Camping Guide | Chiemgau

The Chiemgau is located in southeastern Bavaria, nestled between Lake Chiemsee and the Bavarian Alps. The region extends mainly across the districts of Traunstein and Rosenheim and borders Austria to the south. Getting there is very easy, whether by car, train, or plane. By car, the best way to reach Chiemgau is via the A8 Munich-Salzburg motorway. Coming from Munich, take the Bernau am Chiemsee or Übersee exit. Those arriving from Salzburg should leave the A8 at the Grabenstätt or Felden exit. Please note that there is a toll obligation in Austria if you arrive via Salzburg. The cost for a 10-day vignette is approximately €9.60 (as of 2023). If you are traveling from Frankfurt, take the A3 and A8; the journey takes about 5 hours. Coming from Hamburg, take the A7 and A8, and plan for about 7.5 hours. The journey from Vienna is via the A1 and A8, the distance is about 450 km, and takes about 5 hours. From Zurich, you can reach Chiemgau via the A96 and A8 in about 4 hours. Chiemgau is also easily accessible by train. Numerous regional trains connect the larger towns such as Rosenheim, Traunstein, Prien am Chiemsee, and Bad Endorf with Munich and Salzburg several times a day. From Munich, trains run hourly to Prien am Chiemsee, and the journey takes about one hour. From Salzburg, you can reach Traunstein in about 30 minutes. Bus connections are available for onward travel to smaller towns. The nearest airports are Munich (MUC) and Salzburg (SZG). From Munich Airport, you can reach Chiemgau by taking the S-Bahn (line S8) to Munich Central Station and from there by train to Prien am Chiemsee. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Salzburg Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Salzburg Central Station and from there a train to Traunstein. Once there, the best way to get around is by car or bicycle. Many places also offer well-developed local public transport with buses. A bike tour along the Chiemsee cycle path, which circles the lake, is particularly recommended.

The Chiemgau can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character and charm. Each of these zones offers different opportunities for a camping holiday and leisure activities. The north shore of Lake Chiemsee is characterized by rolling hills, extensive fields, and picturesque villages. Here you will find places like Prien am Chiemsee, known for its boat pier to Herreninsel with the famous Herrenchiemsee Palace, and Rimsting, an idyllic spot with numerous campsites. The north shore is ideal for families who want to spend a relaxed holiday by the lake. Here you can swim, sail, cycle, or simply unwind. The south shore of Lake Chiemsee is dominated by the imposing Chiemgau Alps. Here you will find places like Bernau am Chiemsee and Übersee, which are excellent starting points for hikes and mountain tours. The south shore is particularly popular with active vacationers who enjoy exploring the mountains. There are also numerous opportunities for climbers and mountain bikers here. The east shore of Lake Chiemsee is characterized by its natural shore zones and proximity to Lake Simssee. Here you will find places like Chieming and Grabenstätt, which invite you to relax with their quiet campsites and untouched nature. The east shore is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Here you can watch birds, go fishing, or simply enjoy the silence. The west shore of Lake Chiemsee is characterized by small bays, shady forests, and picturesque fishing villages. Here you will find places like Gstadt am Chiemsee and Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, which invite you to linger with their traditional inns and warm hospitality. The west shore is ideal for gourmets and those interested in culture who would like to get to know the Bavarian way of life. Here you can try regional specialties, visit traditional festivals, or simply watch the colorful hustle and bustle. In addition to Lake Chiemsee itself, Chiemgau also offers numerous other lakes and rivers that invite you to camping and leisure activities. Lake Simssee, the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Lake District, and the Tiroler Ache are just a few examples. No matter which sub-region you choose, a varied and relaxing holiday awaits you in Chiemgau, one of the most beautiful regions in Bavaria.

The camping landscape in Chiemgau is diverse and offers the right pitch for every taste and budget. From large resort sites with extensive infrastructure to small, nature-oriented campsites, everything is available. In total, there are about 50 campsites in the region, distributed around Lake Chiemsee and in the surrounding mountains. The large resort sites, such as the campsite Chiemsee Strandhotel or the Seehäusl campsite, offer their guests comprehensive facilities with pools, restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment programs. Families with children who value comfort and entertainment feel particularly at home here. The prices for a pitch in the high season are around €40 to €50 per night for two people including electricity. In the low season, prices are significantly cheaper and start at around €25 to €35 per night. Those who prefer something quieter and closer to nature will find numerous small campsites in Chiemgau, often located directly on the lakeshore or in the middle of the mountains. These sites are usually more simply equipped but offer a unique atmosphere and the opportunity to experience nature up close. Examples include the campsite 'am See' or the Moorhof campsite. The prices for a pitch on these sites are around €25 to €35 per night in the high season and around €15 to €25 per night in the low season. Agriturismo and farm camping are also very popular in Chiemgau. Here you can pitch your tent or park your motorhome directly on the farm and enjoy country life. Many farms also offer their own products such as milk, cheese, or bread for sale. The prices for a pitch on a farm are usually between €20 and €30 per night. The size of the typical pitches in Chiemgau varies depending on the campsite. On the large resort sites, the plots are usually generously sized and offer enough space for a motorhome or a caravan with an awning. On the smaller sites, the pitches are often a bit tighter but located closer to nature. Many pitches offer shade from trees, but there are also sunny pitches. The sanitary facilities on the campsites in Chiemgau are generally clean and well-maintained. However, the standard varies depending on the site. Some sites offer modern sanitary buildings with individual wash cabins, showers, and toilets, while other sites have simpler sanitary facilities. Wi-Fi is available on many campsites, but the quality varies depending on the network load. Electricity connections are available on most pitches, the current is usually 6 to 16 amperes. Especially in the high season, it is advisable to reserve a pitch in Chiemgau in good time. Many sites are already fully booked months in advance. However, there are always last-minute opportunities, especially on the smaller sites or during the week.

For a relaxed camping holiday in Chiemgau, it is important to know some practical information. Here you will find everything you need to know about tolls, petrol stations, shopping, gas supply, disposal, mobile communications, medical care, rules, and drinking water. Tolls are payable on the A8 motorway in Austria if you arrive via Salzburg. The cost for a 10-day vignette is about €9.60 (as of 2023). The vignette is available at petrol stations and service areas. In Germany, the A8 motorway is toll-free. Petrol stations are available in almost every town in Chiemgau. Diesel prices are generally slightly cheaper in Germany than in Austria. The opening hours of the petrol stations vary, but many petrol stations are also open on Sundays and public holidays. Shopping opportunities are plentiful in Chiemgau. In the larger towns like Prien am Chiemsee, Rosenheim, or Traunstein, there are supermarkets such as Lidl, Rewe, or Edeka. Opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm. Some supermarkets are open longer. In the smaller towns, there are often farm shops where you can buy regional products directly from the farmer. The gas supply in Chiemgau is unproblematic. German gas cylinders can be exchanged in many DIY stores and camping specialty shops. However, it is advisable to check beforehand whether the desired dealer has the right cylinder size in stock. Adapters are usually not required. Disposal stations for motorhomes and caravans are available at many campsites and at designated pitches. The fees for disposal vary; often disposal is included in the pitch price. Mobile network coverage in Chiemgau is good. All common mobile providers offer sufficient network coverage for telephony and internet. Roaming charges do not apply within the EU. Medical care in Chiemgau is very good. In the larger towns, there are hospitals and numerous doctors and pharmacies. The emergency number for the rescue service is 112. When camping in Chiemgau, some rules must be observed. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Bavaria. It is therefore advisable to stay at designated campsites or pitches. In some towns, there are environmental zones where only vehicles with a corresponding sticker may drive. Find out before you arrive whether your vehicle is affected. The tap water in Chiemgau is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you can also buy mineral water.

Away from the well-known tourist paths, there are still many undiscovered treasures to find in Chiemgau. Here are some insider tips that will make your camping holiday an unforgettable experience. The low season in May, June, and September offers numerous advantages. The campsites are less crowded, prices are cheaper, and nature shows its most beautiful side. Especially in spring, the meadows bloom in the most beautiful colors, and in autumn, the forests shine in a colorful sea of colors. A less well-known place is Lake Thumsee near Bad Reichenhall, about 30 km east of Lake Chiemsee. The small mountain lake is surrounded by dense forests and invites you to swim, hike, and relax. There is a small campsite and a cozy inn on the shore. Another highlight is the weekly market in Traunstein, which takes place every Saturday on the town square. Here you can buy regional products such as cheese, sausage, bread, fruit, and vegetables directly from the producer. Handicrafts and souvenirs are also offered. A culinary tip is a visit to a Bavarian beer garden. Here you can enjoy regional specialties such as pork knuckle, pretzels, and Obatzda, accompanied by a freshly tapped beer. The beer garden of the Hofbräuhaus Traunstein is particularly recommended. A worthwhile day trip is the drive to Lake Königssee, about 60 km south of Lake Chiemsee. The fjord-like lake is located in the middle of the Berchtesgaden Alps and is surrounded by steep rock faces. A boat trip across the lake to the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä is an unforgettable experience. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs approx. €20 per person. A secret tip for hikers is the hike up the Hochfelln, the local mountain of Bergen. From here, you have a breathtaking panoramic view over Lake Chiemsee and the surrounding mountains. The ascent takes about 2-3 hours and is also suitable for families with children. If you prefer something quieter, you can take a walk through the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Lake District nature reserve. The lake district consists of 18 small lakes connected by moors and forests. Here you can enjoy nature to the fullest and observe rare plants and animals.