When does the Five Lakes Film Festival 2026 take place?

The festival runs from September 3 to 13, 2026; the open-air cinema starts on August 3, 2026.

Where does the festival take place?

The events are spread across Starnberg, Gauting, Seefeld Castle, and Weßling. A central location is the Schlossberghalle Starnberg.

How much does a festival ticket cost?

A single festival ticket costs €13.50. For visitors under 30, there is a U-30 ticket for €9.

Is there an open-air program?

Yes, the open-air cinema at Starnberg Beach runs from August 3 to 20, 2026, and is officially part of the festival kickoff.

What are the program highlights?

The highlights include competitions, short films, documentaries, ODEON, Best of Festivals, guest country Japan, and special events like the steamboat ride.

How should I best travel there?

For the open-air site, the organizer recommends arriving by public transport, as parking spaces on-site are limited.

Cinema, Lake, and Summer Magic: The Anniversary Festival Surprises Starnberg

Name: Five Lakes Film Festival 2026: 20 Years of Cinema by the Lake
Start: 2026-09-03T02:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-14T01:59:59+02:00
Location: Schlossberghalle Starnberg

20 Years of Film Culture by the Water: The Five Lakes Film Festival 2026 Makes Starnberg a Hotspot

From September 3 to 13, 2026, the Five Lakes Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary and brings over 150 feature films, documentaries, and shorts to Starnberg, Gauting, Seefeld Castle, and Weßling. The open-air cinema at Starnberg Beach starting August 3 sets the mood for the festival atmosphere, combining summer lightness with sophisticated cinema, premieres, and strong guests.

A Festival with History, Attitude, and Real Profile

The FSFF originated in 2007 from the desire to create a festival for exceptional cinema in the region south of Munich. Today, it is one of the defining film festivals in Bavaria, clearly emphasizing diversity, innovation, commitment, and quality. The official festival organization emphasizes a focus on films from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Central Europe, complemented by international series, art film formats, and discussions by the lake. This is precisely where the unique character of this multi-day experience grows: approachable, curated, and surprisingly wide in perspective.

Program with Competition, Art, and Strong Guests

For the anniversary, visitors can expect a packed line-up of competitions and special series. The focus is on the Five Lakes Film Prize, Feature Film Perspective, Documentary Film Prize, short film formats, Best of Festivals, ODEON, guest country Japan, and events such as virtual reality experiences and the popular steamboat ride on Lake Starnberg. Announced for 2026 are Ulrike Kriener, Fabian Halbig, Luna Wedler, Christian Petzold, and Marcus H. Rosenmüller, creating festival culture with authority: curated cinema, strong names, lively conversations.

Open Air, Beach, and Summer Atmosphere

The festival feeling begins especially strong even before the actual September program: The open-air cinema at Starnberg Beach runs from August 3 to 20, 2026, showcasing current cinematic highlights under the open sky. Seating, free choice of seats, snacks on-site, and the location by the lake create exactly that open-air acoustics and summer atmosphere that make film nights unforgettable. For those who love film nights with a panoramic view, this stage offers an experience that goes far beyond an ordinary cinema visit.

Travel Information, Festival Organization, and Practical Tips

The events take place in Starnberg, Gauting, Seefeld Castle, and Weßling; Starnberg is named as the central location. For the open-air site, the organizer points out limited parking and recommends public transportation. The festival takes place in all weather conditions, dogs are not allowed on the open-air site, and tickets can only be purchased, not reserved. The festival organization thus relies on clear processes and reliable visitor guidance.

Conclusion: Cinema, Lake, and Festival Family at Its Best

The Five Lakes Film Festival 2026 combines anniversary mood with high-quality arthouse cinema, festival atmosphere by the water, and a program that attracts film enthusiasts from across the region. Those seeking intense film nights, conversations with guests, and a genuine sense of community will experience one of the most exciting film festivals in Southern Germany live here.