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Chiemsee
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Chiemsee, often called the Bavarian Sea, is the largest lake in Bavaria and the third largest in Germany, situated in the Alpine foothills about 66 kilometers southeast of Munich. It was formed roughly 10,000 years ago at the end of the Würm glaciation as a basin carved by the Chiemsee glacier, and it currently covers an area of about 80 square kilometers. The lake is most famous for its three main islands: Herrenchiemsee, Frauenchiemsee, and the uninhabited Krautinsel, which have been cultural landmarks for centuries. On Herrenchiemsee, King Ludwig II of Bavaria began constructing his grand palace in 1878, modeled after Versailles, which remains unfinished but is a significant historical monument. Frauenchiemsee is home to the Benedictine convent of Frauenwörth, founded in 782, making it one of the oldest active nunneries in Germany. Beyond its cultural heritage, Chiemsee is a crucial breeding and resting ground for migratory birds and remains a hub for traditional fishing and modern sailing.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Beckerscheim · Schweinebucht · Tiefste Stelle
- Nearby: Prien am Chiemsee (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 65 | 77 | 71 | 129 | 150 | 141 | 147 | 102 | 83 | 64 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Traveling to Bavaria's largest lake is typically seamless, with major highways and regional train networks connecting directly to lakeside towns like Prien. From these hubs, regular ferry services provide easy access to the historic islands.
Best season
The summer months are widely considered the peak season, offering well-suited conditions for boating, swimming, and exploring the monuments. Spring and autumn provide a much quieter atmosphere, great for peaceful walks and cultural appreciation.
Terrain & paths
The shorelines are generally well-developed, featuring paved promenades, flat cycling paths, and accessible public beaches. The islands themselves boast manicured gardens and broad, comfortable walkways suitable for most fitness levels.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring the expansive grounds of the historic island monuments. Standard day-trip items, such as weather-appropriate layers and a camera, are usually all that is practically required.
Parking
Extensive, well-marked parking facilities are generally located near the main ferry terminals and recreational beaches. During peak summer weekends, these expansive lots can reach capacity, making early arrival a sensible strategy.
Safety
Standard precautions apply when navigating busy promenades or participating in recreational water activities. The environment is heavily managed and generally very safe, but one should always be mindful of local boating regulations.
Time needed
Most visitors dedicate a full day to properly experience the lake, taking ferries to both Herreninsel and Fraueninsel. A shorter visit of three to four hours is typical if focusing on only a single island or a brief lakeside stroll.
Geography
Facts
- The maximum water depth of Chiemsee is approximately 73.4 meters.
- The lake contains a total water volume of about 2.05 cubic kilometers.
- The main tributary of the lake is the Tiroler Achen river.
- The Hall of Mirrors in Herrenchiemsee Palace is larger than the one in Versailles.
- Krautinsel was historically used for the cultivation of vegetables and herbs.
- The lake surface is located at an altitude of 518 meters above sea level.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chiemsee (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Chiemsee called the 'Bavarian Sea'?
With an area of approx. 80 km², it is the largest lake in Bavaria and the third largest in Germany, earning it this nickname.
Which castle did Ludwig II build on Herreninsel?
King Ludwig II built Herrenchiemsee Palace here, which was intended as a Bavarian replica of Versailles but was never completed.
What can you experience on Fraueninsel?
The car-free island houses Frauenwörth Abbey and is known for its handicrafts and culinary specialty: freshly smoked Chiemsee whitefish.
How do you get to the islands?
Passenger ships of Chiemsee-Schifffahrt run year-round from Prien am Chiemsee and Gstadt. In summer, also from Seebruck, Chieming, and Bernau.
Can you swim in Chiemsee?
Yes, there are numerous lidos around the lake. Particularly popular are Prienavera in Prien and the beach in Übersee with its sandy shore.
Chiemsee: where is it located?
Chiemsee is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Chiemsee: what is there to see?
Highlights include Beckerscheim, Schweinebucht, Tiefste Stelle.
Chiemsee: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Chiemsee: why is it worth visiting?
Chiemsee, often called the Bavarian Sea, is the largest lake in Bavaria and the third largest in Germany, situated in the Alpine foothills about 66 kilometers southeast of Munich.
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