A three-hour hike each way from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the King's House in Schachen, the exquisite "hunting" lodge of King Ludwig II (the king was opposed to hunting, but that was the accepted name for country retreats such as this).
Built between 1869 and 1872 on the Schachen Alp, this relatively small wooden palace was designed to resemble a Swiss chalet and was a favorite of the king, who celebrated his birthday here each August.
Highlights include its five lower-level living rooms with their exquisite wood paneling, while upstairs the main focal point is the fabulous Turkish Hall with its stained glass windows, rich embroideries, and fancy candelabra.
