Schachenhaus

The Schachenhaus is a mountain hut and alpine guesthouse located at 1,866 metres above sea level in the Wettersteingebirge of Bavaria, Germany, directly beside the Königshaus am Schachen. It was built around 1870 together with the royal house as its associated economic buildings during the reign of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Since then it has served as a refuge and dining destination for hikers and visitors to the area. The property belongs to the Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Bavarian Administration of State Palaces, Gardens and Lakes) and is currently operated by the Leitenbauer family. The hut offers 53 sleeping places and is typically open from late May or early June until early to mid-October, with no winter room available. It is a popular base for exploring the surrounding Wettersteingebirge, the royal house, the alpine garden founded around 1900, and the Schachensee. Access is possible via several marked trails, including the Königsweg from Elmau (about 3.5 hours) and routes from Mittenwald or Partenkirchen. The Schachenhaus is also suitable for celebrations and group events. In June 2025, the area was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hut emphasises sustainability, for example by offering refillable 'Marschwasser' instead of plastic bottles and providing heated drying rooms for wet gear. Guests are asked to arrive by 17:30, and the kitchen closes at 18:00. The Königshaus am Schachen will close on 27 September 2026 for surveying work, with the last overnight stay on 2 October 2026 and the last day of catering on 4 October 2026.

The Schachenhaus was built around 1870 together with the Königshaus am Schachen, a royal residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. During King Ludwig's time, the buildings of the Schachenhaus served as the economic or utility buildings belonging to the royal house. In 1911, a stone building was added to the complex. The hut has been owned by the Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Bavarian Administration of State Palaces, Gardens and Lakes) and has operated as a mountain guesthouse for hikers and visitors. It offers 53 sleeping places and is typically open from late May or early June until early to mid-October, with no winter room. The surrounding area includes the botanical alpine garden established around 1900, which is an outpost of the Munich Botanical Garden, and the Schachensee, located about 200 metres below the hut. In June 2025, the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hut is currently run by the Leitenbauer family, who emphasise sustainability and hospitality. The Königshaus am Schachen is scheduled to close on 27 September 2026 for surveying work, with the last overnight stay on 2 October 2026 and the last day of catering on 4 October 2026.

• 2026

  Königshaus am Schachen to close on 27 September for surveying; last overnight stay 2 October; last catering day 4 October.

• 2025

  The area was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June.

• 1911

  A stone building was added to the Schachenhaus complex.

• 1900

  The botanical alpine garden was established around this time as an outpost of the Munich Botanical Garden.

• 1870

  Built together with the Königshaus am Schachen as economic buildings.

A historic, state-owned mountain hut offering rustic hospitality and a unique cultural and natural experience in the Wettersteingebirge.

• Overnight stays

  53 sleeping places available in rooms and dormitories; bed linen provided in rooms, wool blankets in dormitories; guests in dormitories must bring their own hut sleeping bag or purchase one for €20.

• Alpine dining

  Warm meals served; kitchen closes at 18:00; guests asked to arrive by 17:30.

• Group and event hosting

  The hut is well suited for celebrations and groups.

• Refillable drinking water

  Guests can refill water bottles with 'Marschwasser' (still or sparkling) for €2 per half litre; only table water available during stay; no plastic bottles.

1. 1Schachenhaus im Wettersteingebirge, Königshaus, Alpengartenschachenhaus.de
2. 2Schachenhaus - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
3. 3Schachenhaus - Wikidatawikidata.org