Lake Chiemsee Attractions - The Top 10 Most Popular Highlights

Also known as the 'Bavarian Sea,' Lake Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and is beautifully situated in the backdrop of the Alpine foothills. In addition to its stunning natural scenery, there are also plenty of cultural discoveries to be made here. A vacation at Lake Chiemsee is incredibly diverse and offers the right recreational program for everyone, including children. From magnificent castles to breathtaking mountains and exciting caves, there's something for everyone.

Here, you will discover the top 10 attractions at Lake Chiemsee that you absolutely must not miss!

The top spot among attractions at Lake Chiemsee goes to the Therme Bad Aibling. Covering an area of 10,000 square meters with over 600 square meters of water surface, you embark on a journey through various worlds here. The Therme at Lake Chiemsee is characterized by a constant change of experiences and features various gardens, pools, saunas, and relaxation areas under the impressive domes of the facility.

Therme Bad Aibling is considered a traditional moor spa and boasts an impressive sauna landscape with a total of seven saunas, a relaxation room, a hamam, a royal bath, and an outdoor pool. Here, you will experience relaxation and wellness at the highest level!

Opening hours of Therme Bad Aibling: Mon to Thu and Sun: 10 AM - 10 PM, Fri & Sat: 10 AM - 11 PM

See for yourself! Book top wellness hotels at Lake Chiemsee now

With an area of only 15 hectares, Fraueninsel is small and cozy, but after Herreninsel, it is the second largest of the three islands in Lake Chiemsee. This car-free island has 50 houses with around 300 inhabitants - an idyllic and romantic gem. Numerous poets and painters have been inspired by the island's blooming splendor for their works.

The highlight of Fraueninsel and a popular excursion destination at Lake Chiemsee is the 1,200-year-old Kloster Frauenwörth. It occupies about one-third of the island's total area and is now a place for adult education and music events. While the monastery itself cannot be visited, the monastery church, the gatehouse, the chapel, and the cemetery can be.

The best way to reach Fraueninsel, also known as Frauenchiemsee, is by boat from Gstadt and Prien, but it can also be accessed from other places around Lake Chiemsee.

Kloster Seeon was founded in 994 by Benedictines and transformed into a castle in 1803. Today, it serves as a cultural and educational center for the Upper Bavaria district. Kloster Seeon is situated on an island in Klostersee near Lake Chiemsee, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements.

Today, Kloster Seeon hosts numerous events, including classical, jazz, and world music concerts, as well as church concerts. Furthermore, the monastery is a popular venue for exhibitions, arts, and literary events. In line with the hospitality of the Benedictine tradition, you can also enjoy culinary delights at the monastery tavern.

Schloss Herrenchiemsee is located on the island of the same name in Lake Chiemsee and represents the last and most opulent construction by the fairy-tale king Ludwig II. Its inspiration was the Palace of Versailles, which Schloss Herrenchiemsee aimed to surpass. However, King Ludwig II could only spend a few days here before he died in June 1886, and construction was halted. Although not completely finished, the castle is a perfect display of opulence and beauty. During a castle tour, you can admire 20 magnificent rooms.

With an area of 238 hectares, Herrenchiemsee is the largest of the three Chiemsee islands. In addition to the castle, you can also admire the royal gardens with their fountains or go for extensive walks. The island is car-free - horse-drawn carriages commute between the ferry dock and the castle.

Hochfelln is a mountain in the Chiemgau Alps with a height of 1,674 meters. Its summit can be reached on foot, but it is also accessible by the Hochfelln cable car. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view - Hochfelln is rightly referred to as the viewing terrace of Chiemgau.

At the summit of Hochfelln stands the summit cross, which was inaugurated in 1886. Today, it is an impressive monument that creates a wonderful image depending on the light conditions. Right next to it is the Hochfellnhaus, the highest located restaurant in Chiemgau. From the terrace, you can enjoy the splendid view of the Bavarian alpine foothills and the entire Alps.

Schloss Amerang originated from an 11th-century castle that was transformed into a castle five centuries later. It is located on a steep rocky cone and significantly shapes the silhouette of the town of Amerang.

The style of a medieval castle is still recognizable - it has also preserved its defensive character from the outside. Schloss Amerang has an almost completely round floor plan, and there is no right angle in the interiors or in the arcade courtyard.

Visitors to the castle can participate in guided tours or even rent rooms for celebrations and events. Today, Schloss Amerang mainly hosts cultural performances and events. At the same time, the castle operates as a hotel and is also home to a horse stud.

The Alm area Winklmoosalm is a high plateau at 1,200 meters located at the tri-border point of Bavaria, Salzburg, and South Tyrol. It is worth taking a trip here from Lake Chiemsee if you're looking to go for extensive hikes or want to hit the slopes in winter - Winklmoosalm is both a popular hiking area and a significant ski center.

Aside from hiking and leisurely walks through the beautiful nature, Winklmoosalm invites you to explore the area by bike or go on action-packed mountain bike tours. A visit to the pilgrimage church of Mariä Himmelfahrt is also recommended. Afterwards, you can relax in the alpine huts and inns with delicious local cuisine.

In winter, Winklmoosalm transforms into a true winter sports paradise for young and old. Look forward to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking through the snowy landscape.

Schloss Hohenaschau is perched on a 50-meter-high ridge above the town of the same name and is one of the most impressive castles at the edge of the Alps. The castle was built in the 12th century and served as the administrative center for significant noble families. Over the years, it has been remodeled several times and showcases Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Today, Schloss Hohenaschau is owned by the Federal Republic of Germany and serves as a vacation and recreation home. Regular concerts and theater tours are held here. The castle itself can only be visited as part of guided tours.

At an altitude of 1,711 meters, the Wendelsteinhöhle is Germany's highest show cave. It is located on Mount Wendelstein in the Rosenheim district and extends over a total length of 523 meters. Discovered in 1864, it has been open to visitors since 1921. It is part of an entire cave system and is considered a geological rarity due to its elevation.

Inside the mountain, visitors encounter four interactive stations. Informative and surprising facts about geology, biology, philosophy, and psychology are presented here multimedially. Depending on the weather, the Wendelsteinhöhle is open to visitors daily from May to November.

Please note that inside the Wendelsteinhöhle, average temperatures of around 3 degrees Celsius prevail year-round.

In the 10th spot among the top attractions at Lake Chiemsee is an activity that you simply must not miss - a ferry ride. From various docks around the lake, a Chiemsee ferry trip allows you to experience the lake, its unique nature, and many sights from a different perspective.

Chiemsee ferry rides, especially to the islands of Herrenchiemsee and Frauenchiemsee, are particularly popular. Here you can admire the magnificent Schloss Herrenchiemsee and Kloster Frauenwörth while exploring the beautiful nature of the islands on foot.

Lake Chiemsee and its excursion destinations offer vacationers - even those with children - plenty to enjoy. Take the opportunity to visit numerous places, attractions, and sights around the lake and truly indulge yourself here.

During a vacation at Lake Chiemsee, you'll quickly notice that it will captivate you. Just let yourself be swept away and discover the top Chiemsee attractions at your leisure.