Ferry Roseninsel | Schedule & Prices

The ferry Roseninsel is much more than just a practical transfer across Lake Starnberg. It is the small but crucial transition into a landscape of water, history, and garden art that has attracted visitors from Munich, the Five Lakes region, and far beyond for generations. Those who board the boat in Feldafing do not simply reach an island, but the only island in Lake Starnberg, whose rose garden, casino, and park landscape are among the most famous excursion destinations in the region. The Feldafing Park and the Roseninsel are freely accessible, while the crossing itself is subject to a fee and organized seasonally. This is part of the charm: The journey remains deliberately unhurried, and even waiting for the boat is part of the experience. The ferry service starts at the Glockensteg opposite the island and connects nature, culture, and an unusually intimate way of arriving.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/garten/objekte/feldafin.htm))

Schedule, Operating Hours, and Crossing

Those looking for a classic timetable will have to think differently about the ferry Roseninsel. The ferry service does not operate on a fixed departure schedule but runs approximately three to four times per hour. If the boat is already on the island, a ring of the bell at the landing stage is enough for the crossing to take place in the next few minutes. This is a pleasantly calm system that fits the atmosphere of the place but also requires some attention. It is also important to note that about half an hour before the end of operations, no one will be ferried to the island anymore. On Mondays, there is limited service, and the ferry operates only in good weather. For visitors, this means: The Roseninsel remains an excursion destination that adapts to the day's weather rather than submitting to a rigid schedule.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

For the 2026 season, the ferry service specifies clearly defined operating hours. From May 1 to May 31, it operates from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from June 1 to September 15 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from September 16 to October 15 again from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The season begins on May 1, 2026, and ends on October 15, 2026. This is particularly important for excursion planning because, while the Roseninsel is a permanent attraction, the crossing only takes place within the seasonal window. The boats are described on the website as Zillen, i.e., flat wooden boats that depart from the Glockensteg, a shoreline point directly opposite the island. This combination of seasonal operation and traditional boat ride makes the crossing so characteristic.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

The short distances on the water are also part of the presentation. The island is so close from Feldafing that the crossing feels more like a gentle change of perspective than a long sea journey. This is relevant for SEO because many search queries target not only the ferry itself but the entire experience: schedule, times, summer trips, season start, and the question of whether one can cross spontaneously. Here, the ferry service provides clear answers, as the crossing is flexible, weather-dependent, and designed for short waiting times. Those who plan their time well will thus not experience complicated logistics but a calm, very personal access to the Roseninsel. The ferry season, the short distance, and the absence of a fixed shuttle service clearly distinguish this place from classic excursion destinations with mass operations.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

Ferry Roseninsel Prices and Costs

The pricing structure is pleasantly simple and designed for short visitors as well as groups. For adults, the round trip costs 5 euros. Groups of 15 or more pay 4 euros per person, reduced fare passengers 3 euros, and children 1 euro. Children up to 4 years travel for free. This price list is particularly helpful for excursions with family, school, clubs, or small travel groups, as costs can be calculated quickly. The ferry service also points out that discounts apply to youths, students, and people with disabilities, provided proof is presented. For such a short but characterful route, the price level is moderate and clearly communicated, directly answering search intentions around "prices", "costs", and "tickets".([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

It is also important to distinguish between the freely accessible island and park area and the fee-based crossing. Feldafing Park and the Roseninsel itself are freely accessible, so fees only apply for the transfer across the lake. Thus, anyone who walks through the park, enjoys the view, or simply lingers by the shore does not need an admission ticket for the facility. Costs primarily arise when one actually wants to reach the island, and that is what makes the ferry the core of the visitor experience. Additionally, the ferry service offers special trips suitable for family celebrations, corporate events, or other private occasions. Here too, it applies: If someone plans an exclusive trip, they should contact directly, as the normal price list initially covers the regular round trip.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/garten/objekte/feldafin.htm))

For search queries regarding "roseninsel ferry costs" or "roseninsel ferry prices", it is also interesting that the ferry service transparently displays prices directly on the homepage. This reduces uncertainty for spontaneous excursions, as one does not have to search long in subpages. In practice, this means: Those traveling with children or in small groups can quickly check if the trip is worthwhile, and for larger groups, the group price comes into play. The clear price structure fits the overall appearance of the location, as the Roseninsel is a historical site but is also organized in a low-threshold manner. This mix of cultural destination, nature excursion, and manageable costs makes the ferry equally attractive for day visitors, families, and tourists.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

Directions to Feldafing and Parking at Roseninsel

The journey to the ferry Roseninsel can be organized in several ways, but it requires a bit of planning. By car, the ferry service refers to various parking lots in Feldafing. The parking lot at Seelaich is primarily intended for buses and is about 1300 meters away. The parking lot at the tennis stadium is approximately 800 meters away but is explicitly not recommended on weekends due to use by tennis players. The parking lot at the Feldafing beach is subject to a fee and is about 700 meters from the ferry. Additionally, there is a parking lot opposite the Bundeswehr, about 2000 meters away. This information is particularly important for the search intention "parking ferry roseninsel" because the ferry landing cannot be accessed directly by car.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/anfahrt-mit-auto/))

Those arriving by public transport should use the S-Bahn S6 towards Tutzing to Feldafing and then walk about two kilometers through the town or take a taxi. Additionally, the Possenhofen train station is mentioned as a starting point: via the Elisabethweg, one can reach Schloss Possenhofen in about ten minutes on foot and the Roseninsel crossing in about 30 minutes. The route passes through the Lenné Park and can be continued to the S-Bahn station Possenhofen or shortened to Feldafing. This is convenient for guests who want to combine a walk with the ferry visit. The paths are thus part of the excursion, not just a means to an end.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/anfahrt-mit-oeffentlichen-verkehrsmittel/))

For bus groups, planning is particularly relevant because the ferry landing is located in a park area that cannot be accessed directly by buses. According to the ferry service, the walk from the bus parking lot to the boat takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This explains why large groups should plan enough time, especially if a guided tour of the casino on the island is also planned. The journey is therefore not complicated, but deliberately landscape-bound. This strengthens the special character of the place: Instead of a direct drop-off model, there is an island-typical threshold between the mainland and the destination. Keeping this in mind helps avoid stress and instead provides a pleasant start to the visit.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/busgruppen/))

Roseninsel, History, and Special Atmosphere

The Roseninsel is interesting not only because of the ferry but especially because of its historical depth. The Bavarian Palace Administration describes the ensemble of Roseninsel, casino, and Feldafing Park as a historic total work of art of European significance. The facility was created on the orders of King Maximilian II of Bavaria, jointly planned by Franz Jacob Kreuter and Peter Joseph von Lenné. The casino was built between 1851 and 1853 and was notable for its Italian architectural motifs and Pompeian furnishings. Later, it became a favorite retreat of King Ludwig II, who hosted selected guests such as Richard Wagner, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, and Empress Elisabeth of Austria there. These historical references explain why the Roseninsel is much more than a pretty excursion destination: it is a condensed stage of Bavarian cultural history.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/feldafin.htm))

The landscape itself also contributes to the special effect. The opposite Feldafing Park was executed according to plans by Carl von Effner and opens up with old oaks and beeches to wide views over the lake and the Alps. The Roseninsel is considered the only island in Lake Starnberg and was formerly known as Wörth. The official information also describes that the rose garden usually blooms for about four weeks in June, although the climate can shift the exact timing. This makes it clear that here, garden art, water landscape, and seasonal effects are closely intertwined. Those searching for "Roseninsel Starnberger See" are therefore often looking not just for a place but a specific mood created by light, water, and bloom.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/garten/objekte/feldafin.htm))

The historical depth also includes the archaeological dimension. The remains of prehistoric pile dwellings on the bottom of Lake Starnberg at the Roseninsel are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This anchors the island not only in the 19th century but far earlier in a long history of settlement. The Roseninsel is thus a place where very different layers of time overlap: prehistoric traces, medieval use, royal garden art, and today's excursion and cultural operations. This multilayeredness makes the location valuable for SEO and content, as it is not only a travel destination but also a space of history. Those using the ferry arrive at a place that is visually easily accessible but historically very dense.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/feldafin.htm))

Casino on the Roseninsel, Tours, and Events

The casino on the Roseninsel is the cultural core of the visit. According to the Bavarian Palace Administration, it can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The opening hours for the casino are from May to October 15 from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM; the ticket office and museum shop open at 11:30 AM and close at 5:00 PM. The casino is closed on Mondays, except on selected holidays such as May 1, Whit Monday, August 15, and October 3. For the guided tours, hourly tours are offered during the week from 12 PM to 5 PM, and on weekends and holidays every half hour from 12 PM to 4 PM, plus an additional tour at 5 PM. This information is important for visitors who want to combine their ferry visit with a tour.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/feldafin.htm))

The casino is also relevant for special occasions. The garden hall is suitable for civil weddings with a maximum of 30 people, and there are indications that groups of 15 or more should reserve their tour in advance. Furthermore, the ferry service refers to special trips, and the two boats can each accommodate up to 30 people. This is particularly exciting for private celebrations, smaller corporate events, or exclusive group programs. At the same time, one should keep an eye on the ongoing construction work: The facade of the casino is currently being renovated, and the work is expected to last until October 2026. This affects the casino, the immediate surroundings, and other parts of the island, even though the guided tours continue to take place. For visitor communication, this is an honest and useful note, as it indicates that the experience remains possible but may be temporarily affected.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/raeume/ueb_obj/feldafin.htm))

The Roseninsel is also a place for themed tours and seasonal discoveries. The Palace Administration refers to current themed tours on the Roseninsel and describes the rose garden as a historically grown, carefully maintained facility. Children can solve the mysteries of the small island with a discovery booklet, and there are no regular tours in Feldafing Park itself; the focus is clearly on the casino and the offerings on the island. This creates an offer that caters to families as well as culture-interested adults. Those using the search field "roseninsel casino" or "roseninsel opening hours" are usually looking for exactly this mix of sightseeing, garden, tour, and small exclusive setting.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/garten/objekte/feldafin.htm))

Important Notes on Dogs, Bicycles, and Accessibility

For practical planning, some clear rules are important. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the Roseninsel. This requirement appears on both the ferry service's website and the Bavarian Palace Administration's page. Therefore, anyone traveling with a dog must find an alternative solution for the care of the animal before crossing. For many search queries regarding "roseninsel dogs" or "roseninsel bicycles", this information is crucial as it directly influences excursion planning. At the same time, the clear regulation shows that the island is primarily to be protected as a historical garden and cultural space. This fits the character of the place, which is valued precisely for its tranquility and conscious care.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

In terms of accessibility, the situation is differentiated but not unfriendly. The Palace Administration states that the ferry is usable for wheelchair users, the paths on the island are paved and without inclines. There are public toilet facilities at the boat landing, including a disabled toilet. The former gardener's house with ticket office, museum shop, and small exhibition is also accessible without steps. However, the casino itself is only partially accessible: the entrance is reached via a lawn and two steps, although a mobile ramp is available; the door width is generous, but the upper floor is only accessible via stairs. There is no guiding system for the visually impaired and no audio guide for the hearing impaired, but written information is available. This transparency is particularly valuable for realistic excursion planning.([schloesser.bayern.de](https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/feldafing_mobilitaet.htm))

In summary, the ferry Roseninsel is thus an excursion destination that combines historical atmosphere with clear practical rules. The crossing is short, the place is freely accessible, the prices are transparent, and the journey can be managed well with some preparation. Those who consider the season, operating hours, and parking options will experience one of the most characteristic short-distance trips in the Munich area. The combination of lake route, rose garden, casino, and UNESCO context makes the location extraordinary. For visitors who not only want to arrive but see the journey there as part of the experience, the Roseninsel is almost ideal.([roseninsel.bayern](https://www.roseninsel.bayern/))

Sources:

• Roseninsel Ferry Service - Homepage
• Roseninsel Ferry Service - Directions by Car
• Roseninsel Ferry Service - Directions by Public Transport
• Roseninsel Ferry Service - Bus Groups
• Bavarian Palace Administration - Feldafing Park with Roseninsel
• Bavarian Palace Administration - Casino on the Roseninsel
• Bavarian Palace Administration - Accessibility at the Roseninsel