Ever felt the warmth of a Bavarian summer sun on your skin? Picture this Waging am See. Nestled near the Waginger See it’s known as a climatic spa. This charming town boasts a rich history dating back to at least 740. A deed from that time mentions Waging am See. The town prospered during medieval times thanks to its location along the lower saline road. This important trade route connected Reichenhall and Wasserburg am Inn. Waging am See was part of the Salzburg prince-bishopric. It even gained market rights in the 14th century.
For a brief period in 1805 it became Austrian. However since 1810 it has belonged to Bavaria. Since then Waging am See blossomed into a popular leisure and vacation destination. Many expellees found a new home here after 1945. The German local government reform in 1972 saw Waging am See become part of the Traunstein district. Nearby villages like Gaden Otting Freimann and Tettenhausen were incorporated.
The election of Sepp Daxenberger as mayor in 1996 was quite remarkable. He was the first Green mayor in Bavaria. Later Herbert Häusl of the Free Voters party served as mayor before Matthias Baderhuber of the CSU took office in 2019.
Beyond politics Waging am See has much to offer. The Waginger See itself is stunning. It’s 6.3 kilometers long and 1.1 kilometers wide. Several camping areas line its shores including the Strandcamp the Schwanenplatz and Camping Gut Horn. Visitors can enjoy diverse activities. These range from hiking and mountain tours to watersports like boating fishing sailing and even surfing. Winter sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to do. The Bajuwarenmuseum offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient Bavarian past. The town also serves as a starting point for the ancient Bavarian cycling trail. It’s part of the Benediktweg pilgrimage route honoring Pope Benedict XVI. Opened in August 2005 this route links places significant to the Pope’s life.
Waging am See holds a special place in history. It was once quite far from the Waginger See. The lowering of the Tiroler Achen river in 1867 caused the water level to drop significantly. This shift moved the town further from the lake’s shore than its name suggests.
So take a moment to soak in the atmosphere. Imagine the bustling markets of the Middle Ages the quiet charm of a Bavarian village the thrill of watersports on the Waginger See. The history and beauty of Waging am See are all around you.