SCHLOSS LINDERHOF

Linderhof is probably the most beautiful of the three residences built by Ludwig of Bavaria. In the past, there was only a simple hunting lodge on the site where the famous castle is located today, nicknamed "royal villa" because of its small size. This little architectural marvel fits perfectly into this idyllic mountain landscape. The park elegantly blends elements of French Baroque with those of an English landscape garden. When you climb the steps to the Venustempel, the view is fantastic.

Linderhof is in fact the only one of his three major building projects that Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886) was able to complete (1878) and it was also his favorite residence. The king lived here for a total of 8 years, if we take the sum of all his stays at Linderhof. Having visited the castle and the park, one can understand why Ludwig II was so fond of this place, which exudes tranquility and magic and never ceases to stimulate the imagination. The park is home to a multitude of fascinating buildings such as the Moroccan house, the Moorish kiosk and the Venus grotto (currently closed until further notice due to construction). This huge artificial grotto was equipped with an ultramodern electric lighting for the time, which had multicolored and exchangeable glass prefixes, which allowed to immerse the space in different lights and atmospheres.

A visit to Linderhof Palace itself is only possible with a guide and should not be missed. Inside, everything is decorated in rococo style. You will discover an opulent and refined ornamentation with precious materials from all over the world: porcelain from Meißen and Nymphenburg, vases from Sèvres, clocks from Neuchâtel, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, ivory from India, etc. A French innovation from the 18th century was incorporated into the castle's royal dining room, a "table couvre-toi" that worked with a crank that had to be turned to raise and lower the table. Perfect for not disturbing the king in his reverie. Another French heritage awaits you in the hall on the first floor: a statue of Louis XIV! Admired by Louis II, the Sun King was his idol and inspiration. This wonderment can be found in the impressive bedroom of Ludwig II of Bavaria. The rococo splendor of each room is simply fantastic, but nothing surpasses the sumptuousness of the Hall of Mirrors at the end of the visit.