Munich is surrounded by beautiful castles, with the most famous being Neuschwanstein, also known as Swan Castle. Not many people are aware of the existence of Herrenchiemsee, a castle built by King Ludwig II, the same king who built Neuschwanstein. This never completed replica of the Palace of Versailles is situated in Herreninsel, 1 of the 3 islands around Chiemsee lake, and makes a good day trip away from Munich.
I visited the area on a summer Sunday on my back to Munich from Budapest. As there is no direct train from Budapest to Prien am Chiemsee, I had to transfer to another train in Salzburg. From Prien am Chiemsee train station, you can either take the steam train or walk to Chiemsee lake. I decided to take a walk along the beautiful and quiet neighborhood since the timing of the train did not match my schedule.
Steam Train
Always love the Austrian houses - full of blooming flowers in the balcony
Reaching the Chiemsee lake after a 20mins walk
I bought the ferry ticket for the boat tour (Island Tour West), which allows me to visit Herreninsel, and Fraueninsel, where an old monastery is located. Do take note of the ferry timings to avoid being stranded on the islands.
On board the ferry - this is the lower deck to escape the wind or sun
Arriving at Herreninsel
Herrenchiemsee is a 10 mins walk from the ferry terminal, and you can easily follow the signage to reach the castle. It was drizzling when I reached, but this did not dampen my spirit; instead, it highlighted the mystery surrounding the life of King Ludwig II, who spend his fortune building castles, and his rather abrupt death, which halted the construction of this castle.
Herrenchiemsee
Coffee break while waiting for the tour to start
I joined the English tour where an English speaking guide bought us to the interior of the castle and explained the history in details. As compared to Neuschwanstein, this castle tour gave me a deeper insights on the life of King Ludwig, and the luxurious interior left me in awed. Unfortunately, no photo taking is allowed during the tour.
The sun came out after the tour, allowing me to take more photos of this beautiful castle.
Another mode of transport to & fro the ferry terminal
View of Fraueninsel from Herreninsel
I visited Fraueninsel next, the second biggest island (after Herreninsel) around Chiemsee, where a monastery stands since thousand of years ago. The monastery is just next to the ferry terminal.
On the way to Fraueninsel
Arriving Fraueninsel
Benedictine nunnery built in year 782
As the sun returns after a downpour, Chiemsee becomes even more charming against the clear blue sky with view of the mountains in a distance.
This ended my weekend getaway trip to Budapest and Chiemsee, while another working week awaits for me in Munich.
Going back to Munich via the regional train
Prien am Chiemsee station
