Herrenchiemsee Palace, on the largest island in Bavaria's Chiemsee lake, was once the country residence of Ludwig II. Also known as the 'Bavarian Sea', Chiemsee covers an area of around eighty square kilometres. Herrenchiemsee Castle is a sort of tribute to the French monarch Louis XIV, who was admired by the 'fairy tale king'. An almost exact replica of Versailles in Paris, it was planned by Ludwig as a monument to the French "King-Sun".
Unfortunately, the palace was never completed during Ludwig II's lifetime — only 20 of the 70 rooms were finished. The King's Bedroom, the Grand Staircase, the Great Gallery of Mirrors and several other rooms were completed.
Today, Ludwig's unfinished dream is open to the public. Tourists begin their acquaintance with Herrenchiemsee by walking through the main entrance hall to the garden. Visitors are greeted by a large bronze sculpture of a peacock. As you leave the entrance hall, you come to a broad staircase. It's an exact replica of the Staircase of the Ambassadors at Versailles. Its main decoration is a marble fountain with sculptures of the goddess Diana and nymphs.
Don't miss the Great Hall of Mirrors, next to the Hall of War. For the gallery at Herrenchiemsee, the King asked for a scale model of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. With seventeen arched windows, forty-four sconces and thirty-three magnificent chandeliers, this is a truly monumental room.
Entering Ludwig II's living room, one finds oneself in the realm of blue, the monarch's favourite colour. A large blue lamp in the shape of a balloon casts a soft and diffused light; the large gilded canopied bed is decorated with a mural depicting the love story of Adonis and Venus. A precious porcelain Ludwig vanity completes the picture of former royal grandeur. The bedroom overlooks the garden in front of the palace, with a clear view of the lake.
After a tour of the palace, tourists agree that the rooms, apartments and chambers are almost overflowing with luxury and wealth. There are chandeliers, huge chandeliers, paintings, porcelain, sculptures and gilding everywhere.
The courtyard gardens around the palace were designed by Carl von Effner. They are also an exact replica of the gardens at Versailles, where Louis XIV loved to stroll. The water parterre on the west side of the garden is particularly beautiful. Two pools decorated with sculptures of Fortune and Glory, several fountains — on summer afternoons tourists from all over the world come here to relax.
Tourist information
- Children under 12 years of age may only visit Herrenchiemsee Castle when accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Unfortunately, photography and filming are not permitted in any of the buildings. Photographs of the exterior of the palaces may be taken for private use only.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at several hotspots on the island.
- Bulky items such as umbrellas, rucksacks or large pushchairs cannot be taken into the museum. A limited number of lockers are available but no liability can be accepted for items left in them.
- Dogs and other pets are not allowed in any of the buildings.
- Bicycles, scooters and roller blades are not allowed on the island for safety reasons.
