Rimsting on Lake Chiemsee: Trails, Views and History
Accommodation in Rimsting
Rimsting stretches in terraces from the western shore of Lake Chiemsee, with Schafwaschen Bay, up to the 693-metre-high Ratzinger Höhe. The lakeshore, views, trails and the history of the parish church offer different points of interest for a stay. The destinations described vary in distance, theme and landscape: from the stone nature trail to a path down to the water and longer routes through the region.
Lake Chiemsee, the bay and the views
Ludwigshöhe above Rimsting is a viewpoint popular with many painters and photographers. From there, the view stretches across the “Bavarian Sea” to Frauenchiemsee, Herrenchiemsee and Krautinsel, as well as the panorama of the Chiemgau Alps. The named sights therefore include both the islands of Lake Chiemsee and the mountain range.
The Chiemsee Circular Trail and Cycle Path runs right by Rimsting’s natural swimming area at Schafwaschen Bay. Facilities include a kiosk and an e-bike charging station. For cyclists, its location directly on the circular trail and cycle path is a useful reference point; the kiosk and charging station may be useful when planning a break. Check the current availability of these facilities in advance.
Trails with different themes
The stone nature trail starts at Rimsting’s parish church, is around five kilometres long and takes about two hours. Along the way, it showcases rocks of different sizes and types. The easy circular route to Lake Chiemsee, by contrast, runs 6.3 kilometres through the village to the lakeside bathing area; its stated duration is one hour and 47 minutes. When planning, it is worth considering both figures: the route to the lake is longer, yet its stated duration is still slightly less than the stone nature trail’s approximate two hours.
The Ratzinger Höhe discovery trail has a different focus. It runs for around ten kilometres through dark forests and sunny flower meadows, with 14 stations along the way. The trail starts at the free car park by Rimsting’s parish church, where the signs bearing the trail’s special symbol also begin. It was designed for families and is suitable for children aged five and up. As trail conditions may change, it is a good idea to check the current route before setting out.
Rimsting on longer routes
Longer routes also include Rimsting in different ways. The 16-kilometre Fruit and Culture Trail runs from Bad Endorf through Rimsting to Prien and is lined with around 300 different fruit trees. Rimsting lies on the route between the two named towns. The Priental River Landscape is a 36.7-kilometre hiking route with several possible starting points; the documented route runs from Aschau to Rimsting. Here, Rimsting is the stated destination. When comparing routes, you can distinguish whether the town is part of a trail between two places or at the end of the described route.
Church history and annual tradition
St. Nicholas Parish Church connects Rimsting with a specific piece of Herrenchiemsee history: the high altar and pulpit once stood in the collegiate church on Herrenchiemsee and were acquired for the Rimsting church after the secularisation of 1803. The historical connection therefore includes both their former use on Herrenchiemsee and their acquisition for the church in Rimsting.
Every year on 24 December, the Rimsting ceremonial gun salute takes place on Ludwigshöhe, performed by the Rimsting artillery club. If the date matters for your travel plans, check the specific event details before your visit, as arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Nußdorf Am Inn, Breitbrunn on Lake Chiemsee, Frasdorf, Raubling, Brannenburg, Oberaudorf, Kolbermoor, Flintsbach Am Inn.
View the main travel overview: Rosenheim.
