King Ludwig II was known for his extravagant taste, which is reflected in his magnificent buildings. After all, it’s no coincidence that he’s nicknamed the “Fairy-Tale King.” Best known, of course, is his dream castle, Neuschwanstein, which attracts more than a million visitors from all over the world every year. Far less well-known, however, is the Königshaus am Schachen. Unlike Neuschwanstein, this mountain hut appears rather simple, yet inside it hides a beautiful state room that transports you right into the heart of the Orient.
Modeled after Turkish architecture
The Königshaus am Schachen is located south of Garmisch-Patenkirchen at an elevation of 1,866 meters in the Wetterstein Mountains. It was built between 1869 and 1872 and served as a retreat for Ludwig, where he could fully enjoy the beauty of the mountains. He usually spent his name day and birthday here, though sometimes he was drawn to the Soiern Lakes instead. That is why, even today, the king’s followers gather every year on August 25—his birthday—at the Königshaus am Schachen to hold a mountain mass.
From the outside, the building is rather simple and reminiscent of a Swiss mountain chalet. The ground floor is also simple and designed in an Alpine style. On the first floor, however, the Turkish Hall reveals a fairytale-like splendor reminiscent of *One Thousand and One Nights*. A palace in Eyüp near Istanbul served as the inspiration for this magnificent room. In the center, a fountain splashes , surrounded by comfortable divans and enameled vases. Sunlight streams through stained-glass windows, bathing the room in vibrant colors. Golden ornaments and peacock feathers complete the ornate ensemble. Servants in Oriental attire were required to smoke hookahs and drink tea in the room to make the illusion perfect.
A Visit to the Königshaus am Schachen
Since 2025, the Königshaus am Schachen, along with Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Palace, and Herrenchiemsee, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the building is a protected historic monument. If you’d like to visit the Schachen Castle, you can only do so on foot via the hiking trail. You can travel to Garmisch-Patenkirchen either by car or by train and begin the ascent to the Schachen from there. Once you arrive at the Schachen Palace, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to tour it. Advance reservations and card payments are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash. Tours take place on the hour and are only available as part of a guided tour.
As you explore the castle, the Turkish Room is, of course, the highlight, but the view of the mountains from the chalet is also not to be missed. In addition, the Königshaus am Schachen features a garden that serves as a branch of the Munich Botanical Garden. Here you’ll discover over 1,000 mountain plants, including both native species and plants from the Himalayas. Before you venture down the mountain, you should stop by the Schachenhaus. The former farm building is now an inn and serves sweet cakes and hearty meals, with the menu also featuring vegan options. And if you’d like to spend a little more time up here, you can stay overnight at the Schachenhaus.
🕑 Opening hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 27
💶 Price information: €6 regular, €5 reduced
