Chiemsee, Bavaria
Chiemsee is in the southern German state of Bavaria and is the 3rd largest lake in Germany. It’s a 64km round trip taking in some incredible scenery close to the lake and the Alps in the distance. It is a great ebike tour to do on a sunny day in Spring or Autumn. I would avoid the height of the summer as it is an incredibly busy spot for sun worshippers, walkers and other bikers. We started our day in Grassau. However, the choice is huge as to where to start; just take your pick.
The route is mainly flat and off-road on cycle paths. There are some pretty stopping points along the way for coffee or lunch or to lie in the sunshine. The views across the lake towards the Alps are especially spectacular in spring, with the snow on the mountains’ tops contrasting with the valleys’ deep green.
My favourite part of Chiemsee
I think the lake’s north part is more interesting, especially from Gstadt to Seebruck. The farmland and the views over the lake make for great photos and stopping to take it all in. The villa of Seebruck had a retro racing bike shop, which is well worth a look. You have to call to get a look inside, but even the ones in the window are impressive. Even if you are not that interested in racing bikes, they still catch your eye.
Swimming and Bathing areas around Chiemsee
If it’s a warm day, then take your swimming stuff. There are lots of bathing spots, especially from Seebruck to Chieming. You can make a full day out ebiking, sunbathing, swimming, or even snoozing in this idyllic setting.
As I mentioned, I’d not recommend doing this route in high season as it becomes extremely busy. It can become a bit difficult to get up any momentum on your ebike as you constantly stop and start on the paths to get past other cyclists, sunbathers, walkers, runners and general holiday people. Not a criticism, just a fact.
Highlights of the day for me were:
- Coffee stop in Grassau – we hadn’t actually moved anywhere but decided, as it was still a bit fresh, we’d have a coffee and a guilt-free pastry. They don’t count if you are on your ebike.
- The view just after Rimsting (that will always be funny because I have a juvenile sense of humour) over the lake towards the mountains of southern Bavaria and Tirol is tremendous. (see top photo) It is well worth a photo stop or bench stop to sit, take it in, and remind yourself to be grateful for the small things.
- This view from Gstadt over to Frauenchiemsee with the mountains in the background. Now that will help you focus on what is important.
- Seebruck – this is a lovely stop point for lunch by the harbour with a picnic or in one of the restaurants. The biggest benefit was the ‘rad tankstelle’ where you can charge your battery by leaving it in one of the secure boxes, go off and enjoy your lunch and come back and voila, more power!
Springtime at Chiemsee
One of the benefits of Chiemsee in Spring is the large amounts of flowers and blooming fruit trees during April and May – there are loads of them all around the lake, and they brighten up your day and make you smile.
Overall, I would recommend a day for all levels of ebikers, one that you can do in a group, solo or with a partner.
