Linderhof Castle
Linderhof Castle (Schloss Linderhof), completed in 1878, is another extravaganza created by Bavarian King Ludwig II. Inspired by the palaces of France, combined with swirly Bavarian gold and white, a dash of the Orient, Linderhof is unique. Along with the royal palace is a large park, including the Venus Grotto, an artificial cave with stalactites and lit-up lake.
Royal Palace - In the Royal Palace, walk through rooms covered with tapestries and velvet hangings, murals on the ceilings, white cherubs here and there, and gilded furniture galore. Ludwig's Bedchamber with gigantic crystal chandelier and royal blue colors will provide ideas for decorating at home. In the Hall of Mirrors, Ludwig liked to read by candlelight.
Visiting the Palace is by guided tour only (tour is about 25 min.), no strollers inside, tickets with timed entry.
Linderhof Park - The park has lots to explore, with fountains, cascades, swans gliding on ponds.
Neptune Fountain - A Cascade flows down over 30 steps into the fountain, adorned with a splashy statue of the sea god Neptune.Venus Grotto - If the Venus Grotto looks like an over-the-top Broadway stage set, it's because it is in a way. Ludwig, a patron of the composer Richard Wagner, designed the grotto based on a set for the opera Tannhauser.The colored lighting for the Grotto was very high tech for its day - it was powered by electricity.
Moorish Kiosk - Inside the gold-domed pavillion, kids will be impressed with the Peacock Throne, three glittering peacocks surround the throne!Tip: Linderhof Castle is smaller than Neuschwanstein Castle, but has Linderhof Park, which is great for kids to run around at their own pace. The Royal Palace is open daily, the Grotto, Moorish Kiosk and Moroccan House are closed October to March.
