Linderhof

Holly Hallam, 18, from St.Pete Florida USA, wrote:

I first went to Ludwigs "Neushwanstein" Castle. Absolutely gorgeous, I was able to go in and get a few pictures, but unfortunately the castle was unfinished due to Ludwigs mysterious death in the river not far from the Castle itself. While I was in Germany, we drove and stayed in Garmish. We visited the palace in Linderhof, also Ludwigs. The palace was very beautiful. Konig Ludwig loved gold and used a lot of it in the peaceful, angelic home. We walked up a ways to his "cave" where he would go and watch opera. He had different lights for the different moods and they were all so peaceful. I never got to go in the Frankenstein Castle but I was able to see it at night all light up at the top of a mountain. I didn't look very scary, but it was, as well as the rest beautiful. Hohenecken is where I was living. The Castle there was destroyed partly by the World War, but many times I would go up there to think and look down over the Village. It was very peaceful. Overall, Linderhof was my favorite!

Liz, from Germany, wrote:

I recently visited Linderhof, and found it would most likely be a model for my next house! The inside is so magnificent I could barely imagine living there. It seemed only for decoration! The Mirror Room is the most beautiful in the castle and has a large portion of vases collected by the King (95 to be exact). Venus's Grotto was also a particular favorite of mine. I would have loved to stay there, but unfortunately I was kind of squashed by the other tour groups. The gardens that adorne the castle show off many statues and fountains. If u ever have the chance, go to Linderhof, but beware 'englisch' tours are hard 2 come by!

Jim, 37, from Charleston, IL US, wrote:

We took the back roads (and I do mean back roads as we ended up in Austria for a while, we also had to cross a couple of streams--pretty scary in a rented Fiesta) from Neuschwanstein to Linderhof. This summer home of King Ludwig is way cool! By sure to check out the natural Air Conditioning to King L's bedroom, the Turkish Smoking house, the Blue Grotto (from composer Richard Wagner), and the Hunting Lodge. Get there first thing in the morning as it is much more impressive (you can get better pictures) before the crowds arrive. We got there early in the morning and we should have taken our pictures then. We were the first people to take the tour of the palace and by the time we were through, the place was swarming.

John Henry Architect AIA, 47, from Florida, wrote:

Our family visited Neuschwanstein and Linderhof in the late 60's. I remember the gold fountain, grotto and the luscious interiors as a child of 12. We revisited both buildings in the summer of 2000, as well as the Versailles attempt at Herrenchiemsee. Each has its merits and distinctions, but the most intimate and dreamlike character is Linderhof. It can scarcely be called a castle though. My estimate is that it is at most 14,000 SF. The first level is servant's quarters, the second dedicated to the King's pleasure. The house is really an ideal of the luxury villa. The site is terrific. On axis with a man-made mountain waterfall, the house is nestled in the cup of the bowl or valley, and the King's chamber and bed line up perfectly with views up the nearby forest. The axis continues through the house and across the pond, up to the Tempietto. This arrangement is pure classicism. While the front and rear elevations of the villa are nearly symmetrical, the sides are not. Each has a different arrangement; one side faces a lovely garden. Terracing allows level changes on the irregular topography while steps and planters allow movement as an actor in a choreographed play. The fountain is a work of art in itself. The sequence of space inside is truly a work of genius. One enters at barely an 8 foot ceiling, then proceeds up a few steps to emerge at a symmetrical double grand stair situated in a double height space, naturally lit from a skylight. The light draws you through the foyer upwards into an enfilade of rooms, each with a distinct geometry, anterooms, and individually designed interior decoration. Ceiling heights vary per room. Critics lambasted the design for many years, but time shows that they were wrong. This is the ultimate model of a 'custom home'. You may notice that the herms, or male statue figures holding up the central balcony, seem to be made of stone. Paint is chipping off of a metallic finish! I believe they, and many other details, were cast or hand worked in tin or zinc, then painted. I did not have time to visit the outer pavilions, but these serve an additional purpose in the entire scheme. One can 'escape' the main living quarters for variety and to meditate. Different themes of architecture provide different states of mind. One can do a pilgrimage around the site in fact. Such beauty and intelligence. A 'Mad' king indeed! He carefully sought out the best artists and designers to satisfy and enlarge his vision. Ludwig was constantly envisioning project after project. His mind was consumed with fantasy. And when we build beyond four walls and a simple roof, we go in his direction every time we yearn for our Dream Home.

Valerie, 20 from USA, wrote:

I went last summer to Germany and got to see Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. These two castles were the most amazing sights I have ever seen. I didn't want to leave these castles. It made me feel like I wanted to stay the night. I wouldn't mind sleeping in King Ludwig's bedroom in Linderhof. If anyone get's the chance to go to Germany, go and see Linderhof and Neuschwanstein. I had a blast and hope to go back again soon.

Elise Heininger wrote:

In October 1999 I spend three unforgettable days in Bavaria, rented two cozy rooms, very, very reasonable in Grasswang, and from there went to visit Neuschwanstein and King Ludwig's parents castle Hohenschwangau. The next day we went to King Ludwig's Linderhof.Nothing,but nothing has ever left such a deep impression on me as the visit to these two castles and the life story of the "Fairytale King" King Ludwig ll. I especially loved the Venus Grotto, and the whole story of the tragic King. You can read up on it by just writing the word "Neuschwanstein"in your Searcher. He was not a mad or crazy man, he suffered from what they now call:" Social Anxiety Disease" But when you understand, how and in what environment he grew up, then everything is clear. The third day we went to Oberammergau where they perform the Passion play. To me, that was the most beautiful area I have ever been in. I would love to go back someday. This is a beautiful world we live in. Thanks,

Chris Morrison, 31, from Cleveland Ohio, wrote:

Spent a day at Schloss (German for Castle) Linderhoff. Was thrilled and amazed at it's beauty. I was on a tour of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Liechtenstein. My tour guide Therese was incredible because her favorite history figure was in fact King Ludwig who built Schloss(es) Linderhof, Hohenschwangau, and Neuschwanstein. The gold and the beauty that you will encounter in touring Linderhoff is beyond your wildest dreams. There is a hall of mirrors that is fantastic. If you stand in the middle of it it looks like the room goes on forever. The Kiosk is very beautiful on the inside as well. The grounds are well kept and very beautiful. This was one of the highlights of my tour through this region, aside from the passion play at Oberammergau. If you ever get a chance to see that, it is worth every bit of the seven hours that you sit. Enjoy Linderhof, and God Bless!

Judy M., 52, from Houston, TX, wrote:

I was lucky enough to take my "dream trip" to Austria and Germany back in May 1992 ... one of the things to visit on the itinerary was Linderhof Castle ... I was just totally awed by the magnificent rooms, etc. ... it was well worth the wait to see this castle ... I hope to be able to go back again soon and see more of Germany and Austria, and of course, more castles ... I had plans of getting back before now but certain circumstances kept getting in my way so with any kind of luck, I will get to go again either in 2001 or 2002.

Tricia, 38 from Glendale AZ, wrote:

I was fortunate enough to visit Linderhof while living in Germany. The pictures do not do this castle justice. It is amazing to think that workers built this castle on a mountain with no vehicles or power tools or roads for that fact and the castle is as beautiful now as it was when it was new. The interiors and gardens are breathtaking. It is definitely a must see!

Joseph Elmore, 35, from Sicily wrote:

My family and I just recently toured Germany. We were able to see many castles during this tour, and even though Neuschwanstein was a "must see", Linderhof was by far the most spectacular! It does not even come close to comparing to Neuschwanstein in size, but the beauty is just indescribable. The details of the palace and the picturesque gardens are amazing. To think that something this old can continue to astound is unbelievable. Pictures do not do justice to this masterpiece.
I would very highly recommend that if you are in the area to check it out. If not, make the extra effort. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Julie C, 39, from East Coast, USA, wrote:

I saw this castle when I was in High school over 20 years ago. My favotite memories were the fountain outside that was powered by water pressure and not electricity, the beautiful Lapis Lazuli vase in the front hall, and the huge crystal ball on the chandelier. This web site helps to bring back those memories

Jerry, 25, from UK, wrote

I have been fortunate enough to visit Bavaria on many occasions and my first castle trip was obviously to the famed "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Castle". I however have no hesitation on recommending Schloss Linderhof as one of the most magical places I have ever been to.

A castle lover from USA, wrote:

I visited this castle twice at age 12 and age 14 and found it to be one of the most beautiful "fairytale like castles" I have ever seen. As a little girl I used to have dreams I was a princess with my handsome prince. Anyway, to give some information--This castle belonged to crazy King Ludwig of Bavaria who also built the famous Schloss Neuschwanstein. Schloss Linderhof was King Ludwig's summer palace and has a lot of influence from the French palaces of which King Ludwig was very fond of. He was also fond of swans which are found in motifs throughout both castles and at Linderhof he had a private underground grotto built for himself in which he could sail in a "swan boat" and listen to Wagner's operas in this underground cave fantasy setting. As I said before, he was a bit crazy and he would make the singers literally kill themselves singing Wagner's operas in this underground cavern which you can also see at this beautiful palace. The gardens will remind you of Versailles and are very beautiful. Well worth seeing.

Elizabeth, 17, from USA. wrote:

I visited all of Ludwig's castles the last year of my fathers tour overseas. I went to the Peacock throne the last day that it was open to the public. There is nothing more beautiful than visiting a castle, it's like a filling that little Cinderella in all of us. My favorite part though was the view from the steps opposite the castle, where when you look down you see the front of the castle and the pool with Venus in the middle.

Ben H, 21, from Georgia, USA wrote:

Linderhof is a fabulous castle. It's decorations and beauty is only second to Neuschwanstein. Ludwig was particularly fascinated by Richard Wagner's music. Ludwig and Wagner became friends and Ludwig built a grotto (a cave) for the performance of Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen." This grotto is a must see when visiting Linderhof to experience the show of lights, water and incredible music. Linderhof is well worth the trip!!!

Linda Meyers, 50, from USA wrote:

It's been many years since I visited the Linderhof Castle. It was magnificent. The opulence and splendor were breathtaking. Words escape me on describing this beautiful place. One could close ones eyes and imagine what it must have been like in King Ludwig's day. The grounds and grotto were equally impressive. I would recommend this castle to anyone. Definitely a must see if you're visiting Germany.