Press release
July 23, 2026, No. 116
Annual Management Meeting Regarding the Ambach Recreation Area on Lake Starnberg
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen/Münsing District. The new bylaws were one of the main topics of the follow-up meeting regarding the Ambach recreational area. Representatives from the municipality, the district administration, the Maschinenring, the police, the special-purpose association, the recreational area association, and other relevant agencies discussed the latest developments and agreed on measures to be taken.
Mayor Hubert Bernwieser highlighted the importance of the recreational area for the community and the entire region: “The Ambach recreational area is an important place for recreation, not only for the people in our community, but for the entire greater Munich area. However, with ongoing population growth, the pressure on our natural and recreational areas is also increasing. This is evident, among other things, in higher traffic volumes, more litter, and increasing overcrowding on busy days. Our goal is to preserve this valuable natural area for the long term while also providing an attractive local recreational destination for everyone. To achieve this, we need considerate cooperation and solutions that equally meet the needs of both people and nature.”
A major focus was the amendment to the bylaws passed by the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Council. The fire pits on the lakeshore were removed, barbecuing is prohibited throughout the recreational area, and kites may not be flown during the swimming season. The regulations regarding dogs—prohibited during the swimming season, required to be on a leash outside the season—remained unchanged. The revised bylaws took effect at the start of this year’s swimming season. In addition to promoting consideration for other guests, the rules in the bylaws form the legal basis for the orderly coexistence of recreational use and nature conservation.
To provide better information, new pictograms and overview signs have been installed on the grounds to clearly and concisely illustrate the most important rules of conduct. This also makes it easier to find your way around the spacious parking lot. Barrier-free access to the water has been completed, so that people with limited mobility can now also access the lake without hindrance. At the same time, the central restroom facility is being retrofitted for winter use to ensure it remains clean and functional even during the colder months.
A security team has been on duty at the recreation area since the start of this season; they answer questions, can step in to resolve issues, and also take down personal information. There were still issues with the solar-powered parking meters, where repeated malfunctions with card payments and insufficient sunlight led to outages. Work is continuing to find a practical solution.
Susana Edelstein-Foerst of the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office thanked everyone involved for their constructive cooperation: “Only through this commitment can the high quality of the recreational experience at the Ambach Recreation Area be ensured in the long term, even as visitor numbers rise.”
Marlis Peischer
Press Officer / Head of the Press Office
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office