HERRENCHIEMSEE CASTLE
the castles of ludwig II of bavaria
Herrenchiemsee Castle is easily accessible from Munich, both by car and train, and offers visitors a unique experience, a journey through time and into the imagination of a king who left an indelible mark on Bavaria.
Herrenchiemsee Castle, often referred to as Bavaria’s “Little Versailles”, is a monument to the grandeur and vision of King Ludwig II.
Situated on an island in Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria’s largest, the castle is a masterpiece of opulence and beauty.
Built starting on May 21, 1878, Herrenchiemsee was conceived not as a residence, but as a monumental tribute to the French king Louis XIV, whom Ludwig II deeply admired. This ambitious project, combined with the expenses incurred for other palaces, almost brought the king to ruin, who despite everything only spent 10 days inside the castle.
The interior of the castle is a triumph of luxury and imagination. The parade bedroom, for example, is an explosion of stucco, furnishings and fabrics of indescribable richness. The mirror gallery, with its 98 meters in length, even surpasses that of Versailles and is considered by some art critics superior to the original. The dining room, designed on the model of a lounge in the Hotel de Soubise in Paris, is furnished with busts of Louis XV and the great court ladies.
Despite the grandeur of the project, the castle was never completed: when the king died, 50 rooms were still missing to be built. However, what has been created is a monument to waste and grandeur, a place that leaves visitors breathless with its beauty and opulence.
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The castles all have a unique personality and the breathtaking landscape that surrounds them makes every visit an unforgettable experience.
Discover the tour from Munich to Herrenchiemsee Castle
- Fully guided day tour to Herrenchiemsee Castle
- Transport by train
- Tour of the area surrounding the castle and its walkways
- Tour of the Fraueninsel island and its Benedictine convent
Useful information for the visit
AT Herrenchiemsee CASTLE
The opening hours of Herrenchiemsee Castle are as follows:
- Open every day from 09:00 to 18:00
Please note that these times may vary and we always recommend checking directly on the castle’s official website or contacting the ticket office for up-to-date information.
To reach Herrenchiemsee Castle, there are several options:
By Train and Boat: If you travel by train, the closest station is Prien am Chiemsee. From there, you can take a ferry to Herreninsel Island, where the castle is located. The ferry leaves from Stock Pier, which can be reached by steam train or on foot from the station.
By Car: If you travel by car, you can reach Prien am Chiemsee easily from Munich or Salzburg. Once you arrive in Prien, you can park your car and take the ferry to the island of Herreninsel.
Always remember to check the latest travel information and road conditions before you travel. Also, keep in mind that the last ferry back to Prien departs from Herreninsel Island at 6.15pm during summer and 4.45pm during winter.
Herrenchiemsee Castle can be visited at any time of year, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring (March-May): Spring is a wonderful time to visit the castle. The weather is mild, the flowers are in bloom, and the tourist crowds are generally smaller than in summer.
Summer (June-August): Summer is the most popular season to visit the castle. The weather is warm and the days are long, which means more time to explore. Furthermore, in summer you can enjoy the beautiful castle garden.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn offers a spectacular landscape with colorful leaves and cooler weather. It’s also a less crowded time than summer.
Winter (December-February): Winter can be a magical time to visit the castle, especially if it’s covered in snow. However, the weather can be cold and some parts of the castle may be closed due to weather conditions.
In general, it is advisable to visit the castle during the week rather than on the weekend to avoid the crowds. Remember to check opening times and book tickets in advance, especially during peak periods.