There’s no question that there are already more than enough castles around Munich. For those in the mood for some culture, the wide range of options makes it hard to choose. King Ludwig of Bavaria had some of Europe’s most fairy-tale-like castles built, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. But there are also many magnificent buildings in the immediate vicinity of the city that make for perfect day trips today. Schleißheim Palace is definitely worth a visit !
Three castles in one
Schleißheim Palace is actually a palace complex. Located north of Munich, it is a Baroque gem of European significance. It is often underestimated because it stands in the shadow of Nymphenburg. Yet it is almost unique in its scale and cohesion: it consists not of just one, but of three palaces, all nestled within one of Germany’s most significant Baroque garden complexes.
The centerpiece is the New Palace, which was planned in the early 18th century under Elector Max Emanuel as the Bavarian “Versailles.” With its facade over 300 meters long and its magnificent staircase, it was intended to demonstrate the Elector’s claim to the imperial crown.
Next to it lies the much more intimate Old Palace, which today serves as the home of the Bavarian National Museum with collections on regional history. The third palace you’ll find here is the enchanting Lustheim Palace. It sits at the end of the garden on an artificial island and houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Meissen porcelain.
Here’s what you can experience at Schleißheim Palace
Schleißheim Palace is an absolute must-see, especially in the spring. And not just because of the various palaces, but precisely because of the beautiful Hofgarten. The sprawling garden with its canal system is one of the few Baroque gardens in Germany that was never converted into an English landscape park: Here you can still see the precise geometry and sightlines as they were planned 300 years ago. And the canals in the park weren’t just for show; they were part of an irrigation system that was even used for courtly gondola rides
By the way, Schleißheim Palace is also a “movie star”: Thanks to its perfect Baroque setting, the palace has often served as a filming location for international productions, including the classic “Last Year at Marienbad” and the adventure film “The Three Musketeers.” Don’t miss the many events the three palaces have to offer today . It’s definitely worth checking out the website !
