The project - the vision
The Project - The Vision
King Ludwig II of Bavaria. His castles are world-famous.
When people think of King Ludwig II, they usually picture an eccentric monarch in gala uniform or ermine cloak, his magnificent castles, and his unresolved death. As the "Fairy Tale King" of the 19th century, Ludwig II seems to have nothing to do with our modern reality. In truth, however, he was very much like us: the demands placed on him, the political and technological developments of his time—sometimes it all became too much for him. He increasingly longed for a break, for peace, for untouched nature where he could recharge. At the same time, he recognized that the beauty of the landscape was increasingly threatened. In fact, Ludwig II appears surprisingly current in this regard.
This other, less known side of Ludwig II reveals his love for nature and the mountains—especially the summit world around Kochelsee and Walchensee.
The "Mountain King"-Project of the Kochel am See region finally showcases this lesser-known side of the fairy tale king: learn more about Ludwig’s mountain residences at Herzogstand and Altlacher Hochkopf, as well as along the Bavarian Alps. Lost knowledge, new insights, and the first-ever analysis of Ludwig’s diaries regarding his stays around Kochelsee and Walchensee paint a fascinating picture of the king’s mountain world.
After the early death of King Maximilian II of Bavaria in March 1864, Ludwig II showed great interest in his father’s numerous hunting and mountain houses between Hohenschwangau and Berchtesgaden. He transferred them into his private ownership and built some new houses. This app includes descriptions and, where available, images of Ludwig II’s mountain refuges.
The complementing themed trails at Herzogstand, Altlacher Hochkopf, in Kochel am See, and Schlehdorf aim to revive awareness of the unique mountain world of Bavaria’s kings Max II and Ludwig II.
For several years, the tourism department of Kochel am See, together with Herzogstandbahn GmbH, has been planning to make Ludwig II and his unique relationship with the mountains around Herzogstand historically precise, diverse, and long-lasting. The goal is nothing less than to fill the content and historical gap in the thematic universe of King Ludwig II—filling it with identity-creating stories, both for locals, residents of the district, and, of course, for holidaymakers and day visitors walking in the king’s footsteps.
During his 22-year reign, Ludwig II spent several weeks each year between May and October in remote huts between Füssen and Lenggries, which he visited alternately. Today, one might call this a "workation" (a neologism combining "work" and "vacation"), because it was just as natural for him to continue his official duties during his stays in the mountain world as it was to enjoy multi-course menus served even in the most remote huts.
Ludwig II was popular among the mountain dwellers. His attachment to the Bavarian royal family lasted long, in some cases until today. The presence of the king provided many with livelihood. The paths and hunting lodges had to be maintained; court staff and couriers stayed in the valley—at a respectful distance from the king. Ludwig was also generous with donations. Not least because he loved his Bavarian homeland, the mountain people were devoted to him.
We wish you lots of joy and exciting insights.