I spent a few days at the Yachthotel Chiemsee several years ago in the summer and thought the area was lovely.

How is it in winter? Are there holiday activities, Christmas markets, etc? Or does the area pretty much shut down for winter?

Thanks!

Well, basically it shuts down. If, and that is a big if, the lake freezes over sufficently there might be some tours to the Herreninsel and Fraueninsel, but of course the palace will be closed down too. (As I rceall, either Ludiwg's money ran out or he walked or was pushed to his death in the Stranberger See before they installed heating.)

Bus there are some nice religious programs around Christmas in the local churches, and of course there are some nice villages you can visit, by car or bus/rail bus: Reit im Winkl (bus) is very much a going concern in the winter, being a winter resort. Aschau (rail bus) has also some attractive restaurants and the lift up the Kampenwand. I don't know if the Malerwinkel Hotel/Restaurant on the north side of the lake is open; they have just added to their property and you can always get a great meal at lunch or dinner or Kaffee and Kuchen in-between.,

Having been there before, you are of course aware how close it is by train to Salzburg and Muenchen and their markets. And the Bayernkarte makes the train ride for the two of you real inexpensive.

Thank you, Treplow, I assumed as much.

I think I will save Chiemsee for a summer trip when it is at its best.

I'm a bit confused about what is opened and closed in the winter.

According to the website, Herrenchiemsee New Palace is open all year except New Year's Eve and Day, Shrove Tuesday, and Christmas Eve and Day. Though it says the Waterworks stop in October sometime.

Rufus, technically you are correct if you don't mind the cold. The major problem is getting to the island. For example, on March 23, when my niece tried to go there, the boats wouldn't run. Too much "Teibeis", floating ice.

Correction, the date the boats were not running was February 23. Of course by now, they are running again.