Casino auf der Roseninsel

About the museum

The Roseninsel in Lake Starnberg was transformed into a garden work of art from 1850 under King Maximilian II of Bavaria. The garden architect Peter Joseph Lenné, Director General of the Prussian royal gardens, and the architect Franz Jacob Kreuter created, together with the Feldafing landscape park, a historicist ensemble of European rank.

The Casino, a small royal villa, was built between 1851 and 1853. Italian architectural motifs and a Pompeian interior make it an important example of the era's veneration of antiquity. King Ludwig II liked to use the island as a retreat and received select guests here, including Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna, Richard Wagner and Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

The Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Bavarian Palace Administration) looks after the site. In the water around the island lie remains of prehistoric pile dwellings, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The facade of the Casino is currently being renovated; the work is expected to last until October 2026.

Highlights

• Royal villa with Pompeian interior (1851–1853)
• Historic rose garden by Peter Joseph Lenné, usually in bloom in June
• King Ludwig II's favorite place, with guests such as Richard Wagner and Empress Elisabeth
• Ferry crossing from Feldafing
• Pile dwellings in the water around the island (UNESCO World Heritage)

Permanent exhibition

• Casino mit pompejanischer Ausstattung – Guided tour through the royal villa, with its Italian-influenced architecture and its decoration in the Pompeian style.

Operated by

Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen

Admission & discounts

Prices for 2026; the guided tour is included in admission. The ferry to the Roseninsel charges a fee. Park Feldafing and the Roseninsel itself are freely accessible.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ferry can be used with a wheelchair. Paths on the island are made of compacted gravel without gradients, and there is seating. The Casino is reached via a meadow and two steps (mobile ramp available); the upper floor is only reachable by stairs. The ticket office, museum shop and small exhibition in the former gardener's house are step-free. Public toilets with an accessible toilet are located in Park Feldafing and at the boat landing on the island. Accessible parking spaces are at the public car park at Strandbad Feldafing (fee-based, 700 m to the ferry, forest track with gradients over 6%). No guidance system for blind visitors, no audio guide, no induction loop; information is available in written form. Dogs and bicycles may not be taken onto the island.

Kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The booklet “Entdecke die Roseninsel” leads children across the island with riddles; it is also available on site.

Getting there & parking

The Roseninsel is reached by ferry from Park Feldafing (Platanenrondell) from May to mid-October. Ferry information: 0151 28741905 and roseninsel.bayern. The ferry costs €5 for adults, €3 reduced and €1 for children up to age 12; children under 4 travel free. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop and ticket office in the former gardener's house; public toilets at the boat landing.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rentable event rooms on the Roseninsel; inquiries to the Palace Administration.

Plan your visit