, routes, nature and lakeside locations as separate points of focus.

Further Information for the Wider Starnberg Destination

In the wider Starnberg destination, the Starnberg Tourist Information Centre can help you find suitable accommodation and provides information about excursions, events, guided city tours and boat trips on Lake Starnberg and Lake Ammersee. Check the Tourist Information Centre’s current opening hours before visiting. Large and northern circular boat tours on Lake Starnberg also depart from Starnberg. The boat services are seasonal; check the current timetable before making plans. Starnberg’s weekly markets take place on Thursdays and Saturdays at Kirchplatz; check the market details before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Possenhofen, Berg, Gilching, Allmannshausen, Starnberg, Feldafing, Bernried am Starnberger See, Tutzing.

Back to the broader travel overview: Starnberg Region.