From the walkers’ car park near Elmau Castle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen the Königsweg trail leads across the lush green meadows of the Wetterstein Alm and up to the Schachen. The ascent to this popular viewpoint in the Wetterstein mountains takes three and a half to four hours. After ten kilometres, walkers arrive at their destination at an altitude of 1,866 metres. On a plateau just above the tree line, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, they see the warm honey colours of the royal mountain cabin of Ludwig II: the King’s House on Schachen. Here, in the heart of the natural scenery of the Northern Limestone Alps, visitors enter a different world. They are on the trail of Bavarian nobility, and at the same time find themselves in a fairy tale from A Thousand And One Nights.
Lodge manager Marianne Leitenbauer
A touch of the Orient in the Bavarian mountains
Not far from the royal house Marianne Leitenbauer welcomes you in the Schachenhaus with culinary delicacies and a great view over the Bavarian Alps
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
© www.bayern.by - Peter von Felbert
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
Imperial splendour in the Wetterstein mountains
The picturesque surroundings of the Schachen and Reintal Nature Reserve have always fascinated locals and visitors – and they did not go unnoticed by the aristocracy either. In 1869 Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, had a vision: He decided to build a palace on the Schachen Alp. Here, from that time on, he would celebrate his birthdays and name days on 25th August and enjoy the high mountains. The King’s House on Schachen was duly built in 1872 in country house style, according to plans drawn up by architect Georg von Dollmann.
Unlike other magnificent buildings built by the Fairy Tale King, this edifice seems rather simple and modest. But appearances can be deceptive: While the bedchamber and work room are furnished with simple oak furniture, the actual splendour of this wooden construction is revealed in the upper floor: A spiral staircase takes visitors step by step into the “Turkish Hall” – and transports them to an Oriental kingdom: gilded walls, a fountain in the middle of the room, colourful windows, peacock feathers. Stars sparkle on the ceiling, which is dominated by a huge, golden chandelier. With his hunting lodge on the Schachen, Ludwig II created a unique contrast: an Oriental dream world in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.
Cosy and rustic: Refreshments in the Schachenhaus
The monarch built his servants’ quarters a three-minute walk from the lodge. This is where his staff cooked and slept, ready to serve his Majesty at all hours of the day and night. Today, the so-called Schachenhaus is a mountain cabin. Marianne Leitenbauer has run the place for twelve years. “It was always my dream to work in a cabin,” she says.
Together with her husband Andreas and daughter Steffi, she caters to the well-being of 300 to 400 guests each day. From home-made sausages and meat from their own oxen to lamb: Boundless pleasures await gourmets in the Schachenhaus. “Visitors like to wash down the meal with traditional Bavarian beers such as a Radlerhalbe, a Russenmaß, a Helles or a wheat beer,” she explains. Those who choose not to go back down the mountain can wrap themselves in a sleeping bag and get comfortable overnight in the dormitories or bedrooms. “Most of them only stay for one night, take a look around and move on,” says Marianne Leitenbauer.
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
Places of interest on the Schachen Alp
Around the King’s House on Schachen there is plenty to discover: for example, Lake Schachensee and a viewing platform that offers a breathtaking view down into the Reintal. One highlight is the colourful Alpine garden, a branch of the Munich Botanical Gardens. Opened in 1901, and covering an area of two hectares, it offers an impressive variety of plant species – “especially in the middle of July, when everything is in bloom,” enthuses Marianne Leitenbauer. Not to forget the traditional Ludwigfeuer bonfire, which is still lit on the eve of the king’s birthday. “We have live music in the Schachenhaus and our hut is full to bursting,” she says.
Ludwig II himself used to spend ten or twelve days on Schachen, celebrating and relaxing. Today, visitors from near and far marvel at this special retreat and, like the king, let their spirits roam free in the Bavarian Orient.
© www.bayern.by - Gert Krautbauer
Marianne, your tip for …
…for a discovery tour around the Schachenhaus:
There is a lot to discover at Schachen. The castle, which you can visit on guided tours, is well worth seeing. The Alpine Garden is also beautiful – especially in mid-July when everything is in bloom. From the viewing platform you can see the entire Reintal valley and the Oberreintal and Bock huts. Or you can visit the Meilerhütte. Half an hour away is the Schachensee. When it is warm, guests go swimming in it. Otherwise the mountain lake is very cold.
… for sights in the region:
If you are loyal to the kings, visit the castle Linderhof. The ski stadium with the ski jump is also interesting. Climb the Wank, the Esterberg or have a look at the Alpspitze – we have many mountain taverns to which you can hike. And Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a beautiful old town with old houses.
