UNESCO World Heritage Site Linderhof Palace

History:

Even as a young man, Ludwig II went hunting with his father in the Graswang Valley. He already lived at that time in the hunting lodge that would later become Linderhof Palace.

With Linderhof Palace, Ludwig II created a dream world in which he could live like a real king. After his defeat in the war against the Prussians in 1866, Ludwig II was still king, but no longer sovereign. In his palace, which was built as an alternative world, he could still live like a king.

The castle and park, named "Linderhof" after an estate belonging to Ettal Abbey, were built between 1869 and 1878. Of the former abbey estate, only the old chapel, where Ludwig II often prayed, remains today. He did not demolish his father's familiar hunting lodge, around which his castle was built, but instead moved it to its current location in the park, where it stands today as the "King's Cottage."

Linderhof Castle follows the type of “pleasure castle” that emerged in France in the 18th century and was soon built in castle parks throughout Europe. The magnificent furnishings are a mixture of French and Bavarian Rococo. However, Ludwig was by no means creating a copy of models but rather something new and his own. Among other things, he cleverly made use of optical illusions and, for example, made rooms appear larger using mirrors. Even for a monarch, the exquisite rooms are furnished in a most spectacular way, and the quality of the craftsmanship is beyond comparison.

Ludwig II was a loner and created his own empire with Linderhof Palace, his castle for himself alone. The fact that Linderhof Castle was built only for one person who wanted to be alone as much as possible can be seen from the size of the rooms. The much-admired “Tischleindeckdich,” which stands in the dining room, is also an example of how much Ludwig II valued solitude. This unusual “dumbwaiter” could be set up directly in the kitchen and then travel directly back into the dining room via a hatch in the floor. So the monarch dined undisturbed and looked at the portrait of the beautiful Madame Du Barry.

parks

The castle grounds are no less impressive than the castle itself. The park combines elements of French and Italian Baroque gardens with those of the English landscape garden. Baroque features include the terraces along the central axis of the castle, with their water basins, fountains, statues, and vases; the geometric flowerbeds; the pergolas; the long cascade with the Neptune fountain; and the two focal points: the pavilion and the Temple of Venus. The naturalistic, irregular design of the surrounding park, with its exotic structures, is modeled on English landscape gardens.

The park buildings are something very special, reflecting Ludwig II's enthusiasm for oriental fashion and Richard Wagner's musical dramas. These come from the oriental fashion that has existed since the early 19th century and which Ludwig II also cultivated Moroccan house and Moorish kiosk. The three stage sets erected in the park Hunding hut (I. Act of “Walkyrie”), Hermitage of Gurnemanz (III act of “Parsifal”) and Venus Grotto (Act I of “Tannhäuser”) comes from Richard Wagner’s dramas. They can all be visited individually and each building is a small world in itself.

Linderhof castle, park and park building form one of the most artistic ensembles of the entire 19th century, a true work of art. The park's architect, Carl von Effner, also brilliantly incorporated the magnificent mountain landscape. The park paths lead up to the mountain peaks.

Venus Grotto

The Venus Grotto is an artificial stalactite cave that Ludwig II had built in the Linderhof Palace Park. An underground lake, a waterfall, thrones, and lighting in intense colors brought his fantasy worlds to life. You can read more about this unique structure here .

Guided Tours

Guided tours in German and English take place approximately every 10 to 15 minutes (duration approx. 25 minutes); special tours are available upon request.
Ticket booking via https://www.schlosslinderhof.de/
Please book tickets in advance, as buying tickets at the ticket center on site can result in very long waiting times on the same day.

Opening hours and prices

Opening hours and prices can be found on the website www.schlosslinderhof.de

Accessibility information:

Wheelchair users should register their visit in advance at the castle cash desk and a mobile stair climbing aid will be set up. Wheelchairs and walkers can also be rented at the castle ticket office. Disabled toilets in the car park and near the castle (in winter only at the castle).

Note for KönigsCard holders:
Royal cottage in the Linderhof palace gardens
1 x daily free admission to the exhibition: "From Lynder Farm to the Castle"

Linderhof Palace is one of the castles of King Ludwig II. (Neuschwanstein Castle, Royal House at Schachen, Herrenchiemsee) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.