Chiemsee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chiemsee |
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| Location | Bavaria |
| Coordinates | 47°53′24″N 12°28′12″E / 47.89000°N 12.47000°E |
| Type | Natural lake |
| Primary inflows | Großache, Prien |
| Primary outflows | Alz |
| Basin countries | Germany |
| Surface area | 79.9 km2 (30.8 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 72.7 m (239 ft) |
| Water volume | 2,048×106 m3 (72.3×109 cu ft) |
| Shore length1 | 63.96 km (39.74 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 518.19 m (1,700.1 ft) |
| Islands | Herreninsel, Fraueninsel, Krautinsel, Schalch |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Chiemsee is a beautiful natural freshwater lake located in Bavaria, Germany. It is close to the city of Rosenheim. Many people call it "the Bavarian Sea" because it is so large and important to the region.
The lake is fed by two rivers, the Großache and the Prien, which flow into it from the south. The water then flows out of the lake through the Alz river towards the north. The Alz river eventually joins the Inn river, which then flows into the mighty Danube river. Chiemsee is divided into two main parts: the larger northern section, known as Weitsee, and the smaller Inselsee in the southwest.
Contents
Discovering Chiemsee
Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and the third largest in Germany. It covers an area of about 79.9 square kilometers (about 30.8 square miles). The deepest part of the lake is about 72.7 meters (238.5 feet) deep. This makes it a significant natural feature in the region.
The lake was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago. It was created by a huge glacier that carved out the landscape. Over time, the melting ice filled the basin, forming the lake we see today.
Islands of Chiemsee
Chiemsee is famous for its beautiful islands. There are four main islands in the lake:
- Herreninsel (Gentlemen's Island): This is the largest island. It is home to the magnificent Herrenchiemsee Palace. This palace was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was designed to be a copy of the Palace of Versailles in France.
- Fraueninsel (Ladies' Island): This is the second largest island. It has a charming Benedictine convent, which is still active today. The island is known for its peaceful atmosphere and lovely fishing village.
- Krautinsel (Cabbage Island): This is the smallest of the three main islands. It is mostly used for farming, especially for growing herbs and vegetables. It is not usually open to visitors.
- Schalch: This is a tiny, uninhabited island, mostly just a small patch of land.
The Chiemgau Region
The area around Chiemsee is called the Chiemgau. This region is very popular for holidays and outdoor activities. People come here from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Summer Activities: In summer, visitors can go swimming, sailing, and windsurfing on the lake. There are also many cycling and hiking trails around the shore. The islands are popular destinations for day trips.
- Winter Activities: In winter, if the lake freezes over completely, people can go ice skating. The nearby Alps offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
The Chiemgau region is also known for its traditional Bavarian culture. You can find charming villages, local festivals, and delicious regional food.
Wildlife and Nature
Chiemsee and its surrounding areas are important for wildlife. The lake is home to many types of fish, including pike, trout, and carp. Birdwatchers can spot various species of birds, especially migratory birds that stop here during their journeys.
The lake and its shores are protected areas. This helps to preserve the natural beauty and the diverse plants and animals that live there. It is a great example of how nature and human activities can exist together.
Images for kids
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Location of Chiemsee in South Germany
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High resolution map of the lake within its surrounding region, Chiemgau
