CHIEMSEE

chiemsee, also called bayrisches meer, the largest lake in bavaria, lying on a high plateau 1600 ft. above the sea, between the rivers inn (to which it drains through the alz) and salzach. with a length of 6 and a breadth of 9 m., it has an area of about 33 sq. m., and contains three islands, herrenworth, frauenworth and krautinsel. the first, which has a circumference of 61⁄2 m. and is beautifully wooded, is remarkable for the romantic castle which louis ii. of bavaria erected here. it was the seat of a bishop from 1215 to 1805, and until 1803 contained a benedictine monastery. the shores of the lake are flat on the north and south sides, but its other banks are flanked by undulating hills, which command beautiful and extensive views. the waters are clear and it is well stocked with trout and carp; but the fishing rights are strictly preserved. steamers ply on the lake, and the railway from rosenheim to salzburg skirts the southern shores.