At the MammutMuseum Siegsdorf, the focus is on the history of the Earth. It presents 250 million years of geological history in southeastern Bavaria: from the basics of geology to the diversity of fossils and the giants of the Ice Age, and on to the world of the Stone Age. Its thematic scope connects natural history with early human history. In the wider destination of Bavaria, there are fourteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 1,300 museums with collections covering history and art, science, crafts and traditions. Around 80 Bavarian museums have joined thematic networks to make it easier for visitors to find their way around. Herrenchiemsee Palace was also added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025, together with the other Bavarian royal palaces of King Ludwig II; Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace and the King's House on Schachen are also included.
The Stone Age and Mammoth History
The Stone Age Garden is right next to the museum. Children can polish stones, bake bread on a stick and make crafts from natural materials there. This brings the museum's geological and Stone Age themes together with hands-on activities in the garden.
Lake Chiemsee and its islands
Lake Chiemsee is the flagship attraction of the Chiemgau region. Its historic islands and wide range of leisure activities appeal to visitors of all ages. Chiemsee boat services connect the main places along the lakeshore—including Prien, Gstadt, Seebruck and Chieming—with Herreninsel and Fraueninsel.
Herrenchiemsee Palace is also now one of the most important sights in Chiemgau. On Herreninsel, the Baroque monastery building houses several exhibitions. This means the islands, a significant palace and exhibitions in a Baroque monastery building offer different things to discover around Lake Chiemsee.
Cycling routes, hiking and Hochfelln
Chiemgau has around 1,400 kilometres of well-marked cycling routes. There are also 20 themed cycling tours and an almost 600-kilometre mountain biking network.
For hiking, Chiemgau has seven premium trails, and the number is growing. Hochfelln offers further perspectives: the cable car reaches its summit in two sections and provides access to the Geological Nature Trail and the Tabor Chapel. A ski tour also leads up Hochfelln, which is regarded as Chiemgau's viewing terrace.
There is also a specific guideline for being on the water: kayaks and canoes should stay within 300 metres of the shore on Lake Chiemsee. Anyone planning a paddling trip can take this guideline into account when navigating the lake.
Traditions and crafts
Traditional events in Chiemgau include the Georgiritt Easter procession, raising the maypole, the Leonhardiritt procession in November, and summer costume festivals and parades.
You can discover the history of technology at the Glockenschmiede in Ruhpolding. This hammer mill museum has a large tail hammer powered by an overshot waterwheel. The Glockenschmiede is already mentioned in documents dating from 1646.
Discover more destinations: Bavarian Forest, Miesbach, Bayreuth, Neu-Ulm, Roth, Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Ansbach, Cham
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Bavaria.
