Chiemsee (Lake): Islands, Nature and Culture

Lake Chiemsee brings together a vast expanse of water, protected habitats, island culture and activities on the water. When planning your stay, you can explore these different themes: nature at the delta, historic buildings on Fraueninsel, walking and cycling routes, or water sports.

The lake and its protected habitats

At 84 square kilometres, Lake Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake. It is protected under the international Ramsar Convention. A specific habitat on the lake is also protected: the mudflats in the delta of the Tiroler Ache, where it flows into Lake Chiemsee, have provided a refuge for many endangered waterbirds and waders since 1954. The size of the lake and this protected natural area show two different sides of the destination.

Culture and history on Fraueninsel

On Fraueninsel, sacred architecture and religious tradition come together. The Marienmünster is a three-aisled basilica. The arch reveals of the ambulatory contain Romanesque frescoes dating from 1150. The Carolingian gate hall dates from the 9th century; the two buildings therefore reflect different historical periods.

Frauenchiemsee remains a place of pilgrimage. The remains of Blessed Irmengard, the first abbess known by name, rest in the minster. The island’s cultural history also includes its artists’ colony: since 1828, Frauenchiemsee has been one of Europe’s oldest artists’ colonies. Its architecture, pilgrimage tradition and artistic heritage give the island several distinct historical highlights.

The Benedictine monastery is also one of Fraueninsel’s well-known cultural attractions. It is known for its many monastery liqueurs and sweet marzipan. This culinary tradition complements the island’s architectural and artistic history, without implying any particular tasting or visitor offer.

Islands, routes and activities on the water

The Chiemsee boat service connects Herreninsel and Fraueninsel with the mainland year-round; timetables may vary. The Eastern Island Tour includes a walk around the island and visits to the minster, the gate hall and the thousand-year-old lime tree. Some departures on the tour operate only seasonally. If you are planning a particular connection or tour, check the timetable in advance.

You can also choose between routes around the lake and around an island. The Chiemsee circular walking and cycling route goes around the lake on foot or by bicycle. On Herreninsel, a walking path just over 7 km long leads around the 240-hectare island. This gives you two different options: a route around Lake Chiemsee and a separate walk around the island.

Activities offered on Lake Chiemsee include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, as well as electric boat rentals. Availability at a particular lakeside location may vary by provider. Water sports therefore offer a different focus from the island’s history or a walk or bike ride.

Plan your hotel stay around your interests

If you are looking for a hotel on Lake Chiemsee, it may help to decide what you want to focus on during your trip. Would you like to explore the buildings and traditions of Fraueninsel, plan a route around the lake or Herreninsel, or make water sports a priority? These interests offer different starting points for planning your stay by Lake Chiemsee.

Island destinations: Herrenchiemsee, Frauenchiemsee.

Discover more destinations: Riedering, Soyen, Gstadt Am Chiemsee, Vogtareuth, Rimsting, Aschau Im Chiemgau.

Return to the main travel overview: Rosenheim.