Rose Island (Lake Starnberg)

Rose Island (Roseninsel) is the only island in Lake Starnberg, a short boat ride from the shore at Feldafing, about 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Munich. King Maximilian II of Bavaria turned it into a romantic retreat with a rose garden and an Italian-style villa, and his son Ludwig II loved to host famous guests here. Today it is one of the most charming small day-trip spots on the lake.

Where it is and how to get there

Take the S6 S-Bahn from Munich to Feldafing; MVV tickets and the Deutschlandticket are valid. From the station, walk down through Feldafing Park to the ferry pier. Drivers can use the paid parking lot at the Feldafing lido, about 700 m (half a mile) from the ferry.

Why it matters

From 1850, the former fishing island was redesigned for Maximilian II. Garden designer Peter Joseph Lenné laid out the grounds, and the villa, known as the Casino, was built between 1851 and 1853. Ludwig II received guests here such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria ("Sisi"), Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna and composer Richard Wagner. Remains of prehistoric pile dwellings on the lakebed around the island are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps.

What you will see

• The Casino, a royal villa with Pompeian-style interiors, visited by guided tour only
• The rosarium, a circular garden of historic rose varieties, best in June
• The old gardener's house with ticket desk, shop and a small exhibition
• Feldafing Park on the shore, open year-round with views to the Alps

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

The season runs May 1 to October 15; there is no ferry outside this period.

• Ferry: no fixed timetable, about three to four crossings an hour, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in fall (from 10 a.m. in high summer); limited service on Mondays. Round trip: adults €5, reduced €3, children up to 12 €1.
• Casino tours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m.; admission €5, reduced €4, free for under 18s.

The Casino's facade is under renovation until around October 2026, so some areas may be affected. The official site does not mention English-language tours, so ask by phone or email in advance.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you visit between May and mid-October, ideally in June when the roses bloom. Plan 1.5 to 3 hours including the park walk. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the island, but wheelchair users can take the ferry, and the island paths are flat.