UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Wetterstein Mountains: Why it's worth the climb
King's House on Schachen: How to get here, information, excursion tips
The royal residence on the Schachenalpe once served as a retreat for King Ludwig II. Due to its high altitude, it is only accessible in summer. In July 2025, UNESCO added Schachen Castle to its World Heritage List. What there is to know and see around the mountain castle today.
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King's House on Schachen declared a World Heritage Site
A great honour: on 12 July, UNESCO declared the world-famous Royal Palace at Schachen a World Heritage Site. At the conference in Paris, Ludwig II's other castles, namely Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, were also added to the list. ‘The inclusion of the castles in the World Heritage List is an outstanding tribute to these impressive sites,’ said Maria Böhmer, President of the German UNESCO Commission. ‘They are all architectural masterpieces and bear witness to the artistic imagination, but also to the eccentricity of the fairy-tale king.’ Ludwig II's castles are the 55th World Heritage Sites in Germany.
The King's House on Schachen at a glance
- Location: In Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Museum category: Castle
- Special features: The royal residence is located at an altitude of over 1,800 metres and can only be reached on foot in around 3 to 4 hours. Visits are only possible as part of guided tours.
- Regular guided tours: daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Opening hours: From 7 July 2025 until approximately 6 October
Wooden façade and panoramic views: What King Ludwig's holiday home has to offer
The façade of the royal residence is very simple, in keeping with 19th-century Swiss architectural style. With its wooden façade, the chalet appears inviting and cosy at first glance, reminiscent of an alpine holiday home.
Of course, Ludwig II did not choose the location of Schachen at the foot of the Wetterstein massif by chance: it offers visitors a breathtaking high mountain panorama of the Bavarian Alps.
The five rooms on the ground floor are decorated with Swiss stone pine panelling and are surprisingly simple in design. The upper floor reflects the king's longing fascination with the Orient: here, textile embroidery and gilded carvings, coloured window panes and peacock feathers, a splashing fountain and many other details transform the so-called ‘Turkish Room’ into a Moorish palace hall.
At a glance
King's House on Schachen
Berg Schachen
82467
Garmisch- Partenkirchen
Tel:
+4989179080
