Rimsting between Lake Chiemsee and Ratzinger Höhe

Rimsting combines the lakeside landscape of Lake Chiemsee with Ratzinger Höhe. The municipality stretches in terraces from the western shore, with Schafwaschener Bucht, to Ratzinger Höhe, which rises to 693 metres. The lakeshore, upland landscape and trails are thus among the different facets of the area.

Views and Local History

Ludwigshöhe above Rimsting is a viewpoint popular with many painters and photographers. From there, the view extends across the Bavarian Sea to Frauenchiemsee, Herrenchiemsee and Krautinsel, as well as to the panorama of the Chiemgau Alps. If you want to discover Rimsting not only from the lake but also from its elevated location, this is a striking vantage point over the landscape.

The parish church of St. Nicholas also connects Rimsting with Herrenchiemsee: its high altar and pulpit once stood in the collegiate church on the island. After secularisation in 1803, both furnishings were acquired for the church in Rimsting. This story adds a tangible cultural dimension to the landscape and gives a visit to the church a connection to the history of the region.

Another locally rooted event is the Christkindl salute by Rimsting’s traditional hand-cannon club. It takes place every year on 24 December at Ludwigshöhe. If you would like to plan your visit around it, check the specific event details in advance.

Trails with Different Highlights

The stone nature trail starts at the parish church in Rimsting. It is around 5 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours; along the way, rocks of different sizes and types are displayed. By contrast, the Ratzinger Höhe Experience Trail focuses on the landscape and its stops: the route is about 10 kilometres long, passes through dark forests and pleasant flower meadows, and includes 14 stops. It starts at the free car park by the church in Rimsting, where the signs bearing the trail’s special symbol also begin. The trail was designed for families and is suitable for children aged 5 and over.

The route details also provide a useful guide when choosing a trail. The easy circular route to Lake Chiemsee is 6.3 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It passes through the village of Rimsting to the lakeside bathing area on Lake Chiemsee. By comparison, the stone nature trail is shorter at around 5 kilometres, but its stated walking time of about 2 hours is a little longer. Length and duration therefore describe different aspects of planning a tour; the trails also differ in their respective themes.

For a longer outing, consider the Fruit and Culture Trail: it runs for 16 kilometres from Bad Endorf through Rimsting to Prien and is lined with around 300 different fruit trees. Longer still is the 36.7-kilometre Prientaler Flusslandschaft hiking route. There are several possible starting points; the stated route runs from Aschau to Rimsting. These two trails offer different perspectives: one connects several towns through an orchard landscape, while the other is described as a longer hiking route.

Lakeshore and Cycling Route

Rimsting’s natural bathing area is located on Schafwaschener Bucht, directly beside the Lake Chiemsee circular and cycling route. Its facilities include a kiosk and an e-bike charging station. This makes it a useful landmark for anyone planning around Lake Chiemsee and a cycling tour. The lakeside setting is a distinct highlight alongside the trails to Ratzinger Höhe and the viewpoints.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Plans

When looking for accommodation in Rimsting, one simple question can help: would you rather plan your days around the shores of Lake Chiemsee, a themed trail, or scenic views and local history? The municipality stretches from the western shore to Ratzinger Höhe, so the landscape you want to be close to can be a useful factor in your choice.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bruckmühl, Brannenburg, Griesstätt, Riedering, Bad Feilnbach, Neubeuern, Bad Endorf, Soyen.

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