Schleissheim Palace

Three buildings stand in line here across a formal park: the Old Palace of 1617, the New Palace begun in 1701, and Lustheim, a small garden palace of 1684 set at the far end beyond a canal. Elector Max Emanuel began the New Palace expecting to become emperor; the wars went against him, funds ran out, and the intended four wings were reduced to one very long block, finished decades later. Its grand staircase and Great Hall are among the most complete baroque interiors in Bavaria. Lustheim holds a large collection of Meissen porcelain. A flying field beside the park houses an aviation museum.

The main sights

• The three palaces - Old, New and Lustheim on one long axis.
• The Great Hall - a complete baroque interior in the New Palace.
• The Meissen collection - early porcelain displayed in Lustheim.
• The canal park - formal gardens with water running the full axis.

When to go

April to October for the gardens and fountains; palaces close Mondays and keep shorter winter hours. The park is free and open all year.

What to expect

The New Palace is only a fragment of what was planned. Each building has its own ticket. Distances across the park are long.

Nearby

Munich lies south; Dachau is west.

Key facts