Herrenchiemsee Festival
World-class classical music festival in the Hall of Mirrors at Herrenchiemsee Palace
About Herrenchiemsee Festival
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Classical Music at the Royal Palace
The Herrenchiemsee Festival combines world-class music with one of Germany's most spectacular venues: the Hall of Mirrors at Herrenchiemsee Palace, Ludwig II's never-completed royal palace on the Herreninsel in Lake Chiemsee. The festival takes place every July and is among the artistically most significant classical music festivals in the state of Bavaria, in the district of Rosenheim.
Artistic Focus
The focus is on early music, interpreted by internationally acclaimed ensembles and soloists. The programs span broad arcs through European music history, driven by the idea of Europe, the values of humanism, and a diversity of art and culture. Patrons of the festival are His Royal Highness Duke Franz of Bavaria and conductor Kent Nagano.
The Venues
Performances are held in the Hall of Mirrors at Herrenchiemsee Palace, whose opulent architecture provides an unparalleled concert setting, as well as in the Frauenmünster church on Fraueninsel. Both islands are accessible only by boat, making a visit to the festival a small excursion into the unique Chiemsee landscape.
Renowned Ensembles
Top ensembles specializing in historical performance practice, such as Concentus Musicus Wien, Europa Galante, Il Pomo d'Oro, the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, Concerto Köln, Hofkapelle München, and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra, are regularly invited guests. Concerts usually begin at 7 PM, often preceded by a pre-concert talk at 6 PM.
Atmosphere
The combination of first-class music, the fairytale-like setting of the royal palace, and the boat journey across Lake Chiemsee creates an atmosphere that has made the festival renowned far beyond the region.
Herrenchiemsee Festival — edition 2026
For its 25th anniversary edition, the Herrenchiemsee Festival, from July 14 to 26, 2026, will be held under the motto "Removed from the World" (Der Welt entrückt), paying tribute to King Ludwig II. The program spans broad arcs through European music history – from Mozart's travels to Gustav Mahler and Frédéric Chopin, culminating in Beethoven's 9th Symphony with Friedrich Schiller's "Ode to Joy" as a grand finale. Top ensembles specializing in historical performance practice will be guests. Concerts usually begin at 7 PM.
Programme Herrenchiemsee Festival 2026
Opening Weekend
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 7:00 PM — Kreuzstab Cantata
- Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 7:00 PM — Gloria in excelsis Deo
- Thursday, July 16, 2026, 7:00 PM — Early Mastery
- Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:00 PM — Mozart's Travels
Festival Program until July 26, 2026
The program follows Mozart's travels through Europe and explores the diversity of European musical cultures from Gustav Mahler to Frédéric Chopin. The grand finale will be Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the final movement based on Schiller's "Ode to Joy."
Guest Ensembles
- Concentus Musicus Wien
- Europa Galante
- Il Pomo d'Oro
- Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century
- Concerto Köln
- Hofkapelle München
- Finnish Baroque Orchestra
- Kent Nagano (Conductor and Patron)
The venues are the Hall of Mirrors at Herrenchiemsee Palace and the Frauenmünster church on Fraueninsel. The complete concert program with all soloists will be published on the festival website.
Highlights Herrenchiemsee Festival 2026
- 25th anniversary edition under the motto "Removed from the World"
- Opening with the Kreuzstab Cantata on July 14
- Mozart's travels through Europe as a central theme
- Grand finale with Beethoven's 9th Symphony
- Concerts in the Hall of Mirrors at Herrenchiemsee Palace and the Frauenmünster church
Prices Herrenchiemsee Festival 2026
Practical information — Herrenchiemsee Festival
Getting There
The starting point is Prien am Chiemsee in the Rosenheim district, easily accessible by train. From Prien-Stock, the Chiemsee-Schifffahrt boats operate to Herreninsel and Fraueninsel; the venues are exclusively accessible by boat.
Tickets
Advance ticket sales for 2026 will begin on December 3, 2025, via the festival website and ticket partners. Early booking is recommended due to limited seating capacity.
Tip
Allow ample time for the boat trip and the walk on the island when planning your concert visit.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Herrenchiemsee Festival
Spiegelsaal Schloss Herrenchiemsee / Frauenmünster
Schloss Herrenchiemsee, 83209 Prien a.Chiemsee