Traveller's Information

Herrenchiemsee

Where? - Herrenchiemsee stands on an island in the Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria. The Chiemsee is approx. 110 kms south-east of Munich. ie. In the opposite direction to Neuschwanstein.

How to get there? - Herrenchiemsee is the most difficult of Ludwig's castles to reach; however, after all the effort to get there, you will be rewarded with a place you will always remember. Like the other castles, it is best reached by car. From Munich, head out along the A8 Autobahn, in the direction of Salzburg. You will see an exit to Prien, which is the one you want. From Prien, follow the signs to Stock. At Stock, which is on the Chiemsee, boats leave regularly for the islands in the Chiemsee - the Fraueninsel and Herreninsel (where the Castle is). Once you arrive on the island, a beautiful walk of about 10 - 15 minutes through the forest brings you to the Castle. This walk is very level, unlike the walk to Neuschwanstein! As at Neuschwanstein, you can ride a horse-drawn carriage to the castle if you're exhausted after your journey.

Opening times

• 1st April to 30th September - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• 1st October to 31st March - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

• During summer fountains run in the gardens. There are also occasional son et lumière concerts, as well as concerts in the Hall of Mirrors.

Must I go on a guided tour of the Castle? - I have been informed that now, like Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, you can only visit Herrenchiemsee on a tour.

Can I take photos inside? - Once again, as at the other Castles, you cannot take photos inside Herrenchiemsee.

What is there to see? - This is a magnificent Palace, and anyone who has visited Versailles in Paris will be amazed at it. For the exterior is an astonishing copy of Versailles. Apart from the palace interior, there is also the King Ludwig II Museum in one of the wings, which houses personal items of Ludwig's, as well as the plans for his buildings, both built and unfinished. The grounds are magnificent as well, and being on an island it is in an enchanting setting.

Where to stay? - There are hotels in Prien, as well as in the different villages around the lake. The nearest town is Rosenheim, so this could be the best place to find accommodation

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