Top 7 Stand-up Paddling (SUP) Places Around Munich That You Cannot Miss

The area around Munich is a paradise for stand-up paddling enthusiasts, with endless possibilities for a quick after-work paddle to clear your head or a full-day weekend adventure surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. Here are seven fantastic places to go stand-up paddling around Munich with your family and friends.

Before heading out, make sure you have the right gear for a safe and enjoyable session.

The Eisbach and Isar are fed by alpine snowmelt — colder than any lake nearby. Check the live Eisbach water temperature before any river session.

→ River Surfing and River SUP in Munich: The Complete Guide

• A paddle is your most essential piece of equipment — choose one suited to your height and experience level.
• Fins keep your board tracking straight and provide stability. Check your board's fin system before you leave and bring spare fins if needed.
• A leash attached to your ankle or calf keeps your board close if you fall — and makes it much easier for rescuers to spot you in an emergency.

Get those three sorted and you're ready to hit the water.

Eisbach Riders

SUP Touring Fin

Designed for flat-water touring — excellent glide and straight-line tracking. The right choice for larger, wind-exposed lakes like Ammersee or Chiemsee. Available in US Box & Quick-Lock.

from €45,95

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Eisbach Riders

SUP Classic Fin

Versatile all-round fin that's quick to mount — a reliable pick for calm, beginner-friendly lakes like Tegernsee or Wörthsee. Available in US Box & Quick-Lock.

from €29,95

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1. Eibsee

Explore the scenic panorama of the Alps while paddling on the Eibsee (©Jonas Allert/Unsplash)

Situated 1,000 metres above sea level and stretching 2.4 km in length, Eibsee is perfect for relaxed, unhurried paddling. Small islands dot the lake and are well worth exploring, and the turquoise crystal-clear water alone makes the drive worthwhile.

Coming from Grainau, follow the signs to the parking lot shared with the Zugspitze cable car. Morning parking (5 a.m.–9:30 a.m.) costs €2; evening parking (after 6 p.m.) costs €3 — time your arrival and you'll save a euro.

If you love calm water and sunshine, Eibsee is an unmissable SUP destination. The lake grows progressively stiller as you paddle further in, making the experience increasingly serene. Pack your bags and get ready for some unforgettable moments.

2. Tegernsee

Glide over the glistening blue of Lake Tegernsee, with a constant view of the Bavarian foothills (©Tatjana Medvedev/Unsplash)

A few steady paddle strokes and you'll find yourself gliding across the beautiful, crystal-clear waters of the Tegernsee, with the sun warming your skin.

The best thing about SUP at Tegernsee is that you don't need any prior experience to enjoy the stunning landscape. Local rental operators offer board hire and basic instruction at various spots around the lake. It's a great full-body workout — and you'll find your balance faster than you'd expect.

In most cases you can bring your own equipment and paddle at your own pace. Water sports at Tegernsee are designed for fun and are suitable for the whole family — there's plenty to discover from out on the water.

3. Ammersee

Spend your day paddling on one of Bavaria's most beautiful lakes (©Oliver Kruse/Unsplash)

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned paddler, Ammersee has something for you. The lake is just a 5-minute walk from the S-Bahn station, making it one of the easiest spots on this list to reach without a car.

Head left from the Dieben jetty to find the main launch area. Paddle towards the Riederau lido campsite — a great place to stop and rest. Beginners can take an introductory session at the lake before setting out on the water.

Visiting between June and August brings mild, settled weather — ideal for longer sessions on the water.

4. Starnberger See

Stand-up paddling at one of Bavaria's most beloved lakes (©Kurt Liebhaeuser/Unsplash)

Starnberger See is one of the most popular lakes in Bavaria and is easily reached by S-Bahn from Munich city centre.

Set off from the eastern shore and paddle south past the König Ludwig Memorial Church towards the far end of the lake. It's a peaceful route with sweeping open-water views throughout.

Note that landing on Rose Island is not permitted, as the island's prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. That still leaves plenty of water to explore — the route extends seven kilometres to Percha.

Even with minimal experience, you'll be gliding comfortably within minutes. The surrounding scenery is nothing short of majestic.

5. Chiemsee

SUP is just plain fun, but even more so when you have a great view of the Chiemgau Alps while you're doing it (©Waldemar Brandt/Unsplash)

Chiemsee is Bavaria's largest lake and offers a completely different scale of paddling — with the Chiemgau Alps visible from every angle.

Bring your own board or rent one locally, then paddle across the main lake or explore the surrounding smaller lakes at your own pace.

The calm water makes this a great learning ground for SUP, and beginners can get comfortable on their board quickly. Experienced paddlers can push further on longer routes and discover secluded beaches along the way.

Go with a group and make a day of it — Chiemsee is one of those places that's even better with company.

For river sections feeding the lake, the Alz and Tiroler Achen offer calm, clear water that's well suited to beginners.

6. Wörthsee

The idyllic and manageable Wörthsee has something for every stand-up paddler (©Agent J./Unsplash)

Cross the turquoise-blue water and you'll quickly see why Wörthsee is such a local favourite — it's a gorgeous, compact lake that's ideal for a relaxed half-day session.

If you're new to stand-up paddling, this is one of the best places to start. The water is calm and forgiving, and you can paddle confidently without needing much guidance. A highlight of the loop is Mäuserinsel (Mouse Island) — a protected nature reserve you can paddle around but not land on.

There are scenic spots to pause on both sides of the lake. Finish the loop with a cool drink before returning to your starting point.

7. Staffelsee

Sun, summer, and water sports — it doesn't get much better than Staffelsee. The lake is popular with water sports enthusiasts throughout the season, with warm temperatures and reliable conditions from May to September.

Dotted with small islands and framed by views of the Alps, Staffelsee is one of the warmest lakes in the region, which makes it an easy, low-stress spot for an after-work paddle or a lazy summer afternoon on the water. Launch near Murnau and paddle towards Schlehdorf at your own pace, stopping to swim wherever the mood takes you — there's no rush on a lake this relaxed.

Make the Most of Munich's Lakes and Rivers

Munich's surrounding lakes offer some of the most beautiful settings for SUP you'll find anywhere in Europe. Whether you're after a gentle beginner session or an all-day alpine adventure, the spots above have you covered.

Stand-up paddling is one of those rare activities that works equally well as a workout and as a way to slow down and connect with the people around you.

Heading out with friends or family takes the whole experience to another level — sharing something that's simply impossible to replicate on land. The memories made on the water tend to be the ones that last.

Heading to a windy lake like Ammersee or Chiemsee? Grab the SUP Touring Fin before you go. Sticking to calmer water at Tegernsee, Wörthsee, or Staffelsee? The SUP Classic Fin is all you need.

View All SUP Fins →

Further Reading

• Best SUP Spots in Germany
• Stand-Up Paddling for Beginners
• River Surfing and River SUP in Munich: The Complete Guide
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Germany and Bavaria

Shop at Eisbach Riders

Get the most out of Munich's lakes with the right SUP fin. The US-Box Touring Fin and Quick-Lock Touring Fin deliver the glide and tracking you need for longer lake sessions.