Herrenchiemsee Palace: Ludwig’s Versailles on Chiemsee

King Ludwig II bought Herreninsel on Chiemsee in 1873 to stop logging. From 1878 he had a new palace built here, modelled on Versailles.

The palace

It was never finished. When the king died in 1886, only the central part stood. The Hall of Mirrors is the highlight: 98 m long, longer than its model at Versailles. Ludwig himself stayed only a few days.

Getting there

Boats leave from Prien-Stock. From the pier it is about 20 minutes on foot through the park, or by carriage. The palace can only be seen on a guided tour.

Tips

Allow three to four hours and book ahead in summer. The King Ludwig II Museum in the south wing and the old monastery by the harbour round off the visit.