Chiemsee

Bavaria's largest lake, Chiemsee lies in the foothills of the Alps east of Munich and is sometimes called the Bavarian Sea for its expansive, open horizon. Two inhabited islands — Herreninsel and Frauenchiemsee — are reached by scheduled ferry; Herreninsel contains the Herrenchiemsee palace, Ludwig II's ambitious and incomplete replica of Versailles. The surrounding reed beds and shallow margins provide important wetland habitats, while views across the water to the Chiemgau Alps define the landscape.