Herrenchiemsee

About

Only accessible by ferry, this island retreat was built more as a ‘Temple to Fame’ rather than a residence. As expected of the man known as ‘Bavaria’s fairytale king’, the stunning interior is pure extravagance, boasting the most opulent of décor. While you'll pass through room after decadently-decorated room, nothing can truly prepare you for the sight that is the Great Hall of Mirrors, an amazing 1,000 feet ‘tunnel of light’ that runs the entire length of the garden and is an almost perfect copy of the Galerie des Glaces in Versailles. Once you have your breath back from this show of affluence, come back down to earth with a visit to the Ludwig II Museum that contains fascinating artifacts from the reign of one of history’s more eccentric characters, and humble yourself at the Augustinian canon seminary with its abbey buildings. Default stop time is for the ferry ride and tour - if you'd like to linger a little longer, just add some time!