At 84 square kilometres, Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake and is protected under the international Ramsar Convention. Several themes come together as you plan your trip: protected habitats at the delta of the Tiroler Ache, island culture with sacred art and history, and paths and activities on the water. Which aspect you focus on can shape your daily plans and your choice of suitable accommodation.
The lake and its protected birdlife
Where the Tiroler Ache flows into Chiemsee, the mudflats of its delta have provided a protected refuge for many endangered waterbirds and waders since 1954. The delta is therefore a distinct nature-focused destination alongside the islands. If you would like to include both culture and landscape in your trip, you can consider this protected habitat as part of the Chiemsee area.
Fraueninsel: Architectural history and tradition
Fraueninsel is home to the Marienmünster, a three-aisled basilica. The arches of the ambulatory around the altar feature Romanesque frescoes dating from 1150. The Carolingian gatehouse is also part of the island’s historic character; it dates from the 9th century. These two dates point to different periods in the island’s history. Frauenchiemsee remains a place of pilgrimage. The remains of Blessed Irmengard, the first abbess known by name, rest in the minster. Find out more about the island at Frauenchiemsee.
Frauenchiemsee is one of Europe’s oldest artists’ colonies. The Benedictine monastery is also known for its many monastery liqueurs and sweet marzipan. These cultural and culinary connections add further dimensions to the island’s architecture and religious tradition. They offer different ways to experience the island, without requiring a visit to focus solely on historic buildings.
Island destinations and boat services
The Chiemsee boat service connects Herreninsel and Fraueninsel with the mainland year-round. For more information to help plan your island visits, see Herrenchiemsee and Frauenchiemsee. The Eastern Island Tour includes a walk around the island and visits to the minster, the gatehouse and the thousand-year-old linden tree. The tour thus combines a walk around the island with several named stops. Some departures are seasonal; check the timetable for your specific travel dates.
Walking routes and activities on the water
The Chiemsee circular hiking and cycling trail runs around Chiemsee and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Another clearly defined island route is the walking path around Herreninsel, which covers 240 hectares: it is just over 7 km long. This gives you the choice of a route around the lake or a walk on a single island. For more information about Herreninsel, visit the Herrenchiemsee page.
Activities offered at Chiemsee include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and renting electric boats. The activities available at a specific location may vary depending on the provider and the site. If you have a particular water sport in mind, check in advance which options are available at your preferred location.
Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans
When looking for a hotel, it helps to first sort out which plans you would like to shape your stay. For island visits, boat connections and changing timetables are important considerations; some departures on the Eastern Island Tour are also seasonal. Walking routes and water sports offer different activity options.
The year-round connection between the islands and the mainland does not mean that the timetable stays the same. Check departures for your travel dates, especially if an island visit or the Eastern Island Tour is part of your plans. This lets you arrange island destinations, walking routes and activities on the water in an order that suits your interests.
Discover more destinations: Eggstätt, Bad Aibling, Schechen, Aschau Im Chiemgau, Wasserburg Am Inn, Rimsting.
For the main travel overview: Rosenheim.
