The glimmer of the Isar, crowded gardens and parks, and the constant clatter of trams —sometimes you need a break even from the most beautiful things. On Fraueninsel in Lake Chiemsee, just one hour from Munich, you’ll find alpine panoramas, fresh fish, and around 1,200 years of history.
Quick tip: If you’re in the mood for some lakeside romance in Munich, why not check out the Water Lantern Festival? Here, hundreds of water lanterns float across the lake at night.
Your guide to the perfect day trip to Fraueninsel
Getting There: The Journey to and Across the Water
Getting there is more relaxing than hunting for a parking spot at Lake Starnberg on a Sunday afternoon 🤷😄
- By train: From Munich Central Station, the BRB will take you to Prien am Chiemsee in just under an hour. From the train station, the historic Chiemsee Railway (a charming narrow-gauge railway dating back to 1887) or the bus will take you directly to the Prien/Stock harbor in just a few minutes.
- Off to the boat: The ferries run year-round. The crossing from Prien takes about 30 minutes and fills your lungs with fresh lake air.
- Alternative to driving: If you really want to drive, it’s best to head to Gstadt on the north shore. From there, the ferry ride to Fraueninsel takes just 10 minutes.
What’s there to see?
Unlike the famous Herreninsel with its huge fairytale castle , the small Fraueninsel is much more intimate and idyllic. You can walk all the way around the island in a leisurely 30 minutes. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- The landmark: The freestanding, octagonal bell tower (campanile) from the 12th century soars strikingly into the sky with its onion dome and is the island’s most iconic photo spot.
- Frauenwörth Abbey: The Benedictine abbey has shaped the island for over 1,240 years (founded in 782). The nuns’ cloister is private, but the impressive abbey church and the picturesque cemetery are open to the public.
Architecture tip: Take a look at the gatehouse at the entrance to the monastery grounds. It dates back to the Carolingian period (around 850) and is one of the oldest surviving stone buildings in all of southern Germany. - Monastery crafts: An absolute must-do! The nuns make marzipan entirely by hand. Perfect as a sweet snack for your walk. If you’re looking for a souvenir with a kick, pick up a bottle of the famous Chiemsee monastery liqueur.
Unwind by the water (basically anywhere)
Feel free to leave the picnic basket at home. Along the shore, you’ll find a string of quaint island fishers, idyllic gardens, and cozy taverns. The island’s undisputed specialty is freshly caught Chiemsee whitefish. Whether grilled on a skewer, freshly smoked in a roll, or elegantly plated—it’s a culinary highlight!
