Prien am Chiemsee is a hidden gem that I was very happy to discover. It is one of the best places I have visited in Germany since moving here.
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Prien am Chiemsee is famous for Schloss Herrenchiemsee (Herrenchiemsee Palace). It’s King Ludwig II’s largest palace and is based on the Palace of Versailles. In my opinion, Neuschwanstein has nothing on Schloss Herrenchiemsee! It’s incredibly ornate, and even on its own island. Don’t worry, there’s a boat so you don’t have to swim over. Schloss Herrenchiemsee is one of my favourite castles in Germany and I highly recommend checking it out.
Why Visit Prien am Chiemsee
Prien am Chiemsee offers some wonderful activities, not just a visit to Schloss Herrenchiemsee. Seeing as how I had previously visited Schloss Herrenchiemsee on several occasions, I was eager to see what else I could do in Prien am Chiemsee. A visit here is perfect for a summer’s day, and in Germany, you tend to make the best of a warm day. The fact that it is easy to get to whether you have a vehicle of your own or are taking public transport, you don’t want to miss this place if you are nearby. I especially love it because you will find loads more locals than tourists here.
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Cycling in Prien am Chiemsee
Electronic-biking (e-biking) seemed like a great option for exploring the countryside. E-bikes still require you to work, but they give you a little extra oomph. You decide how much help you want by adjusting your settings. We rented our bikes from Additive bike and had a choice of two different models. These bikes are pretty cool and do make it a little easier to get around than normal bicycles so don’t worry about being too fit to try this out.
We stored our water in the specially designed additive bags, which are basically like a backpack for your bike and off we went through the rolling countryside around Prien am Chiemsee. The photos are more than proof that the countryside is the perfect place to spend the day. It was therapeutic to spend time in nature, especially on the E-bike that makes the trip less tiring. It was also incredibly fun and if it wasn’t for us getting hungry, I doubt we would have wanted to turn back.
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Several hours later we returned famished for our picnic lunch. It’s been years since I’ve had a picnic but there are so many perfect picnic spots around the lake, like Prienavera Beach. After a satisfying picnic, we were happy to get to the next happy activity in Prien am Chiemsee. We promised ourselves that we will do this more often. I hope that we do.
On to The Kletterwald
Bellies full, it was off to Kletterwald (Climbing Forest). I’ve done different versions of this in Italy and in Austria, and LOVED it. It was J.P.’s first time and he was intrigued. There are a total of 13 different courses, each course having several challenges. They vary in difficulty, starting from courses that are low to the ground and aimed for children as young as 4 years old and up. Watching 10-year-olds move through the courses was like watching monkeys – they were fearless and fast-moving. This is one activity that makes you feel like a kid again! This was the most fun I had in months.
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Being just “slightly” older than 10, I moved somewhat slower and less gracefully. And while I consider myself to be reasonably athletic, two hours and four courses later, my arms were shaking in exhaustion. Each of the courses we did was challenging with the Tandem Course (where you have to work with your partner) being one of our favourites.
The Climbing Forest had kicked my butt AND I hadn’t even done the two toughest courses – yet I couldn’t help smiling. It was daunting but exhilarating to look at a challenge and think “I can’t do it” to “I’ll try” to “I’m doing it” to “I did it!”
Now that my arms have stopped shaking, I’m thinking about the two toughest courses that I have yet to conquer….and hiking the Kampenwand, the most picturesque peak around the Chiemsee – without the help of a gondola of course.
Prien am Chiemsee is only 90 km south from Munich, but we felt like we were miles away. It was the perfect getaway from Munich.
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Know Before You Go to Prien am Chiemsee:
- Reach Prein am Chiemsee by train or auto.
- 6-night packages can be arranged. Contact Prien am Chiemsee Tourist Information for more info.
- Reserve your Additive e-bike in advance to ensure availability.
- Prien am Chiemsee is known for its local cuisine, especially fish so you can plan your own picnic using local food.
- Allow at least 2 hours (more is better) for the Kletterwald (Climbing Forest).
- Check with the Prien am Chiemsee Tourist Information for more ideas about what to do
Where to Stay in Prien am Chiemsee
Top Pick: Garden-Hotel Reinhart
Garden-Hotel Reinhart is located just 100 meters from the lake in the heart of the Chiemsee holiday region. Guests can enjoy a spa area which includes an indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Free wifi is available at the property. Each room is furnished in a traditional Bavarian style and most rooms have a balcony. A wonderful breakfast buffet is served each morning.
Top Pick: Hotel Schlossblick Chiemsee
Located on the shores of the Chiemsee, the Hotel Schlossblick offers panoramic views and hearty Bavarian food. Each of the rooms is furnished in wood with country-style wicker chairs which give them a homely feeling. Some rooms have a balcony. There is an onsite beer garden with wonderful views of the lake.
What Else To Do in Chiemsee
Tandem Paragliding
Be free on this tandem paragliding tour that you can capture in your memory. enjoy a trip up the Hochries am Chiemsee and fly over the Chiemgau with its spectacular views. There are a total of 8 flying spots along the alps which you can enjoy during the year.
Prien am Chiemsee is a wonderful place that you should definitely visit if you have the opportunity. There is so much to do you will want to return as soon as you can.
Thank you to the Priem am Chiemsee Tourist Office for hosting me.