Caravan, Campervan & Motorhome Touring Around Chiemsee, Germany (2026 UK Guide)

Chiemsee, often called the “Bavarian Sea”, is one of the most beautiful touring destinations in southern Germany. Located between Munich and Salzburg, this stunning lake is surrounded by alpine scenery, charming Bavarian villages and excellent campsites.

For travellers exploring Germany with a caravan, campervan or motorhome, Chiemsee offers a perfect mix of nature, cycling routes, lakeside campsites and historic attractions.

This guide explains how to reach Chiemsee from the UK, where to stay, and the best things to see around Bavaria’s largest lake.

Table of Contents

• Why Visit Chiemsee with a Caravan or Motorhome

• Route from Calais to Chiemsee

• Best Campsites Around Chiemsee

• Top Things to See Around the Lake

• Herrenchiemsee Palace

• Chiemsee Cycling Routes

• Nearby Bavarian Alps Destinations

• Best Time to Visit

• FAQs

• Common Touring Mistakes

Why Visit Chiemsee with a Caravan or Motorhome

Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake and one of Germany’s most scenic touring areas.

Reasons it works so well for caravanners and motorhome travellers:

• Excellent German road network

• Beautiful lakeside campsites

• Dedicated motorhome stellplätze

• Easy access to the Bavarian Alps

• Fantastic cycling routes around the lake

The Chiemsee area has excellent train connections, and several Bahnhofs (train stations) provide very easy access to Munich and Salzburg. This is actually one of the best things about touring around Chiemsee with a caravan or motorhome because you can leave your vehicle at the campsite and visit cities by train.

The region also has a relaxed atmosphere with traditional Bavarian culture, beer gardens and lakeside restaurants.

Route from Calais to Chiemsee

Most UK travellers will reach Chiemsee via the following route:

Calais → Luxembourg → Stuttgart → Munich → Chiemsee

Approximate journey details:

Distance

~950 km

Driving time

9–10 hours

Many travellers split the journey with stops such as:

• Luxembourg (cheap fuel)

• Black Forest region

• Lake Constance

This makes Chiemsee an excellent stop on a longer European road trip.

Recommended Stopovers for the Chiemsee Route

Luxembourg Area

Excellent first overnight stop from Calais.

Distance from Calais: ~320 miles / 515 km

Campsite	Location	Website
Camping Kockelscheuer	Luxembourg City	https://www.camping-kockelscheuer.lu
Camping Bon Accueil	Alzingen	https://www.bonaccueil.lu
Camping Auf Kengert	Müllerthal	https://www.kengert.lu

Stuttgart / Lake Constance Area (better for Chiemsee)

This is agreat second stop for the Chiemsee route 

Campsite	Location	Website
Campingplatz Stuttgart	Stuttgart	https://www.campingplatz-stuttgart.de
Camping Gohren	Lake Constance	https://www.camping-gohren.de
Camping Wirthshof	Markdorf	https://www.wirthshof.de

Best Campsites Around Chiemsee

There are several excellent lakeside campsites suitable for caravans, campervans and motorhomes.

Camping Strandcamping Waging am See

📍 20 minutes from Chiemsee

Highlights:

• Lakeside pitches

• Beautiful mountain views

• Excellent facilities

• Swimming and water sports

Website

https://www.strandcamp.de

Camping Seehäusl

📍 Directly on Chiemsee

Advantages:

• Lakeside location

• Quiet atmosphere

• Easy cycling access around the lake

Website

https://www.camping-seehaeusl.de

Camping Rödlgries

📍 Chiemsee lakeshore

Features:

• Large touring pitches

• Beautiful lake views

• Restaurant and beach area

Website

https://www.roedlgries.de

Top Things to See Around Chiemsee

Chiemsee is not just about the lake — the surrounding region is full of attractions.

Herrenchiemsee Palace

One of Bavaria’s most famous landmarks.

Built by King Ludwig II, this spectacular palace was inspired by Versailles.

Visitors reach the palace by ferry from the mainland.

Highlights include:

• grand royal halls

• beautiful gardens

• lakeside island setting

Fraueninsel Island

A smaller and quieter island known for its peaceful atmosphere.

Things to see:

• historic Benedictine convent

• traditional Bavarian restaurants

• lakeside walking paths

Lakeside Villages

Several charming villages sit around the lake.

Popular stops include:

• Prien am Chiemsee

• Gstadt

• Seebruck

Each offers cafés, boat trips and lakeside views.

Chiemsee Cycling Routes

One of the best ways to explore the lake is by bicycle.

The Chiemsee Cycle Route runs around the entire lake and is around:

60 km

The route is mostly flat and perfect for touring cyclists.

Many campsites offer bike hire, making it easy to explore the region.

Nearby Bavarian Alps Destinations

Chiemsee is also a great base for exploring the Alps.

Popular nearby destinations include:

Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park

Dramatic alpine scenery and hiking routes.

Konigsee

Königssee

One of Germany’s most famous lakes with crystal-clear water.

Salzburg

Salzburg (Austria)

Just under an hour from the Chiemsee region, the beautiful city of Salzburg in Austria makes an excellent day trip while touring Bavaria with your caravan, campervan or motorhome. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg offers stunning baroque architecture, charming old streets and spectacular views from the Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking the city. Many travellers choose to park near a train station around Chiemsee and take the train into Salzburg, making it a stress-free way to explore one of the most picturesque cities in the Alps.

Munich Old Town

Visit Munich – Bavaria’s Vibrant Capital

Around one hour from the Chiemsee region, the city of Munich makes a fantastic day trip while touring southern Germany with your caravan, campervan or motorhome. Bavaria’s capital is famous for its historic squares, traditional beer halls and impressive architecture. Visitors can explore the lively Marienplatz, watch the famous Glockenspiel, stroll through the huge English Garden, or enjoy authentic Bavarian food at the renowned Hofbräuhaus. Many travellers leave their caravan or motorhome at a campsite near Chiemsee and take the train directly into Munich, making it an easy and relaxing way to experience one of Germany’s most iconic cities.

Best Time to Visit

Chiemsee is beautiful year-round, but some seasons are better for touring.

Spring

• quiet campsites

• mild weather

• beautiful landscapes

Summer

• swimming and lake activities

• busy but lively atmosphere

• perfect for cycling

Autumn

• fewer tourists

• spectacular alpine scenery

• pleasant touring weather

FAQs

Is Chiemsee suitable for caravans?

Yes. Roads are excellent and campsites around the lake provide spacious pitches for touring caravans.

Are there toll roads in Germany?

Germany does not charge motorway tolls for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

Can motorhomes park overnight near the lake?

Yes. There are several stellplätze around Chiemsee for motorhomes.

How far is Chiemsee from Munich?

Chiemsee is approximately 80 km from Munich and takes around 1 hour to drive.

Common Touring Mistakes

Only Visiting the Main Town

Many visitors only see Prien am Chiemsee.

The smaller villages and islands offer some of the best views and atmosphere.

Missing the Ferry to Herrenchiemsee

The palace is one of the region’s top attractions and easily reachable by boat.

Not Bringing Bikes

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the lake and surrounding countryside.

Related European Touring Guides

If you’re planning a longer European road trip, these guides may help:

• Black Forest Touring Guide

• Mosel Valley Touring Guide

• Brenner Pass Travel Guide

• European Toll Guide for Caravans and Motorhomes

• Europe Packing List

These guides help travellers plan longer caravan and motorhome adventures across Europe. These Guides are all part of European Touring Routes Series