Chiemsee

Welcome to the Chiemsee, a body of water so vast and majestic that locals have affectionately dubbed it the 'Bavarian Sea.' Covering an area of approximately eighty square kilometers—roughly the equivalent of eleven thousand…

Our journey typically begins in Prien am Chiemsee, the primary mainland hub for lake exploration. A highlight of this town is the historic Chiemsee-Bahn, a meter-gauge railway that has been in continuous operation since eighteen…

Disembarking at Herreninsel, we find ourselves on the largest of the lake's islands. Long before it became the site of a royal palace, this island was the domain of the Augustinian Canons. …

Emerging from the wooded pathways, the Herrenchiemsee Palace reveals itself in all its neoclassical glory. This is the 'Royal Secret' of the Chiemsee—a palace modeled directly after the Palace of Versailles in France. …

Surrounding the palace are gardens designed to rival the artistry of Andre Le Notre at Versailles. Meticulously manicured lawns, geometric flower beds, and grand treelined avenues create a sense of order that contrasts with the…

Away from the islands, the shoreline of the Chiemsee offers a different perspective on the 'Bavarian Sea.' The lake is a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including cormorants and grebes, which can often be seen diving…

Visiting the Chiemsee in winter reveals a completely different character of the lake. The vibrant blues of summer give way to a palette of grays, whites, and deep teals. …

As our exploration of the Chiemsee comes to a close, we return to the mainland with a deeper understanding of this 'Bavarian Sea.' We have traveled from the glacial past to the royal obsessions of the nineteenth century and into…