Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH

♟️ About Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH

Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH (TTT) is the destination-management and tourism organization for the Tegernsee Valley in Bavaria, Germany. Based in the town of Tegernsee, it works with the municipalities of Bad Wiessee, Gmund am Tegernsee, Kreuth, Rottach-Egern, and the town of Tegernsee. The company manages destination marketing, tourism development, visitor services, and major regional events. Chess has become an important part of this event portfolio. TTT is particularly significant in international chess as the operational organizer of the Offene Internationale Bayerische Schachmeisterschaft (OIBM) and as a co-organizer of the Internationaler Schach-Senioren-Cup am Tegernsee. These events attract hundreds of players and accompanying visitors to the region outside the main summer tourism season. Therefore, TTT’s chess activity combines professional tournament organization with destination promotion, accommodation services, local partnerships, and sports tourism. Christian Kausch is the current Managing Director of Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH. For chess-related matters, however, Peter Rie, Head of Event Management, is the principal operational contact. Rie is closely associated with both major Tegernsee chess tournaments and is also a co-founder of the OIBM. In 2026, TTT successfully staged the 14th International Chess Seniors Cup in April and is now preparing the 29th Open International Bavarian Chess Championship, scheduled for October 31–November 8, 2026 in Gmund am Tegernsee.

🏛️ Tourism and Event Management

Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH is responsible for the strategic development and marketing of the Tegernsee holiday region. It works with municipalities, hotels, restaurants, cultural organizations, sports partners, and other regional service providers. Its responsibilities extend beyond conventional tourism promotion. The company develops and manages events that can generate visitor demand while strengthening the Tegernsee brand. Chess has become a particularly successful example of this strategy because major tournaments bring competitors and accompanying guests to the valley for stays of more than a week. TTT’s Event Management department plays the central organizational role. Peter Rie currently heads this department, while Emily Grigoleit is also involved in event management and has worked directly on the organization of the OIBM.

📜 Development of Chess at Tegernsee

The Open International Bavarian Chess Championship began in 1996. Grandmaster Artur Jussupow, Horst Leckner of the Tegernsee chess club, and the Bad Wiessee Tourist Information were instrumental in establishing the tournament. A major organizational change followed after the event moved to Gut Kaltenbrunn in 2017. Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH assumed the central operational responsibility, while Grandmaster Sebastian Siebrecht became Tournament Director. Peter Rie and the TTT event team manage the overall organization, logistics, participant services, and cooperation with regional partners. The tournament subsequently developed into one of Europe’s largest open chess competitions. Recent editions have attracted more than 500 players, including numerous Grandmasters, International Masters, and FIDE Masters. The 2025 OIBM, the 28th edition, was won by Iranian Grandmaster Amin Tabatabaei. He finished a full point ahead of the field, with Luis Engel and Szymon Gumularz completing the podium.

🌟 29th Open International Bavarian Chess Championship 2026

The 29. Offene Internationale Bayerische Schachmeisterschaft is scheduled for October 31–November 8, 2026 at Gut Kaltenbrunn in Gmund am Tegernsee. The tournament uses a nine-round Swiss system. Players receive 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one. Results count for both national and FIDE Standard ratings. The tournament can accommodate up to 580 players and regularly attracts competitors from more than 30 countries. The announced 2026 prize fund is approximately €15,000. GM Sebastian Siebrecht serves as Tournament Director. IA Ralph Alt is Chief Arbiter, supported by an experienced international arbiting team that includes IA Gerhard Bertagnolli, IA Sandra Schmidt, and IA Hans Brugger. TTT also provides participant services beyond the playing hall. Its guest and booking team works with designated chess-friendly accommodation providers around Lake Tegernsee, allowing players to combine tournament participation with an extended stay in the region.

♟️ International Chess Seniors Cup

TTT also plays a central organizational role in the Internationaler Schach-Senioren-Cup am Tegernsee, another established international tournament aimed at players aged 50 and above. The 14th International Chess Seniors Cup took place from April 18–26, 2026 at the Seeforum in Rottach-Egern. The tournament reached its maximum capacity with around 180 players from 13 countries. Players contested nine Swiss-system rounds under FIDE rules. Jordan Nikolov of Bulgaria won the 2026 tournament, ahead of Robert Hafner of Austria and Carlo Luciani of Italy. Peggy Van Amerongen-Jansen of the Netherlands achieved the best women’s result. The event also demonstrates the connection between chess and tourism that underpins TTT’s involvement. The organization estimates that the Seniors Cup generates approximately €150,000 in regional economic value, as many players travel with accompanying guests and stay in the Tegernsee Valley throughout the tournament.