Today I’m spending time in the town of Wörthsee staring at its rolling hills awash in bright Autumn colors. Oh, I know the darker days of winter are ahead, but I kind of like it here on the banks of the same-named Lake Wörthsee — so even when the water turns grey, I won’t mind. Neither will you.
The town (and the lake) of Wörthsee is located just about 15km northwest of Starnberg, and not all that far from Munich. So when you find yourself wanting to get away from the bigger cities, you know where to come. Besides, Wörthsee (the lake) can boast it’s one of the cleanest lakes around.
Go ahead, jump in all you want (splash around, swim, sit around one of the lake’s beachside restaurants). Just don’t think you’re gonna be allowed on the lake’s Mausinsel. Yes, Lake Wörthsee even has its own island. Too bad it’s privately owned.
Hey, what’s a guy gotta do to own his own island?
Ahh, I think about that later since I have plans to visit the nearby Kloster Andechs. Don’t let this old monastery’s Baroque church fool you, this is a real medieval one from the 12th century. It’s also got its own brewery, if you’re interested.
Wörthsee’s nearby monastery isn’t the only old building around, ya know. The Schlossbauernhof on Alte Hauptstraße in the village of Walchstadt is a good place to start looking at old architecture. Plus, you’ll find the Church of St. Martin (built 1760) here, too.
There is a list of “monument protected” buildings you could check out, and some (like the 19th century landmark column) have been removed. Either way, you’re not gonna wanna miss a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas, another Baroque church from the mid-1700s. Ohh, nor will you want to miss checking out the many 20th century villas that dot the countryside.
Too bad I missed out on all the summer fun though. August would be a great month to visit if you’re into medieval jousting events; while July’s Summer Festival is fun for the whole family. The consolation is I’m here in the Fall, so party on at the Herbstfest every October — and I wish I could stick around for the Christkindlmarkt in early December.
Hmm, that’ll just give me another reason to come back to Wörthsee. Next time we just might come together… ;-)
