The castle is nothing like I expected. Since I’m in Bavaria, I had visions of towering spires and fairytale turrets, but as I push through the last few hundred metres of climb on my bike and Schachen Castle comes into view, I find myself gazing upon a Swiss-style lodge. The picturesque, if somewhat bizarre, structure was built in 1869 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat, allowing him to enjoy the stunning landscapes and the exquisite solitude of the mountains. Indeed, the views from Schachen across the border to Austria are breathtaking.
Inside, things get even stranger. The Turkish Hall is filled with opulent Moorish decor, blending Indian, Baroque and Oriental influences, which contrast with the simple Bavarian interiors on the ground floor. It’s all rather eccentric – a bit like King Ludwig II himself.
