The lavish train of King Ludwig II, known for its opulence and comfort, is currently undergoing restoration in Nuremberg. With plush toilet seats and heated armchairs, this royal transport is receiving the care it deserves to preserve its historical significance.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria is famous for his magnificent castles, such as Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee. However, he also preferred luxurious travel, prompting the redesign of the Bavarian royal train in the 1860s in the style of French Baroque. The train’s salon and terrace cars have been preserved and can be admired at the DB Museum in Nuremberg. To ensure their longevity, these precious exhibits are currently being restored right in the midst of the exhibition.
Expert restoration work in progress
In recent weeks, restorers have carefully cleaned the numerous gilded ornaments on and within the train cars using foam. The upholstery of the armchairs, sofa, and heated toilet seat has been cleaned and repaired to prevent moth holes or worn areas from worsening. On this particular day, experts are using fine brushes to touch up damaged spots on the furniture and the exterior of the cars.
Julia Richter, a conservator at the DB Museum, explains, “Our goal is maximum preservation of the substance and minimal intervention.” She emphasizes that the age of the cars should still be visible. The restoration is expected to be completed in the coming days.
A royal legacy: “Versailles on wheels”
The salon car of Ludwig II earned the nickname “Versailles on wheels,” according to museum expert Stefan Ebenfeld. “It truly resembles a rolling royal palace.” The royal train consisted of eight deep blue cars, six of which were designated for the entourage, servants, kitchens, and luggage.
During the renovation of the salon car, Ludwig II drew inspiration from his great idol, the French King Louis XIV. “However, the historical allusions were already somewhat outdated at that time,” Ebenfeld notes. Ludwig II was also known as the “fairy tale king” because he often retreated into romantic dream worlds.
After the monarchy ended, the salon and terrace cars were moved to the museum in Nuremberg. However, a bomb damaged the building during World War II, Richter states. Subsequently, looters stole paintings, furniture, and anything else of value from the salon car. In the 1950s, the furnishings were restored based on old plans and drawings, but the originals have since been lost.
