Chiemsee · Chiemgau · Bavaria · Yachthotel · Mountain Retreat · Golf · eBiking · Hiking
Right on the shore of Bavaria’s largest lake: wellness with lake views at the Yachthotel Chiemsee, yoga and meditation at the Mountain Retreat Center in Sachrang, golf on eleven courses, hiking to the Kampenwand summit and eBiking around Bavaria’s Great Lake.
The Chiemsee – Bavaria’s great water
The Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake and the third largest in Germany. At 80 square kilometres, with a maximum depth of 240 feet and a shoreline framed by reed beds, meadows and the blue silhouette of the Chiemgau Alps on the horizon, it carries its popular name – the Bavarian Sea – with complete justification. What distinguishes this lake from all others is not its size alone, but the extraordinary combination of elements it brings together: natural beauty, cultural history, alpine hinterland and a leisure offering that ranges from wellness and golf to mountain hiking of all difficulty levels.
The Chiemsee Alpenland region, covering the communities of Prien am Chiemsee, Aschau, Bernau, Übersee, Seebruck and Gstadt, concentrates within a relatively small area what other destinations scatter across hundreds of miles: a vast lake for water sports and relaxation, an immediate pre-alpine landscape for walks and hikes, a golf cluster with eleven courses, excellent wellness hotels and, in the Mountain Retreat Center at Sachrang, one of the most authentic yoga and meditation retreat centres in the German-speaking world.
“The Chiemsee is one of those rare places where you look out over the water in the morning, walk in the mountains in the afternoon and cannot quite say in the evening which of the two did more for you.”
The climate at the Chiemsee is mild-continental with a strong alpine influence: warm, pleasant summers with lake water perfect for swimming, golden autumns with crystal-clear views of the Alps, and winters that shift between snowy idyl and an early spring at the water’s edge. The region is active in every season – spring and early autumn are particularly popular with British and international visitors who prefer the quiet before and after the German summer holiday peak.
Yachthotel Chiemsee – Natur-Reich-Wellness and lake views
The Yachthotel Chiemsee in Prien am Chiemsee is one of the finest lakeside addresses in Bavaria. Operating on its own lakeside grounds directly on the shore of the Chiemsee since 1985, this 4-star property has evolved over four decades into one of the most popular wellness destinations on the Bavarian Sea – a blend of Bavarian homeliness, elegant modernity and a position that combines lake horizon and Alpine panorama in a single view.
Many of the hotel’s rooms and suites offer direct views of the lake and the Chiemgau Alps. The hotel’s themed areas – Kitz, Gloria, Stüberl, BLU and Wellness & Sports – give every stay its own character: from the rustic Bavarian inn atmosphere to the Levantine restaurant BLU with its international flair. The hotel has been welcoming guests for over 40 years and the loyalty of returning visitors speaks for the quality of both the setting and the service.
Yachthotel Chiemsee
Natur-Reich-Wellness – the spa
The wellness philosophy of the Yachthotel is captured in the name of its spa concept: Natur-Reich-Wellness – bringing body, mind and soul into harmonious balance through the power of nature. The spa combines classic wellness treatments with detox, nature-based and (B)Ayurveda applications – an original fusion of Bavarian herbal medicine traditions and Indian Ayurvedic practice that reflects the regional character of the hotel. All treatments use exclusively organic and 100 per cent natural products combining pharmaceutical knowledge with the healing power of nature.
Wellness treatments at the Yachthotel Chiemsee
- Classic treatments:Full-body massage, back and shoulder massage, hot stone massage, aromatic oil massage, deep tissue massage
- Detox treatments:Detoxifying body wraps, lymphatic drainage, detox baths – supporting the body’s natural cleansing processes
- Nature treatments:Herb and blossom oil treatments drawing on Bavarian natural medicine traditions; fango packs, peat and mud applications, hay flower baths
- (B)Ayurveda:A synthesis of Bavarian medicinal herbs and Ayurvedic treatment forms; Abhyanga oil massage, head and temple massage, warming applications
- Beauty treatments:Facial treatments, peeling, manicure, pedicure
- Spa facilities:Outdoor whirlpool with lake view; sauna and steam bath area; fitness room open 7am to 10pm; spa access on departure day until 5pm
- Fitness classes:Yoga, meditation and Nordic Walking classes available in groups (at additional cost)
Golf included – the Chiemsee Golf Card
The Yachthotel offers its guests one of the most popular perks on the lake: the Chiemsee Golf Card. With this card, guests can play on up to eleven surrounding golf courses with complimentary or significantly reduced green fees from their very first night. Rental clubs are available for a fee; an indoor golf facility at the hotel allows for practise and swing analysis regardless of the weather. The card is valid from March to November (subject to seasonal conditions). Full details in the Golf section.
Sport, activities and watersports
The Yachthotel is the ideal base for all activities in the region: eBikes available for hire (approx. €39 per day, seasonal) for the lakeside circuit; watersports on the lake (sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoe and kayak nearby); and a hotel-produced walking guide with insider tips for the surrounding mountain trails. The Kampenwand cable car station at Aschau is a short drive from the hotel.
Dining
The main restaurant Kitz & Gloria serves Bavarian specialities and regional cuisine. The à-la-carte restaurant BLU (Wednesday to Sunday) takes its inspiration from the Levant and the Mediterranean. The breakfast buffet, featuring regional products, is one of the most praised aspects of a stay at the hotel. In the evening, with the balcony door open, you fall asleep to the sound of the lake.
Mountain Retreat Center – yoga and silence in Sachrang
About 12 miles south-east of the Chiemsee, in the small Bavarian picture-postcard village of Sachrang near Aschau im Chiemgau, on a hillside with views across the valley and the peaks of the Austrian Zahmer Kaiser range, stands a place that differs fundamentally from anything one normally calls a wellness hotel: the Mountain Retreat Center.
Originally the home of a Zen community that practised Zen meditation and Christian contemplation here for decades, the Mountain Retreat Center is today an all-year-round yoga and meditation centre with 18 to 20 simply and lovingly furnished rooms – all with views of the mountain landscape – and a yoga programme that runs twice daily. Those seeking genuine stillness belong here. Those who draw energy from the luxury of a spa hotel will be happiest at the Yachthotel. And those who want both can visit both during a long weekend in the region.
Mountain Retreat Center
The heart: meditation hall and yoga rooms
The heart of the centre is the large yoga-meditation hall on the ground floor – built in Japanese Zendo style, with wide mountain views through the window fronts and direct access to the sun terrace, from which the eye travels across the village of Sachrang, the peaks of the Kampenwand and the great Zahmer Kaiser in Austria. A second, smaller yoga room with a green outlook and a seminar room complete the spatial offering.
The programme at the Mountain Retreat Center
- Yoga twice daily: Morning yoga (7:30–9:00am) and evening yoga (4:30–6:00pm) – suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike; a different yoga teacher each week, meaning the yoga styles rotate throughout the year
- Meditation: Daily meditation sessions; the legacy of the Zen community that shaped the house for decades is palpable in the meditation hall
- Weekly retreat themes (selection 2026): Yoga and nervous system strength · Mountain hiking and the inner mountains · Meditation in movement – Zen martial art Seonmudo · Yoga & Dance your soul · Qigong Basics · Vinyasa Yoga · Yin Yoga and nature · In the flow with the elements · Pathways to equanimity
- Walks directly from the house: To the Spitzstein, the Priener Hütte, the waterfalls in the Priental valley, the Kampenwand summit
- Vegetarian-vegan cuisine: 100 per cent vegetarian, largely organic; generous breakfast buffet and dinner; tea and Grander water available throughout the day at no charge
- Sauna: Spacious sauna with panoramic mountain views
- Open programme: Guests may arrive and depart on different days and join the ongoing weekly programme – ideal for solo travellers and those with flexible schedules
Location and getting there
The Mountain Retreat Center is in Sachrang, directly on the German-Austrian border. Munich is one hour’s drive, Salzburg 50 minutes, Kufstein 25 minutes, Aschau im Chiemgau 12 minutes. From Aschau station, a taxi costs approximately €35. By car: motorway A8, exit Frasdorf, then towards Aschau and on to Sachrang (approximately 15 minutes from the motorway).
Golf at the Chiemsee – a golfer’s paradise in the Chiemgau
The Chiemsee-Alpenland region is one of the densest golf concentrations in southern Germany. Eleven courses lie within easy reach of the lake, all set in the characteristic pre-alpine topography: fairways between orchards, small forests and peat bogs, with the Chiemgau Alps always visible on the horizon or the blue ribbon of the lake in the valley. These courses are neither overwhelmed by mass tourism nor affected by the heat that troubles many southern courses in midsummer – the proximity to the Alps ensures pleasant playing temperatures even in July and August.
The Yachthotel Chiemsee provides its guests with the Chiemsee Golf Card, which allows complimentary or greatly reduced-fee play on up to eleven surrounding courses from the very first night of a stay. Valid March to November, collected at the hotel reception. Rental clubs available; the indoor golf facility at the hotel enables practice and swing analysis year-round, including on days when weather rules out outdoor play.
Selected golf courses in the Chiemsee region
- Golf Club Chiemsee, Übersee-Feldwies: 18 holes in immediate proximity to the lake; one of the most scenically beautiful courses in the region, with direct lake views on several holes
- Golfclub Prien am Chiemsee: 18 holes; most central location in the region; ideal combination with a visit to the palace park and boat trip to the Herrenchiemsee island after the round
- Golf- und Landclub Chiemgau, Aschau: 18 holes in gently rolling pre-alpine terrain with views of the Kampenwand and the Priental valley; one of the most characterful courses in the Chiemgau
- Golf Club Reit im Winkl: 18 holes in high alpine setting; athletically demanding; particularly recommended in the shoulder season of May/June and September/October
- Golfclub Ruhpolding: 9 holes; unspoilt and quiet; ideal for a relaxed nine-hole afternoon round after a morning wellness treatment
- Indoor golf facility – Yachthotel: Year-round training facility in the hotel itself; driving, putting, swing analysis; available regardless of weather or season
Hiking in the Chiemgau – with the right boot
The Chiemsee-Alpenland region offers more than 300 signposted walking and hiking routes – from flat lakeside circuits and peat bog paths for families to demanding summit routes on the Kampenwand, Hochfelln and throughout the Chiemgau Alps. The distinctive quality of this region is its range: within just a few miles the landscape shifts from the flat lake shore to alpine terrain at over 5,500 feet. No other lake in Bavaria offers this immediate proximity of water and high mountains.
Summit hike · 5,476 ft · demanding
Kampenwand – queen of the Chiemgau
The Kampenwand (5,476 ft above sea level) is the most famous hiking destination in the region. Several ascent routes lead to the summit plateau; those short on time can take the Kampenwandbahn cable car from Aschau. At the top, a 360-degree panorama opens across the Chiemsee, the Chiemgau Alps and far into the Bavarian foothills. The Priener Hütte mountain hut at 4,642 ft is a classic waypoint with food and drink. Walking time from the valley: 3–4 hours ascent.
Family walk · easy · pre-alpine valley
Prienbach waterfalls and the Priental valley
The Priental valley south of Prien offers one of the finest valley walks in the Chiemgau: rushing mountain streams, shaded woodland and the waterfalls of the Prienbach. Ideal for families with children as no significant ascent is required and the path is largely accessible for pushchairs. Directly reachable from Aschau; circuit walking time approximately 2 hours.
Lakeside path · flat · lake panorama
Chiemsee shore path – Prien to Rimsting
The shore path along the western bank of the Chiemsee from Prien-Stock to Rimsting is one of the finest flat walks in Bavaria: wide lakeside paths, reed beds, fishing boats and always the Alps in the south. From the Priener Schären headland, a particularly fine viewpoint over Schloss Herrenchiemsee and the islands. Distance approximately 4 miles; 2 hours’ walking time; entirely flat.
Multi-day alpine route · strenuous
Hochfelln and Hochgern – alpine multi-day routes
Hochfelln (5,482 ft) and Hochgern (5,735 ft) are the great hiking mountains to the south-east of the Chiemsee. The Hochfelln has a gondola from Bergen that shortens the ascent. The Hochgern requires full fitness and mountain experience but rewards with one of the most spectacular summit panoramas in the entire Chiemgau. Overnight stays at the Hochgernhütte mountain hut are possible; recommended for multi-day walkers.
LOWA hiking boots – the right boot for the Chiemgau
The variety of Chiemgau walking routes – from flat lakeside strolls to rocky summit paths – demands footwear that performs equally well in both worlds. No manufacturer masters this combination better than LOWA, the Bavarian company from Jetzendorf with decades of alpine heritage, whose boots are developed specifically for the demanding terrain of the Bavarian Alps and are the first choice of experienced mountain guides and serious walkers across the region.
LOWA recommendations for the Chiemgau terrain
- LOWA Renegade GTX Mid: The ideal all-rounder for Chiemgau combination walks – mid-height shaft for stability on rocky sections, GORE-TEX membrane for wet lakeside and forest paths, Vibram outsole for grip on rock and grass. Recommended for all guests tackling both shoreline walks and summit routes.
- LOWA Tibet GTX: For fit, experienced walkers heading for the Kampenwand, Hochfelln or Hochgern – higher shaft, greater ankle support, stiffer sole for demanding alpine terrain. Category B/BC; crampon-compatible for winter summit tours.
- LOWA Innox Pro GTX Lo: For lowland walkers and lakeside circuit enthusiasts – ultralight trekking shoe with full GTX waterproofing; ideal for shoreline walks, cycling breaks and day trips without significant elevation gain.
- LOWA Merger GTX Lo: Hybrid boot for active guests who alternate between cycling and walking – light, flexible and fully waterproof.
- Breaking-in advice: Wear the new boot on demanding walks for at least 6–8 weeks before the trip. Pair with merino wool hiking socks. Find your nearest LOWA stockist at lowa.de/de-de/store-finder
Cycling routes and eBiking around the Chiemsee
The Chiemsee is one of the most popular cycling destinations in Bavaria. The terrain is largely flat, the paths are exceptionally well signposted, the routes repeatedly pass swimming spots and refreshment stops, and the panorama of lake and mountains accompanies cyclists throughout. For eBike riders the region is particularly appealing: the ability to extend a lakeside circuit with excursions into the foothills or the Eggstätter-Hemhofer lake plateau – without arriving at the hotel exhausted – has significantly broadened the appeal of the Chiemsee for active holidaymakers in recent years.
| Route | Distance | Character | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiemsee Radweg | approx. 37 miles | Sporty; surfaced; suitable for touring bike and eBike | Complete lake circuit; jetty stops for Herreninsel and Fraueninsel; Römermuseum Seebruck; strong Alpine panorama from the northern bank |
| Chiemsee Rundweg | approx. 35 miles | Gentle; mix of tarmac, field tracks and natural paths; for leisure and family cyclists | Many swimming spots; unspoilt shoreline paths; Priener Schären viewpoint; Keilbacher Bucht; ideal for families with children |
| 16-Lakes Round | approx. 34 miles | Easy to moderate; eBike strongly recommended | Eggstätt-Hemhofer lake plateau; nature reserves; peat bog landscapes; swimming at several lakes; away from the main tourist routes |
| Kneipp & Bike routes | 19–37 miles | Variable; thematic | 5 cycling routes following the Kneipp health philosophy; water stops for active Kneipp treatments; routes through natural healing landscapes |
| Coffee & Bike | Variable | Leisure cycling | Cycling routes combined with speciality coffee at roasters and cafés in the region; relaxed stops in characterful Bavarian villages |
eBiking at the Chiemsee – what you need to know
Several battery charging and battery-exchange stations are located along the Chiemsee cycle route – the infrastructure for eBike riders is well developed throughout the region. The Yachthotel Chiemsee rents its own eBikes (approx. €39 per day, seasonal), making a spontaneous lake circuit possible without any additional pre-booking. The Chiemsee Ringlinie – a bus service carrying bicycles, running from late May to mid-October – provides an exit from the cycling route at any point, allowing riders to return by bus whenever they are ready. It is one of the most practical facilities for leisure cyclists in the region.
Sights and day trips
Cultural heritage · King Ludwig II
Schloss Herrenchiemsee – Bavaria’s Versailles
King Ludwig II’s showpiece palace on the Herreninsel is the cultural centrepiece of the Chiemsee. Conceived as an unfinished mirror image of Versailles, it surpasses its French model in several rooms for sheer opulence. Reached by boat from Prien-Stock, Bernau, Gstadt and Seebruck. Allow at least 2–3 hours for the visit. Guided tours in English available. A visit to the Romanesque monastery church on the Fraueninsel is highly recommended as a combination.
Island · Monastery · Fishing village
Fraueninsel – the living monastery idyl
The Fraueninsel is the quiet counterpart to the grand Herreninsel: a small, inhabited fishing village with the Benedictine monastery Frauenwörth (founded AD 782) and a handful of inns directly on the water. The island is car-free and has a distinct, unhurried atmosphere quite different from the visitor intensity of Herrenchiemsee. Monastery concerts in summer; the smoked Chiemsee fish from the local fishing families is a genuine regional speciality.
Antiquity · Museum
Römermuseum Seebruck – the Roman fort of Bedaium
At the northern end of the Chiemsee once stood the Roman fort of Bedaium – a significant military post on the Roman road between Salzburg and Augsburg. The Römermuseum Seebruck displays finds spanning two millennia and offers a vivid insight into the region’s history. Particularly recommended as a stop on the Chiemsee cycle route, as it sits directly on the path.
Culture · Concerts
Salzburg Festival and Passion Plays Erl
The Chiemsee sits within comfortable reach of two of central Europe’s most important classical music events. Salzburg is 50 minutes away; the Passion Plays at Erl in Tyrol are 25 minutes away. Both events combine naturally with a stay at the Chiemsee: concert or festival performance in the evening, a hike or wellness treatment during the day.
Getting there – from the UK and beyond
The Chiemsee lies in the heart of Upper Bavaria, directly adjacent to the A8 motorway between Munich and Salzburg. Munich is approximately 50 miles away, Salzburg just 43 miles – the lake sits almost exactly halfway between the two cities. From the UK, the region is easily reachable in a single day by air, and well served by direct flights to Munich from multiple British airports.
By air – airport options
| Airport | Distance to Chiemsee | Airlines from UK |
|---|---|---|
| Munich (MUC) | approx. 50 miles / 60–75 min drive | British Airways (Heathrow, daily), easyJet (Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh), Ryanair (Stansted), Lufthansa (Heathrow). Flight time from London: approx. 2 hrs. |
| Salzburg (SZG) | approx. 43 miles / 50–60 min drive | Ryanair (Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol). Flight time from London Stansted: approx. 2 hrs 5 min. Excellent option for those wishing to combine the Chiemsee with a Salzburg visit. |
| Innsbruck (INN) | approx. 56 miles / 80 min drive | easyJet (Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester). Seasonal; particularly useful in winter and spring. Combines with ski resorts in Tyrol. |
UK departure airports
Direct flights to Munich operate year-round from London Heathrow (British Airways, Lufthansa), London Gatwick (easyJet), London Stansted (Ryanair), Manchester (easyJet, Ryanair), Edinburgh (easyJet, Ryanair), Bristol (easyJet) and Birmingham (Jet2, Ryanair). Munich is unquestionably the most convenient and best-connected gateway for the Chiemsee from the UK. Flight time from London is approximately 2 hours.
By car from Munich Airport
From Munich Airport, take the A9 motorway south and then the A8 motorway east towards Salzburg. Exit at Bernau am Chiemsee (for the southern shore: Bernau, Übersee, ferry to the Fraueninsel) or Prien am Chiemsee (for the Yachthotel Chiemsee, lake boat services, Prien-Stock jetty). For the Mountain Retreat Center in Sachrang: exit Frasdorf, then towards Aschau and on to Sachrang (approximately 15 minutes from the motorway). Driving time from Munich Airport to Prien am Chiemsee: approximately 60–75 minutes.
By train
From Munich Hauptbahnhof, trains run hourly to Prien am Chiemsee (journey time approximately 60 minutes) and Bernau am Chiemsee. From Prien station, the historic Chiemsee-Bahn – a narrow-gauge steam railway in operation since 1887 and Bavaria’s smallest steam train – connects to the boat jetty at Prien-Stock. The Yachthotel Chiemsee is approximately 15–20 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride from Prien station. For Aschau station (serving the Mountain Retreat Center): approximately 80 minutes from Munich; taxi to Sachrang approximately €35.
Travel card tip for UK visitors
The Bavaria Ticket (available from Deutsche Bahn, db.de) covers unlimited travel on all regional trains and buses in Bavaria for one to five people on a single day. It is excellent value for day trips from the Chiemsee to Munich or Salzburg, or for the journey from Munich Airport to Prien am Chiemsee. The GHIC card (Global Health Insurance Card, the UK successor to the EHIC) is accepted in Germany for emergency medical treatment in the state system; carry it alongside comprehensive travel insurance.
Tourist information – key contacts and websites
- Chiemsee-Alpenland Tourism: chiemsee-alpenland.de – official regional tourism website with routes, accommodation, events and current information
- Chiemsee boat services: chiemsee-schifffahrt.de – timetables and ticket prices for ferries to the Herreninsel, Fraueninsel and lake cruises
- Schloss Herrenchiemsee: herrenchiemsee.de – tour times, entrance prices and island information
- Kampenwandbahn cable car: kampenwandbahn.de – operating times, summit restaurant and hiking information
- Yachthotel Chiemsee: yachthotel – booking, wellness programmes, Golf Card and current offers
- Mountain Retreat Center: mountain-retreat-center – retreat programme, booking, daily rates and current yoga week themes
- Chiemsee Ringlinie cycle bus: Operating late May to mid-October; bicycle carriage included; timetable at chiemsee-alpenland.de
- Deutsche Bahn: db.de – train times and Bavaria Ticket
- UK travel advice Germany: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany
A Bavarian holiday for everyone
Lake. Mountains. Stillness.
Wellness. Golf. Yoga.
Yachthotel Chiemsee with Natur-Reich-Wellness and the Golf Card. Mountain Retreat Center for yoga and mountain views. eBiking and hiking in the Chiemgau. And Bavaria’s Great Lake on your doorstep.
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