Experience the Best of Salzburg on a Day Trip from Munich
May 26, 2025
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Tucked away in a lush valley of the Ammergau Alps, Linderhof Castle is a jewel of Bavaria—small but dazzling, intimate yet extravagant. It was the favorite palace of King Ludwig II, the dreamer king who built Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee. Unlike those grand projects, Linderhof was completed during his lifetime, allowing him to fully enjoy his personal paradise of solitude.
Inspired by French Rococo architecture, the castle reflects Ludwig’s fascination with Versailles and the Sun King, Louis XIV. Gilded walls, shimmering mirrors, and ornate chandeliers fill the Hall of Mirrors, while the Venus Grotto—a man-made cave with an underground lake—brings Wagnerian operas to life. Outside, the stunning gardens unfold in perfect harmony, with fountains, terraces, and exotic pavilions creating a magical escape worthy of a king.
If you love romance, history, and breathtaking scenery, Linderhof is a must-visit!
Linderhof began as a humble hunting lodge, originally built by King Maximilian II, Ludwig’s father. But when Ludwig II inherited it, he had a grander vision—transforming it into a miniature Versailles, a private retreat where he could escape reality and live out his royal fantasies.
From 1869 to 1886, Linderhof was continuously redesigned and expanded, evolving into the only palace Ludwig saw completed before his mysterious death. The king rarely received guests here; instead, he dined alone in the “magic table” room, where a table was lowered into the kitchen and returned laden with gourmet meals—so he could eat undisturbed, imagining himself in a different era.
Ludwig’s fascination with mythology, music, and the Sun King is visible in every detail of Linderhof. The Venus Grotto—an artificial cave lit by the first-ever electric lighting system in Bavaria—was built for Ludwig to drift in a golden swan boat, reliving scenes from his beloved Wagner operas.
After Ludwig’s untimely passing in 1886, Linderhof became a site of intrigue, admired for its lavish beauty and the tragic, lonely king who built it. Today, it stands as a testament to Ludwig’s wild imagination, a fairytale retreat frozen in time.
Linderhof is located in Ettal, Bavaria, about 100 km from Munich. Here’s how you can get there:
By Car: Take the A95 motorway from Munich towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then follow signs to Ettal and Linderhof. Parking is available near the castle.
By Train & Bus: Take a train from Munich to Oberammergau (via Murnau). From there, Bus 9622 takes you directly to Linderhof.
By Tour: For a stress-free trip, consider a guided VisitBavaria tour —sit back, relax, and enjoy the Alpine beauty while learning the castle’s hidden stories!
Adults: €10.00
Children (under 18): Free
Discounted (students, seniors): €9.00
Combination Ticket (includes Herrenchiemsee & Neuschwanstein, valid for 6 months): €31.00
April to October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
November to March: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred tour time.
Visit during autumn or winter for a magical, less crowded experience.
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