Chiemgau Coaster in Ruhpolding — Live Online Webcam
Chiemgau Coaster: the attraction that doesn't close for winter
In Bavarian Ruhpolding, in southeastern Germany right on the Austrian border, there's an unusual attraction — Chiemgau Coaster. It's a summer alpine coaster on rails that operates year-round in any weather. In summer, passengers descend along metal tracks carved into green hills, and in winter — over snow cover. This format makes it unique among similar attractions in Europe.
Each rider controls their own speed using a lever — you can descend slowly enjoying the scenery, or accelerate up to 40 km/h. The magnetic braking system ensures safety at any speed, so even the most thrilling sensations remain within controlled risk.
Ruhpolding: a Bavarian town at the foot of the Alps
Ruhpolding is the largest municipality by area in the Traunstein district, with a population of about 7,000. For centuries, the local economy relied on wood for Traunstein's salt works, but since the 1930s the town has transformed into a major tourist center. Today it's a place where alpine meadows meet dense forests, and the red roofs of houses contrast with the green of the surrounding hills.
Ruhpolding is famous not only for the Chiemgau Coaster. It's home to the Olympic biathlon training center Chiemgau Arena — one of Germany's main sports bases. In summer, the town attracts tourists with hiking, cycling routes, and paragliding; in winter — with alpine skiing and cross-country trails.
What makes the Chiemgau Coaster unique
Unlike classic roller coasters where the train follows a fixed track, the Chiemgau Coaster features individually controlled rail sleds. The rider decides how fast to go using a brake lever. It's not just a descent but an independent journey along winding tracks laid among Bavarian hills.
The attraction received the Travellers' Choice award from Tripadvisor, ranking in the top 10% of world attractions based on traveler reviews. This recognition shows that the Chiemgau Coaster is not just a local attraction but a place worth including in a Bavaria itinerary.
Chiemgau region: nature and tourism
Ruhpolding is located in the Chiemgau region — a picturesque area between the Chiemsee lake and alpine ridges. Nearby rises Rauschberg mountain at 1,616 meters, which also has a webcam at its summit. The views are classic Bavarian landscapes: green slopes, dark strips of coniferous forests, a church dome on a hill, and the blue ribbon of mountain ranges on the horizon.
The town has several webcams that allow you to monitor weather and attractions in real time. The most popular is the camera at Chiemgau Arena, but the view of the Chiemgau Coaster is no less interesting: here you can watch the attraction in action, sled movement, and the changing time of day over the Bavarian hills.
What you can see on the camera
The webcam is positioned so that the entire Chiemgau Coaster track is in frame — curved metal rails laid across green slopes. In the foreground — well-maintained grass, a wooden bench, and a sandy path. In the middle of the frame opens a view of Ruhpolding itself: red roofs of buildings surrounded by trees and forest. On a hill in the distance, a church tower with a characteristic dome is visible. The background features a mountain range, often partially hidden by clouds. In the upper left corner, text information is displayed: date, time, and camera name. This is a live broadcast — everything happening at the attraction and around it is visible in real time.
