Lake Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee Palace

8 Hours

Experience the charm of Lake Chiemsee on a private tour combining tranquil waters, island life, and the grandeur of Herrenchiemsee Palace.

Lake Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee Palace

Experience Bavarian elegance and royal ambition on this full-day private journey to Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria’s largest lake, and Herrenchiemsee Palace, King Ludwig II’s grand tribute to Versailles. Combining scenic boat rides, island exploration, and cultural highlights, this tour offers a relaxed and refined way to discover one of Bavaria’s most iconic destinations.

Your day begins with private pickup from Munich, Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, or nearby regions. As you travel through the Bavarian countryside, rolling fields and distant Alpine views set the stage for a day shaped by water, history, and royal vision.

At Lake Chiemsee, board a traditional boat and glide across the shimmering waters of the “Bavarian Sea” toward the islands. The first stop is Herreninsel, home to the impressive Herrenchiemsee Palace. Set amid expansive parkland, the palace reflects King Ludwig II’s fascination with French royal grandeur. Explore the lavish interior rooms on a guided visit and stroll through the formal gardens, fountains, and tree-lined avenues inspired by Versailles.

After the palace visit, continue by boat to Fraueninsel, a smaller and more intimate island known for its charming fishing village and the historic Benedictine abbey that has stood here for over 1,200 years. Enjoy time to walk along the lakeshore, explore the village, and take in the tranquil atmosphere of island life.

A traditional Bavarian lunch awaits at a lakeside beer garden, featuring regional specialties and one drink of your choice—an ideal way to pause and enjoy the setting before returning to the mainland.

This tour offers comfort, flexibility, and a carefully curated itinerary—an effortless way to combine Bavarian nature, island charm, and royal history in a single day.

Tour Highlights

  • Full-day private excursion to Lake Chiemsee
  • Scenic boat cruise across Bavaria’s largest lake
  • Guided interior visit of Herrenchiemsee Palace
  • Walk through palace gardens inspired by Versailles
  • Visit to Fraueninsel with historic Benedictine abbey
  • Traditional Bavarian lunch including one drink
  • Private transportation with drinks and light snacks
  • Flexible pickup and drop-off locations

Ideal For

  • Travelers interested in royal history and architecture
  • Visitors seeking a relaxed lake and island experience
  • Couples, families, and small groups
  • Guests looking for a premium, well-paced private tour

Itinerary

  • The Royal Day Trip Begins

    Your full-day private tour begins with morning pickup from your accommodation in Munich. As you leave the city behind, the scenery gradually opens into rolling hills, traditional villages, and wide meadows—classic Bavarian countryside leading toward the Chiemsee region.

    Along the route, pass peaceful lakes, forested landscapes, and small towns that reflect everyday Bavarian life. The scenic drive offers a relaxed introduction to the region and sets the tone for a day shaped by royal ambition, water, and nature.

    Upon arrival at Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria’s largest lake, the setting immediately evokes a sense of space and tranquility. With the Alps often visible on the horizon, the lake provides the perfect backdrop for one of King Ludwig II’s most ambitious creations.

  • Stop
    1

    Herrenchiemsee Palace (Herreninsel)

    Board a traditional boat and cruise across the shimmering waters of Lake Chiemsee to Herreninsel, the larger of the lake’s two main islands. Set within expansive parkland, Herrenchiemsee Palace stands as King Ludwig II’s tribute to the grandeur of Versailles.

    Enjoy a guided interior visit through the palace’s lavish halls, ceremonial rooms, and ornate galleries while learning about Ludwig’s vision and the unfinished dream behind this monumental residence. Following the interior tour, take time to stroll through the formal gardens, fountains, and tree-lined avenues inspired by French royal design.

  • Stop
    2

    Fraueninsel & Bavarian Lunch

    Continue by boat to Fraueninsel, a smaller and more intimate island known for its charming village atmosphere and historic Benedictine abbey. Here, enjoy a traditional Bavarian lunch at a lakeside beer garden. A main course and one drink of your choice are included, offering a relaxed pause amid scenic island surroundings.

    After lunch, take time to explore the island on foot, admire the lakeshore views, and experience the quiet charm that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of Herrenchiemsee.

  • Journey Home

    Following the island visits, return by boat to the mainland and begin the comfortable drive back to Munich. As the Bavarian countryside passes by—meadows, villages, and gentle foothills—the impressions of the day gradually settle in.

    With private transportation and a thoughtfully paced itinerary, the journey concludes smoothly and comfortably at your accommodation.

What’s Included

  • Ticket for the Lake Chiemsee boat cruise
  • Entrance ticket to Herrenchiemsee Palace (New Palace)
  • Traditional Bavarian lunch including one drink of your choice
  • Travel snacks and sweets during the journey
  • Mineral water (still or sparkling) and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages
  • (Alcoholic options such as local beer, wine, or prosecco available)
  • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • Professional guide
  • All fees and taxes

What’s Not Included

  • Gratuities

FAQs

Customization Options

Your tour can be fully personalized according to your interests—photography stops, cultural additions, scenic detours, or special themes can all be arranged. Simply share your ideas, and the itinerary will be tailored to your preferences.

Pickup & Drop-Off Flexibility

Pickup is typically from Munich, but locations such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, or nearby areas can be accommodated.

Pickup and drop-off can be different locations (e.g., Munich Airport to Salzburg).

Airport transfers are available on request (supplement may apply).

Vehicles Used

1–3 guests: Luxury SUV (BMW X3, Volvo XC60, or similar)

4–5 guests: Premium minivan (Mercedes-Benz Vito or similar)

6–8 guests: Comfortable minibus (Mercedes-Benz Vito or similar)

Optional upgrade: Luxury sports car (Porsche Macan, Maserati Ghibli) for up to 2 guests