Entertaining
Herrenchiemsee Palace Stately excursion destination in the Munich environs
© Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung, Tanja Ghirardini
(Guided tour only):
April to end of October: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (last guided tour approx. 5 p.m.).
End of October to March: 9.40 a.m.-4.15 p.m. (last guided tour approx. 4 p.m.)
Schloss Herrenchiemsee
Schlosspark Herrenchiemsee
83209 Herrenchiemsee
.How to get there
Stucco, gold, marble and lots of glass: the Hall of Mirrors in the New Herrenchiemsee Palace in Chiemgau, just 80 kilometres south of Munich, has become just as popular a destination as its famous model in Versailles.
But unlike the French original, the complex in Upper Bavaria is surrounded by water because it is located in the middle of Lake Chiemsee on Herreninsel, where neither cars nor bicycles are allowed. For example, the journey by boat from Prien on Lake Chiemsee is a beautiful experience and - if you like - you can take a horse-drawn carriage instead of walking to the castle.
Bavaria has its former fairytale king Ludwig II to thank for this magnificent building. He acquired the island in the 19th century as his residence and had the stately New Herrenchiemsee Palace built there - it's just a pity that it was never completed due to Ludwig II's early death.
The shell in the northern part can still be visited today and even booked for events. Much more worth seeing, however, are the magnificent interiors, including the Hall of Mirrors, in which around five kilograms of gold leaf alone were used. Strange: the dining room with the famous "Tischlein deck dich" table, which can be lowered one floor.
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Another highlight is the outdoor area, built in 1882-86 by court garden director Carl von Effner, with its fountains and water features, the view of Lake Chiemsee and manicured lawns.
The New Herrenchiemsee Palace is open for guided tours almost all year round. In summer, you can also attend exclusive evening events outside the regular opening hours, such as the Herrenchiemsee Festival in the Hall of Mirrors or readings and island concerts in the nearby Augustinian Canons' library hall Monastery. It is considered the Old Castle and was a monastery in the days of King Ludwig II.
And after Herreninsel, it's worth taking a stroll through Prien am Chiemsee with its lovely little cafés, shops and appealing promenade on the water.
