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Linderhof Palace

12 Linderhof, Ettal, Bayern

Description

Linderhof Palace was one of King Ludwig II of Bavaria's three palaces; it was built to replace a structure inherited from his father (the Königshäuschen) in 1874-86 in the village of Ettal close to Oberammergau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Southern Bavaria. The design is heavily inspired from the Chateau of Versailles (France), including the incorporation of the symbol of the sun to represent an absolute monarchy (the King's ideal but no longer the norm in Western Europe), but stylistically the palace has heavy Rococo notes that can be seen on the main facade, the statues in the park as well as in the various rooms' decoration. The most striking room is the Hall of Mirrors which the King used as a drawing room, especially at nights with candle lights reflecting off the mirrors. The park was designed by Carl von Effner and combines Renaissance and Baroque garden elements. It includes several buildings such as the Moorish Kiosk and the Venus Grotto.

Access & Transport

The Palace is situated in the Graswang Valley, near the village of Ettal. By car from Munich, it is a 95km / 1h30 drive on the A95 motorway / B2 to Oberau. Once there, follow the signs to road B23 (Ettaler Straße) and outside Ettal turn left to the road St2060. Alternatively, take the train to Oberammergau and then bus 9622 to Linderhof.

Instructions & Recommendations

A visit to Linderhof Palace is only possible as part of a guided tour. Tours with a maximum of 40 guests take place every 5-10 minutes

Meta review

Although it is smaller and not as well-known as the other castles from King Ludwig II, many visitors comment that this was their favourite of the three palaces - in line with the King's own preference! The highlights include the opulent decoration of the few rooms open to tourists and the beautiful gardens, which draws the consistent comment that it is much better to visit in the spring or summer when the Park is open.

Environmental & Social

The gardens are a positive but not the energy consumption required to operate the palace. This activity helps preserve the region's cultural and architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Linderhof Palace cannot compare in scale to some of the more famous estates in Germany or other European countries, but it has charm in spades with richly decorated rooms (few of them, granted) and a pleasantly landscaped garden with interesting structures / pavilions. If you are spending some time in the Bavarian Alps around Garmisch-Partenkirchen this makes for a nice half-day cultural activity.

Key positive

Beautiful setting and gardens

Family friendly Palace visit

Key negative

Not many rooms to see and short in historical background

Not as impressive in the winter

Suitability

Accessible to wheelchair users; there is a mobile stair climbing aid between the ground and first floors

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, Shrove Tuesday, 24 & 25 Dec, 31 Dec.

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:2h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 23

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 16

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 16:30

TUESDAY10:00 - 16:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 16:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 16:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 16:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 16:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 16:30

Pricing
Price for the Palace + Park but in winter only the palace can be visited so price is reduced by 1€
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€9
Adult
18 - 64
€10
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Most students can enter for free (ID required)

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