This Bavarian lakeside town near Germany's largest lake has a historic steam railway, direct boat access to King Ludwig II's palace, and a lively market square.
Prien am Chiemsee sits on the western shore of Bavaria's largest lake. From the town's harbor, you can take boats to Herreninsel island, where a grand palace mirrors the architecture of Versailles, complete with a 98-meter hall of mirrors and 80 fountains. The neighboring Fraueninsel island houses an active Benedictine monastery where nuns make traditional marzipan and liqueurs.
Getting to Prien am Chiemsee
Trains run hourly from Munich (1 hour) and Salzburg (45 minutes) to Prien's railway station. During summer months, ride the historic Chiemseebahn steam train from the main station to Prien-Stock harbor - this green locomotive has run the same route since 1887. Alternatively, walk to the harbor in about 20 minutes through the town center.
Visiting the Lake Islands
Boats leave Prien-Stock harbor for both islands year-round, with departures every 30-45 minutes. On Herreninsel, King Ludwig II's palace opens daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (April-October) and 10 AM to 4:45 PM (November-March). The guided palace tour takes you through 98 state rooms and the mirror gallery. Allow one hour for the palace tour and another hour for the French-style gardens with their geometric patterns and fountains. On Fraueninsel, visit the Frauenwörth Monastery's shop to buy the nuns' homemade marzipan, herbal liqueurs, and seasonal jams.
Where to Eat in Prien
Around Marktplatz, local restaurants serve Bavarian specialties. Try Weißwurst (white sausage) before noon, as tradition dictates, or sample Fleischstrudel filled with minced meat and herbs. Restaurants near the harbor serve grilled fish caught in Lake Chiemsee. Every Thursday, local farmers sell regional cheese, meat, and bread in the pedestrian zone. The cafes around Marktplatz bake fresh apple strudel and Sacher torte throughout the day.
Lake Activities
Cool off at Prienavera beach complex in summer, or rent sailboats from the yacht club. The lake's shore path stretches for 60 kilometers, with clear views of the Alps from the eastern section. When winter temperatures stay below freezing for several consecutive days, locals ice skate on designated areas of the frozen lake. From December to March, take a 15-minute drive to Kampenwand's six ski lifts.
Day Trips from Prien
Catch a train to Salzburg (45 minutes) to visit Mozart's birthplace and the hilltop Hohensalzburg fortress. Bad Endorf's thermal pools are 20 minutes away by regional train. In Rosenheim, also 20 minutes by train, walk through the old town to see the maximum house from 1374, with its distinctive medieval architecture.
