Chiemsee is breath-taking, and picturesque lake in Germany. It is a freshwater lake which is placed near Rosenheim. Another fame name earned by the lake is ‘The Bavarian sea’ as the lake holds the crown of being the largest lake in Bavaria and third-largest in Germany. The mesmerizing beauty of the lake and the sports based on water make the area a popular and act as anti-stress therapy for the people dwelling in the city. The lake is visited by the Munich dwellers on weekends to find tranquility and calmness from the usual city chaos and get the crisp Alpine air and refreshing heavenly cool and shimmering waters.
The freshwater and pristine lake have the rivers Tiroler, Achen, and Prien gushing around from the South while the river Alz flows from the North. Alz River flows in the Inn and merges with the Danube. The beautiful and huge lake makes partitions between the north and the south, the north-east being known as Weitsee while the southwest is famed with the name-Inselsee. The environs around the Chiemsee is called Chiemgau which is a well-known recreation area surrounding the lake with the naturally beautiful landscape in Bavaria.
The natural landscape being the most pleasant recreation areas in Bavaria having excellent holiday resort with the blend of divinely amazing water and view of high mountain summits. There are three major islands of Lake Chiemsee namely- the Frauninsel Island, Herreninsel Island and Krautinsel Island containing the beauty of its own along with gorgeously crafted churches and monasteries and lush green parks making the visit worth a watch. The towns near the lake- Prien, Chiemsee, and Bernau make the view of the lake delightful. These breathtaking natural landscapes are visited by people from all parts of the world, all throughout the year.
Location:
Chiemsee or affectionately called ‘Bavarian Sea’ is located 90 kilometers away from Munich in Bavaria to the southeast, Germany. One can get there through autobahn towards Salzburg from Munich and take a turnoff to Prien-Bernau exit. It takes about an hour from Munich to reach the lake. When we head to the north of Prien, approximately 6 kilometers away, we find a ride in waters to one of the islands of Herreninsel (gentleman’s island) from where one can get breathtaking views of the lake and the delightful Alps Mountain in the background. Another location from which you can take the best sight of the lake is by reaching the other islands placed on the lake -Herrenchiemsee(biggest island), Krautinsel (herb Island)- an inhabited island smaller than Herreninsel and Frauneninsel (lady’s island). The town has rivers gushing in like river Alz from North and rivers Tiroler, Achen, and Prien from the south. There are towns located near the lake for the better and close explorations- the vibrant town of Prier am Chiemsee 5 kilometers away and Bernau am Chiemsee, both falling on the Munich-Salzberg rail line. The beautiful location of this place makes it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Germany.
Weather:
The weather around the lake and the islands is pretty good around the year, which is same as that of the state. Since the state falls in the continental climate zone, it all ranges from warm summer air to spine-chilling winters along with spring and autumn in between. Since the weather is nice and attractive, the lake is enjoyed at any time of the season as each season adds its magic around the lake. The sudden downpour around the lake makes the surroundings filled with freshly smell and green beauty canvassing all around.
In the summers which long between May and September, mild warm air covers the area making it humid, but the air near the lake is quite cool and refreshing with crystal clear skies and The Alps view in the background. It makes a perfect weather for enjoying the water sports on the lake and visiting the islands for a small picnic in the meadows or sight-seeing. The same can be done in winters if you don’t mind the temperature and enjoy the serene lake view. Therefore, an ideal time to visit the place would be in the summers, especially for people coming from warmer and tropical areas. Other favorable season would be during the spring season when the weather is really pleasant. Most of the tourists prefer these two seasons to visit this amazing place.
History:
The Chiemsee Lake was formed identically to numerous pre-alpine lakes in the area at the extreme of the final ice-age which occurred about 10,000 years ago from a hollow carved out by a Zungenbencken. A Zungenbencken (German origin) or a tongue basin is a chunk of a succession of ice-age landforms (also called glacial series). It became hollow and left out by ice mass as the Gletzscherzunge (nose of the glacier) sinks. It initially was filled with melt water forming a proglacial lake. The lake may later be covered with the surface water from streams and rivers or precipitation. The lake was entirely retreated producing a glacial Piedmont lake.
Initially, the lake covered the area of nearly 240 square kilometer which is about three times more the existing coverage. In the 10,000 years, the area came down shrinking to about 20 square kilometers. The water level fell about a meter before the year of 1904. Thus, the dry land which was a vast area was reclaimed. The international Ramsar convention founded for the preservation of ecologically important wetlands has Chiemsee in its protection list. As of 1954, the mudflats of Delta were forming where Tiroler Ache was gushing in the lake and protected the retreats for endangered species of waterfowl and wader. This is truly a phenomenal natural beauty and this is what attracts people from across the globe to visit the lake.
Surroundings:
The lake is surrounded by the beautiful villages and picturesque islands making the lake and the line of sight in front of you a blissful tourist spot. Prien am Chiemsee are the biggest villages between the rail link of Munich, and the opening of Herrenchiemsee. Castle is open to visitors and is becoming famous in the way of reaching towards the lake. There are three famous islands on the lake in the area of which Herreninssel is the largest one. It has the palace which was made by King Ludwig II in 1878 and gave it the name-Herrenchiemsee which was fated to remain incomplete but was the idea of being the exact copy of Palace of Versailles. Visitors can see the built rooms and all summer, the tour of the palace and vast grounds are administered.
Frauenchiemsee is the smaller island comparatively having beautiful monasteries to view and houses a Benedictine nunnery. The other islands Fraueninel( ladies’ island) and uninhabited Krautinsel island which is also known for its cabbage production in Middle ages, is gaining its name of Cabbage Island. There are also little islands in the area which are – Schalch and two unnamed islands around.
The area is approximately 90 kilometers away from Munich in the southeast, and one can reach through A8 from Munich to Salzburg exiting to Bernau.
You can visit the area from Munich by arriving in Munich trough airport and getting on in the train and coming to Prien am Chiemsee station which is between Munich-Salzburg railway line. There are intercity trains which are stopping at Prien station as well as slower trains named Meridian trains. It will take about one hour to reach here. You can get into the narrow gauge Chiemseebahn (an autobahn) to boat pier, but it runs only in summers. The path alongside Chienseebahn allows the walking route to the boat pier.
There are also ferries, rowboats, pedal boats and other boats available in the area for traveling to various islands and exploring the Bavarian sea. Take a boat ride and enjoy the amazing experience with your wife and kids. You would definitely cherish this experience for your life.
Why visit?
The Bavarian Sea is the largest and most beautiful lake in Bavaria, which is the best place to swim and sunbathe at numerous locations around the lake. You can even go for a cruise on row boats and pedal boats. There are various other activities to do around the lake such as canoeing and kayaking tours, resting in the beach bars and enjoying the lakeside views, sail boarding, strolling or biking on the riverside path for the excellent views of the lake. People from diverse parts of the world visit the lake every year to enjoy the amazing view this place has on offer.
Besides, many people from the Munich city come here and claim for peace, tranquility and relaxation. The place acts as the de-stressing therapy taking us away from the city chaos. One can also visit the mesmerizing islands and the beauty of the Alps breathing the fresh and lively Alpine air. You can enjoy the tides which are just like the sea tides with your friends and family. The four major islands have its intriguing history for you to catch up and view beautifully designed palaces and churches. Also, the Upper Bavarian Alps is a great place for hiking, tours of the mountain, camping, cycling, etc. The leisure activities in the villages engage you with their hospitality making itself a favorite destination for the people. Therefore, visiting this place with your family and friends is definitely a great experience you would cherish in your whole life.
Major attractions:
- The castle on the island-Herrenchiemsee.
- The beautiful island of Frauenchiemsee to view the Benedictine convent-the oldest one Germany.
- Kampenwand Cable
- Prienavara Relaxation center cum spa.
- Christmas market on Frauenchiemsee.
- Julius Exter’s House in Feldwies.
- Frauwnchiemsee Monastery.
What else around:
- Sarbruk am Chiemsee: It lies on the northern shore of the lake and the view from Saebruck from approaching ferry has the support for many yachts, and the harbor is the largest in Bavaria. It is also one of the most important tourist destinations in the vicinity of the lake and visit to this place is highly recommended.
- Chieming am Chiemsee It is situated on the eastern shore of the lake named for the lake like area after the legend of Chemo- and old Bavarian noble who has lived here. It has signs of Roman and Celtic establishment and the 2nd largest resort after Prien facing on the western shore.
- Priem am Chiemsee: It is the largest resort in the area having its popularity gained because it is the opening from Munich to the Herrenchiemsee Castle open for visitors. The connection between settlement and Lakeshore has gained extreme
Bernau am Chiemsee: It’s the third most famous village in the southwest corner and motorway between Salzburg and Munich.