Mad King Ludwig's Hunting Lodge--The Schachen
A Unique Mountain Retreat High in the Bavarian Alps
Dec 19, 2008
Bavaria’s most famous nobleman, King Ludwig II, known for his extravagant tastes and famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, also had a hunting lodge built in the Bavarian Alps outside of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The site, only reachable by a long hike, offers daily tours and a place to stay during the summer months.
King Ludwig II
King Ludwig II, born Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm, served as the King of Bavaria from 1964 until his mysterious death in 1886. Born to Maximillian II and Princess Marie of Prussia in Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace, Ludwig became the King of Bavaria at just 18 years of age when his father died after a short illness. Ludwig is best known for his eccentric life, mysterious death, and extravagant castles.
The King had an extremely close relationship with the opera composer, Richard Wagner, and some historians point to evidence that the King struggled with his sexuality throughout his life. An inquiry into his mental health led some psychiatrists to diagnose the King with paranoia and after being relieved of his duties as King, Ludwig mysteriously disappeared while on a walk with the chief of the Munich Asylum near Lake Starnberg outside of Munich. Their bodies were found later in the night and the King’s death was ruled a suicide, although some believe it was murder or even death by natural causes.
The King’s castles , Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Herrenchiemsee, are his greatest legacy, however. Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and all three are very popular tourist sites.
The Hunting Lodge
King Ludwig’s Hunting Lodge, the Schachen, however, is not visited as often—mostly because a visit requires a minimum 3 hour hike—but is another extravagantly designed building developed for the King. Although the Schachen is known as a hunting lodge, the King mostly used it for birthday celebrations and other parties.
The lodge is located high in the Alps and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. With a modest exterior, the interior reveals the King’s unique tastes with the entire second floor modeled after a Turkish Hall with stained glass windows, ornate peacocks, and lavish pillows and fabrics.
According to the building’sofficial website , tours are offered daily between the beginning of June and the end of October at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tours are in German, however, many of the tour guides speak English and are more than willing to assist English-speaking visitors. King Ludwig’s birthday on August 24th is always a big celebration with special tours, a large dinner, and fireworks.
A hike to the lodge can start in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Elmau, depending on the path and how much hiking a visitor wants to do. A hut across from the lodge offers hearty meals, cold drinks, and a large room with cots if one wishes to rest before making the hike back down.
Practical Tips
- Make reservations early if planning to stay in the hut, particularly for the King’s birthday celebration.
- Signs are well-placed for the hike, but a map is also important.
- Follow all the necessary precautions when hiking including bringing water and snacks, informing others of your plans, and recognizing your own limits.
 |
 |
