Of far-sightedness and immersion: The new Chiemgauhof

Architect Matteo Thun combines sustainability with contemporary Bavarian style

Chiemgau has a new top address for the lightness of being. After around two years of construction, the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat in Übersee opened on February 1, 2025 and, as a member of the "Leading Hotels Of The World", sets standards in the first row of lakeside hotels. The design by Milanese architect Matteo Thun marks a new beginning at this exclusive address - with its restrained yet striking wooden architecture, the Chiemgauhof blends harmoniously into the lakeside property and, from February, will once again offer hotel guests and restaurant visitors access to one of the most beautiful spots on Lake Chiemsee - including, of course, its legendary jetty, the best place for a Bavarian sunset.

The luxurious retreat follows in the tradition of the old Chiemgauhof, which for decades was the jewel in the crown of the lake with its location and upscale cuisine. Now the history of this place, which for many people is associated with beautiful emotions and unique experiences, is being supplemented by a sustainable new chapter. In his design, Matteo Thun deliberately worked with a reduced selection of regional natural materials - wood, stone and glass - to create an almost Asian-style permeability to the water in the buildings. The continuous (and openable!) window front and the surrounding larch wood terrace bring the lake within reach at every step and bring nature with its daily changing moods into the house. Or in the words of architect Matteo Thun: "Every building should reflect the aura of the genius loci and tell a story. The style of the new Chiemgauhof, built from various local woods and located directly on the lake, is 'contemporary Bavarian', combining the heritage of the region with the advantages of modern hospitality. We have translated the special charm of the old wooden barns into the here and now, and over time, nature will do the rest and give the entire hotel a beautiful patina."

Private lake experience in the 28 suites

With just 28 suites (prices from 590 euros/night), the Chiemgauhof under Resident Manager Louis Steinle and Managing Director Nikolai Bloyd deliberately sets an example for deceleration, privacy and a generous sense of space. In other words, every guest finds a new panoramic spot just for themselves every day.

The suites in the new Chiemgauhof all face the lake and are in a class of their own: each of the 28 spacious suites offers individual highlights. The Corner Suites, for example, with their panoramic window and cozy window seat, invite you to read and dream of nature. The Garden Suites offer direct access to the lake and a small private garden. The Junior Suites boast a large private balcony for relaxing lakeside moments. Chiemsee suites have a Japanese-inspired larch wood bathtub as a special feature, which is sure to become an absolute favorite spot with a view of the lake, especially in winter. And the two Chiemsee Royal Suites not only boast a generous amount of space on two levels, but also details such as gas fireplaces and their own sauna. Some suites can also be interconnected and for families with children there is also a junior suite with romantic, stylish alcove beds and a large roof terrace.

Throughout the hotel, special emphasis has been placed on high-quality natural materials, many of which tell a story from this region: the tiles for the stoves, for example, come from the traditional "Inseltöpferei Klampfleuthner" pottery on Fraueninsel. Oiled oak floorboards, hand-woven carpets by LPJ Studio from Chiemgau and handmade carpets by Jan Kath ensure quiet elegance at every turn. The bathrooms are dominated by dark natural stone in combination with light oak - and amenities such as Dyson hair dryers and organic care products from the "Less is more" brand from the Salzkammergut region await.

Fine Bavarian hospitality meets Chiemsee sushi

Culinary excellence in a direct lakeside location is guaranteed by Edip Sigl as Culinary Director. The top chef and his team have cooked up 3 Michelin stars in the restaurant es:senz in the main hotel "Das Achental" in Grassau and also developed the food concept for the Chiemgauhof. Max Müller, an outstanding chef who loves regional products, was also recruited for the Chiemgauhof. The result is a completely new kitchen philosophy that perfectly matches the relaxed waves of a lakeside retreat - with sushi made from freshly caught Chiemsee fish, for example, or regionally inspired soul food - in other words, fine Bavarian hospitality - as you could only wish for after a long day by the water.

What a choice: swimming, gym, yoga, golf or simply doing nothing...

After all, there are plenty of opportunities for guests to get hungry during the day - from the heated 18-metre outdoor pool, it's just a few steps across the jetty to a head dive into the lake or a trip on the exclusive Frauscher electric boat. Stand-up paddling, gym, yoga and Pilates classes as well as an e-bike trip are just as much a part of a day at the Chiemgauhof as the opportunity to use the golf course and wellness area of the resort "Das Achental" via shuttle (10 minutes). Above all, however, the new Chiemgauhof offers the perfect setting to simply do what you so often wish you could do in everyday life: nothing! It's a wonderful place to live out the day and enjoy the beauty of the moment between the jetty and the shore, the wooden deck and the bar. Slow down, relax, switch off - whatever self-care you have planned for the new year is possible here in top form.

The new Chiemgauhof is also a symbol of a hotel success story: alongside their innovative "Motel One" philosophy, hosts Ursula Schelle-Müller and Dieter Müller have proven with the neighboring "Das Achental" and the "Hotel Kitzhof" in Kitzbühel that they can inspire their guests in the top segment with sustainable sensitivity as well as an incredible sense of design and attention to detail. This lived excellence and years of experience can also be felt everywhere in the new Chiemgauhof - and earned the hotel the special edition "best new hotel openings" of the renowned list of Germany's 101 best hotels even before it opened. "The fact that we were awarded the contract for this magical place by the lake makes us proud. With the new building and the wonderful collaboration with Matteo Thun, we were able to realize our ideas for a contemporary and private feel-good retreat," says Ursula Schelle-Müller, for whom the Chiemgauhof is a project close to her heart. It is particularly important to her that the soul of the place can be felt in the architecture and that the hotel blends into the beautiful natural surroundings. Traditional details, such as the beautiful tiled stove in the restaurant, delicately carved ornamental strips in the wooden ceiling or the "Seegarten", which breathes the typical Bavarian way of life with a relaxed table arrangement under the old oak trees on the shore - all these signatures reflect the region.

Celebrations in the boathouse - the new location on the lake

The Chiemgauhof also offers plenty of space for festive occasions and private events and, with the adjoining "Bootshaus" with its striking interior of fine flamed wood and Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, it is also a very exclusive location. Thanks to the breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, the boathouse is not just a place to celebrate, but also the ideal space for special yoga seminars. Of course, the entire retreat with its ideal location between Munich and Salzburg can also be booked exclusively - for days in absolute privacy.
By the way: in future, a stroke of the gong will announce the blue hour at the Chiemgauhof, during which guests will enjoy an aperitif in the "Beach Club" in preparation for the evening's highlight: The sunset, which can be enjoyed for the longest time at this point on the lake. Riviera feeling on the Bavarian Sea - that's what the new Chiemgauhof stands for!

Further information about the hotel can be found HERE !