Culture and Sightseeing

Landmarks in the Chiemgau region

The main attraction of Chiemgau is undoubtedly the splendid Königsschloss Herrenchiemsee on the Herreninsel Chiemsee. Visitors from all over the world flock to the island by boat, to see the royal residence so admired by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. The high quality of the materials and fabric used in its decoration make the castle a magnificent artistic ideal. At the on-site castle museum, you can see in 12 rooms the different life stages of King Ludwig II. From the boat dock of Herreninsel, you can reach the Royal Palace in 20 minutes, or by a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. Another highlight around the Chiemgau is the Burg zu Burghausen of the Lower Bavarian dukes from the 12th century, which at 1 km in length ranks among the longest castles in the world. The castle of the Dukes of Bavaria is perched on the top of a narrow ridge above the town of Burghausen directly between the watery landscapes of Salzach and Wöhrsee.

Sightseeing in Ruhpolding

Firstly, the famous Holzknechtmuseum is highly recommended for its varied and extensive outdoor grounds. Since 1988, the history of woodwork and woodcutter’s lifestyle of the area have been presented here. At the Heimatmuseum, a former hunting lodge, get an insight into the lives of our Bavarian ancestors. There are also special mountain fossils, historical tools, carvings, rustic furniture, porcelain and glass, works of art and paintings, costumes, jewelry and antique watches to admire. The Glockenschmiede is listed as a historic monument, at the Hammerschmiede-Museum in Ruhpolding. It is well worth seeing the hammer factory, with wrought-iron cowbells and frying pans in numerous variations – with many great souvenirs in the museum shop. Fans of vintage motorcycles can visit, with prior arrangement by telephone, the Schnauferlstall of Georg Hollweger, with over 60 motorcycles dating from 1924 to 1960. The Galerie Kaysser represents 17 international artists with various exhibitions of their works of art.