In the wonderful landscape of the alpine foreland, approximately 80 km from Munich, on the small island stands the residence of king Ludwig II a tribute to Versaille.

A great admirer of the Sun King had in his plans the ‘New Versailles’, which had the chance to overwhelm the French palace, but the sudden death of Ludwig II ended the development of the building. Today Herrenchiemsee still fascinates thousands of visitors, who came to see the splendid residence with surrounding baroque gardens.

In 1873 king Ludwig II purchased Herrenwotch, one of two isolated islands on ‘Bavarian Sea’, as is proudly described the large lake Chiemsee with magnificent view of the Alps.
The foundation stone for the ‘New Versailles’ was laid five years later and in 1884 the king could inspect his palace. At that time the building with the park were lit with electricity light and king stayed for 9 days. This was the only time, when Ludwig II could enjoy his new residence. He died two years later leaving the castle incomplete.
It was finished some time later and today you can see the palace in its full glory.
Some of the chambers are exact copy of Versailles like the magnificent stairway and Great gallery of Mirrors, which runs almost entire wing of the palace.
There are 17 large windows, 52 candelabras 33 chandeliers and the mirrors, that create a magical play of light, especially during the concerts of chamber music, during which the hall is lit by two thousand candles.
There is the State Bedroom with large bed, canopy and bedspread embroidered with golden thread, and there is the Private Bedroom with a special blue lamp in the colour favourited by Ludwig II.
The porcelain room is decorated with the most beautiful Meissen porcelain imaginable.
Visitors like the Dining Room due to a special table named ‘Tischlein-deck-dich’ after Grimm brothers’ story, in which the table was filled with dishes following the wish of the owner.
The king’s dining table was lifted down to the kitchen, where servants could replace the dishes with the new ones and lift the table up again.

It is possible to see the palace only during the guided tour. The tours in English start every hour, in summer twice per hour.