There are many remarkable attractions in Germany, but few match the uniqueness of The King’s House at Schachen, perched about 5,900 feet above sea level in the Wetterstein range of the Bavarian Alps.
© Courtesy of Schloss Elmau
Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site together with three other 19th-century Bavarian castles commissioned by King Ludwig II, the King’s House at Schachen is open to visitors from June through October. It is reachable only through a 300-acre nature reserve that surrounds the property. That reserve also hosts the luxury Schloss Elmau, a spa retreat and hotel that has twice welcomed world leaders during G7 meetings. A small entrance fee of €5 (cash only) applies to visits to the King’s House.
“The Schachenhaus and its garden surpass imagination,” says Dietmar Müller-Elmau, the owner of Schloss Elmau and grandson of its founder. He notes that guests can reach the site in about 60 minutes by e-mountain bike or after a more leisurely 3.5-hour hike, enjoying alpine scenery along the way.
© Courtesy of Schloss Elmau
King Ludwig II, famed creator of Neuschwanstein Castle, commissioned Schachen in 1872 to celebrate his 26th birthday. His ambition was to craft a space of contrasts and liberty, blending Bavarian, Oriental and Indian influences within a single building set amid untouched alpine nature. Alongside the structure, Ludwig planned an eclectic garden planted with rare mountain flora collected from around the world.
© Courtesy of Schloss Elmau
Schloss Elmau itself sits in a sweeping high valley between the Zugspitze and Karwendel mountains. Originally built in 1916, the estate has evolved into a celebrated retreat combining luxury hospitality with cultural programming. Following a reopening in 2007 that introduced Japanese design elements, the property now offers 115 rooms, multiple dining options, a children’s club and a well-regarded bookshop. In 2015 the Spa Retreat was added, featuring 47 suites, three restaurants, extensive spa facilities, a gym and a yoga pavilion.
The retreat includes several large pools and spa areas designed for both families and adults-only experiences, and it supports seasonal outdoor activities like hiking and winter sports. Schloss Elmau is also known for its vibrant cultural calendar, hosting concerts and events that attract visitors seeking both relaxation and enriching artistic programs.