Herrenchiemsee

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36 Reviews | Add review

Address: Herrenchiemsee, Chiemsee
Hours: Opening hours are dependent on boat schedules; learn more at http://www.herrenchiemsee.de/englisch/tourist/opening.htm
Admission: Tickets range from 3 - 20 euros

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Castle, Palace

6:20 AM Thursday, May 23
Passing clouds. Quite cool.
7 day forecast

Herreninsel is the larger of two inhabited islands in Chiemsee, a Bavarian lake near the Austrian border. While it features a monastery which dates back to the 8th century, the site of the post-war conference which drafted West Germany’s constitution, the island’s main attraction is undoubtedly Herrenchiemsee. This was one of the three palaces built by the profligate 19th century Bavarian king, Ludwig II. But unlike Linderhof or the world-famous Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee is not a pastiche of previous styles, rather it’s a copy of one particular building: the Palace of Versailles.

Ludwig’s palace is a salute to an era when monarchs were both the pinnacles of power and arbiters of style. But funds ran out before he could complete Herrenchiemsee, and only the central section was completed. As well as lavishly decorated rooms – boasting the world’s largest porcelain chandelier and a replica of the Hall of Mirrors – there are also eerie bare-walled loft-like spaces. The building’s façade makes an impressive centerpiece to the extensive landscaped gardens.

Latest Reviews

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All Herrenchiemsee Reviews

Review by Larry E, September 2012
Doing what: Herrenchiemsee Palace Rail Trip from Munich

Excellent tour with Adam our tour guide who was extremely knowledgable about the history and background of Ludwig. This was the best tour we did in Germany- very enjoyable.

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Review by Anonymous, September 2012
Doing what: Royal Castle of Herrenchiemsee and Fraueninsel Day Tour from Munich

Markus, our guide was superb! We had great weather for our travels,. The boat trips on the Chiemsee were wonderful. because of the sunshine and warm temps. Markus did a fantastic job of communicating in German and English..switching back and forth every few words so that everyone was always informed. We loved the whole experience; of course, the castle was magnificent, as were the grounds. The tour went smoothly. Would not have liked it if there had been rain, as there was so much outside activity in addition to the inside castle viewing.

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Review by Tero L, August 2012
Doing what: Herrenchiemsee Palace Rail Trip from Munich

Have you ever had a steam train ride? You will with this trip. The tour guide was funny and had plenty of stories to tell about the area and what had happened there. The palace is not the only thing you see as you go there by boat you can also visit a monastry and/or a local beer making place on a different island.

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Practical Info

Herreninsel can be reached by ferry from the town of Prien am Chiemsee, which lies just off the main autobahn between Munich and Salzburg. By train, it’s about an hour from Munich’s main station.

Opening hours are dependent on boat schedules; learn more at http://www.herrenchiemsee.de/englisch/tourist/opening.htm

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