Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
predecessor at Versailles. The
lavish ceiling frescoes depict
Louis XIV, the French “Sun King.”
)
Castle Gardens
Another homage to Versailles
are the gardens on the west side
of the castle, where water fea-
tures enchant visitors from May to
October. With a picturesque view
of the castle and Lake Chiemsee,
this is a wonderful place for a
stroll. Horse-drawn carriages run
from the ferry dock to the castle.
The Hall of Mirrors at Herrenchiemsee
Ludwig II and
His Castles
“Kini's” building mania began in
1867. At first, he concentrated
his efforts in Munich, where he
redesigned his private palace
apartments. But he was already
planning his fairy-tale castles. In
1868, he developed the plans
for Linderhof - the only castle to
to be completed. After work start-
ed at Neuschwanstein in 1869, Ludwig focused
entirely on the Hohenschwangau region. Construction
on Herrenchiemsee Castle began in 1878; Ludwig
spent a mere nine days there. Projects were planned
for Munich too, including a festival hall for Wagner
operas (of which a smaller version was built in
Bayreuth in 1876). By 1886, Ludwig was in debt by
14 million marks. With bankruptcy looming, the King
was removed from power, and died shortly thereafter.
Top 10 Events in the
Life of Ludwig II
1 25 August 1845: Birth
2 1864: Ascends throne
3 1864: First encounters
Richard Wagner
4 1866: Defeated by the
Prussians
5 1867: Engaged to and
unengaged from Sophie
6 1869: Start of construc-
tion at Neuschwanstein
7 1870-71: Franco-
Prussian War
8 1873: Purchases
Herrenchiemsee Island
9 9 June 1886: Declared
unfit to rule
0 13 June 1886: Drowns
in Lake Starnberg
Ludwig II (1865) by
F. von Piloty
Fountain with gilded statues, Linderhof Park
31
For further information on Herrenchiemsee Castle, visit
www.herren-chiemsee.de
