Extravagance and passion for the East are typified by the Turkish Room in an exceptional palatial chalet set in jaw-dropping mountainous scenery.
The King’s House on Schachen is a quaint and elegant wooden structure at the top of a green peak in the Wetterstein mountain massif. At a height of 6,122 feet (1,866 meters), the building provides stunning views of the surrounding summits that were fit for King Ludwig II. Bring your binoculars and cameras to fully appreciate these extraordinary vistas.
Enter the site and appreciate how the elegant exterior resembling a typical Swiss chalet contrasts with the world of Baroque décor and extravagance within. Once inside, you’ll feel as though you’re in an affluent French villa. Admire the period furnishings, as you look around the five residences of the first floor.
Marvel at the opulence of the Turkish Hall, whose Asian design provides an insight into the king’s penchant for Eastern cultures. Gold-leaf frames and Baroque chandeliers hover over intricate carpets, while candles and incense sticks fill the air with exotic aromas. In earlier times, servants smoked hookahs here while dressed in traditional Eastern costumes.
Consider the intriguing history of the chalet-like construction, which was built for King Ludwig II to be able to enjoy the picturesque mountains vistas in utter serenity. Cross-country ski through the area in winter, when the closed chalet is covered in thick snow.
The site is open from early June to early October, with exact dates depending on snow conditions. Buy a ticket to get in and see if you qualify for reduced fees. Guided tours of the site are available several times each day in German.
The King’s House on Schachen is located on the German-Austrian border in the southern limits of Bavaria. Drive south from the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for 7 miles (11 kilometers) to reach this site on the Wetterstein mountain massif in about 40 minutes. Explore the stunning surroundings for the natural attractions of the Höllentalklamm Gorge, the Partnach Gorge and the Alpspix viewing deck.
