Chiemgauhof, Chiemsee, Germany

Posted in News, Projects on 17 March, 2025

Architect Matteo Thun seamlessly blends sustainability within a contemporary Bavarian style.

A new, sought-after destination has emerged, offering the perfect escape with a focus on sense of place, located in the majestic region of Chiemgau, Bavaria.”After only two-years of construction, the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat, a member of the “Leading Hotels Of The World” has opened its doors in Übersee on February 1st 2025.  The design of architect Matteo Thun from Milan marks a new beginning at this iconic location directly on the waters edge. With its understated but still succinct wooden architecture, the Chiemgauhof seamlessly blends itself into the lakeside waterfront, once again giving the guests of the hotel and restaurant access to one of the most beautiful spots in Bavaria on the shores of Lake Chiemsee – including its legendary western facing pier, known locally as the best place for watching a Bavarian Sunset.

‘Contemporary Bavarian’. The main entrance, a double-height room, with check-in area. Stairs lead to the rooms and suites, all of which are on the upper floor. A limited selection of regional natural materials – wood, stone and glass – was deliberately used, giving the buildings transparency towards the water.

The luxurious retreat pays homage to the tradition of the former Chiemgauhof. With its location and fine dining offering, the hotel had been known as a gem by the lake for decades. Now the story of this place, that for many people is inextricably linked with beautiful emotions and unique experiences, is set to continue with a new, sustainable chapter. In his design, Matteo Thun deliberately worked with a limited selection of regional natural materials – wood, stone and glass – giving the buildings an almost Asian-like transparency towards the water. The full-length opening window facade and the wrap around larch wood terrace bring the lake within reach with every step and introduce nature with its ever-changing atmospheres into the hotel. Or, in the words of architect Matteo Thun: “I wanted every building to reflect the aura of the genius loci and tell a story. The new Chiemgauhof was built right by the lake, using different local woods, its style being ‘contemporary Bavarian’. It connects the region’s heritage with the benefits of modern hospitality. We have translated the special allure of the old wooden barns into the here and now. Nature will take care of the rest over time, giving the entire hotel a beautiful patina.”

The Lounge – a relaxing area that is connected to the Bar. An allover cozy, relaxed and emotional mood characterize the interior of the Chiemgauhof – Lakeside Retreat. Outstanding craftsmanship, tailormade and redefined furniture by handmade decorated fabrics convey a joyful and positive atmosphere.

Private lake experience in 28 suites
Resident Manager Louis Steinle and Managing Director Nikolai Bloyd deliberately put a strong focus on escaping the fast pace of daily life, with the privacy and a generous sense of space: to that effect, the Lakeside Retreat comprises only 28 suites (prices starting from 590 Euros per night). At the Chiemgauhof all guests can find a new vantage point to enjoy the year-round breathtaking panoramic views just for themselves.

The 28 spacious suites of the Chiemgauhof are all facing the lake and each of them are offering individual highlights. The Corner Suites, for example, feature a large bay windows which offer cozy seating inviting guests to read and admire the landscape. The Garden Suites offer direct lake access and a small private garden. The Junior Suites boast a large, private balcony for lakeside moments full of relaxation. Chiemsee Suites are equipped with a Japanese-inspired larch wood bathtubs offering a view of the lake, this feature is sure to become an absolute favourite especially during the winter months. In the two Chiemsee Royal Suites, the spacious two-story living space is comprised with highlights such as a double-sided fireplace and a private sauna. Many of the suites can be connected, and there is even one Junior Suite with Bavarian-styled alcove beds which is perfect for children and a large roof terrace complete with outdoor bathtub.

Lounge and Bar connect. The full-length opening window facade and the wrap around larch wood terrace bring the lake within reach.

In the entire property, special emphasis was placed on high-quality natural materials, many telling a story about the region: The tiles of the fireplaces, for example, are provided by the long-standing manufacture “Inseltöpferei Klampfleuthner” on the Fraueninsel. Oiled oak floorboards, handwoven rugs by LPJ Studio from Chiemgau as well as handmade rugs from Jan Kath provide for quiet elegance at every step. The design of the bathrooms is defined by dark natural stone and elements in light oak. The amenities include a Dyson hair dryer as well as organic care products from “Less is more” – a brand inspired by the Salzkammergut landscape.

The spacious two-story master suites with mezzanine, double face chimney and a private sauna corner. Suites and Junior Suites with Bavarian-styled alcove beds can be connected – a large roof terrace complete with outdoor bathtub.

Authentic Bavarian hospitality meets Chiemsee Sushi
With Edip Sigl as Culinary Director, exquisite culinary performance right by the lake is guaranteed. Under his leadership, the restaurant es:senz, located just 10 minutes away in the main house “Das Achental” was awarded 3 Michelin stars in 2024. More recently he was the driving force behind the food concept in the Chiemgauhof and together with Max Müller, the Executive Chef of the Chiemgauhof, who has a unique passion for regional products. The result is a completely new culinary philosophy that perfectly complements the relaxing wash of the waves of a Lakeside Retreat. Whether it is Sushi made from freshly caught Chiemsee fish or regional inspired classic dishes – this authentic Bavarian hospitality is just what’s needed after a long day by the water.

The new Chiemgauhof is also a symbol for a hotel success story: alongside their innovative “Motel One” philosophy, hosts Ursula Schelle-Müller and Dieter Müller inspire their high-end segment guests with sustainable sensitivity as well as an incredible sense for design and attention to detail – an ability they have already demonstrated at the neighbouring “Das Achental” and “Hotel Kitzhof” in Kitzbühel. This excellence and years of experience will also come to life in the Chiemgauhof as the new Lakeside Retreat was listed in the Special Edition “best new hotel openings” of the renowned “101-Besten-Ranking” in Germany. “The fact that we were given the permission and the trust to build this magical place by the lake makes us very proud. With the new construction and the amazing collaboration with Matteo Thun, we have been able to realise our ideas for a contemporary and private well-being retreat,” explains Ursula Schelle-Müller. The Chiemgauhof is a project very close to her heart, and she really wanted the spirit of the place to be reflected in its architecture and for the hotel to seamlessly blend into the beautiful landscape. From traditional details such as the beautiful, tiled stove in the restaurant and delicately carved mouldings in the wooden ceiling or to the “Seegarten”, the outdoor casual seating arrangements under the old oak trees along the shore, brimming with the typically Bavarian way of life – the entire design is shaped by signatures reflecting the region’s heritage.

Celebrations in the boat house – the new lakeside event location
There is ample space for celebrating special occasions and private events at the Chiemgauhof as well. With its distinctive interior comprising fine flamed wood as well as Barovier & Toso chandeliers from Murano, the adjacent “Bootshaus” is a particularly exclusive event location. Offering a breathtaking view of Lake Chiemsee, the “Bootshaus” is not only the perfect place for celebrating, but also an ideal space for special yoga workshops. Ideally located between Munich and Salzburg, the Retreat may, of course, also be booked exclusively in its entirety – for a sojourn in absolute privacy.

www.chiemgauhof.com