Herrenchiemsee Castle
Mad King Ludwig's Fantasy Island

Compared to the other castles of Mad King Ludwig, a visit to Herrenchiemsee Castle was a very different and enjoyable adventure for me. I think you will enjoy it too.

The setting of King Ludwig’s largest and most ambitious project, Herrenchiemsee Castle, is spectacular.

Located on an island in Chiemsee, (Bavaria’s largest lake – also known as the Bavarian Sea) it makes a wonderful day trip from Munich or Berchtesgaden.

To get to the island, you must hop a ferry from either Prien-Stock or Bernau-Felden. The ride costs € 6,50 and takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive at the island, it is another 20 minute walk to the palace through the beautiful gardens and past the fountains. In the summer, horse-drawn carriages (€ 3) will take you there.

Herrenchiemsee Castle was King Ludwig’s attempt at recreating the Palace at Versailles in honor of his idol, King Louis XIV - the Sun King. Although, it was never completed, it is the largest and most expensive of King Ludwig’s castle, costing more than Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles combined. Only 20 rooms were completed before the money ran out.

On the 30-minute guided tour, you will see the magnificent double stairway with the skylight above, the eye-popping Great Hall of Mirrors, which is 10 meters longer than the original at Versailles and the ultra-gaudy gilded King’s bedroom.

Also located inside Herrenchiemsee castle is the King Ludwig II Museum. The exhibits give insight into the life and influences of King Ludwig. The collection includes blueprints for more crazy castles he had planned to build, his coronation and christening robes, a section devoted to his relationship with composer Richard Wagner, and even his death mask.

While you are on the island, you can also check out the Altes Schloss (Old Palace) and the Museum of the Augustinian Monastery. It was originally founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century and replaced in 1130 by the Augustinian Order. It later became a temporary home for King Ludwig after he bought the island in 1873. The monastery, located at the ferry landing is now a restaurant and hotel.

Because cars are banned from the island, it is especially tranquil. A trail approximately 7 km long winds around the island. This will take you on well-shaded paths away from the crowds to interesting lookout points on the island. Pack a picnic lunch and find the perfect to spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Getting There

Chiemsee is easily reached by car or train. From Munich, take the train to Prien am Chiemsee (around an hour's ride from Munich). From Prien am Chiemsee station there is a special Chiemsee train to the Prien/Stock boat pier which runs during the summer season. The pier is otherwise about a 30-minute walk from the station.

By Autobahn, take the A8. It is about an hour’s drive east of Munich and 30 minutes from Berchtesgaden.

Prices

Combination ticket "Island"
Herrenchiemsee New Palace with King Ludwig II-Museum / Augustinian Monastery (museum and galleries):
€ 7 regular
€ 6 reduced

Combination ticket "Königsschlösser" (King Ludwig II's palaces) € 18.
The combination ticket is valid for six months; you can visit each of the palaces Herrenchiemsee Linderhof and Neuschwanstein once.