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Palace · Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Baviera
Schloss Linderhof
The smallest of King Ludwig II's palaces and the only one he saw completed, in a neorococo style, in an isolated valley about 25 km from Garmisch. Visits are by guided tour only. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Schloss Linderhof
Schloss Linderhof was built between 1870 and 1886 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, in the Graswang valley near Ettal. It is the smallest of his palaces and the only one completed during his lifetime. The style is neorococo, inspired by the residences of the French kings whom the king admired. Together with Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee and the Schachen house, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside, highlights include the sleeping chamber, the dining room with a table that rose up from the kitchen, and the Hall of Mirrors. The palace tour is only offered as a guided group, in German or English, lasting about 25 minutes.
The park features terraced gardens, a fountain that typically plays every half hour in season, and buildings scattered across the hillside. The best-known is the Venusgrotte, an artificial grotto with a lake, inspired by a Wagner opera, also visited only with a guide. There is also the Moroccan house and Hunding's hut.
From mid-October to mid-April the grotto and most park buildings remain closed, and only the palace and the Königshäuschen are open to visitors. The ticket specifies the time of the guided tour.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the palace, the Venusgrotte and the park in season. In winter, about 1 hour, since only the palace is open.
Best time
From mid-April to mid-October, when the park is fully open, with the fountains and the Venusgrotte. Arrive early in summer because tour slots fill up. In winter the palace remains open with fewer visitors. It is closed on some holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's.
How to get there
By car it's about 25 km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, via Ettal. By bus there is a regional line from Oberammergau, with only a few departures per day; check schedules before you go.
Tip
Buy tickets online in high season, selecting the time of the guided tour. The grotto is about 50 metres above the palace, reached by steep paths: wear comfortable shoes.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Schloss Linderhof
Can you visit Linderhof without a guide?
No. The palace and the Venusgrotte are only visited in guided groups, in German or English. The park can be explored freely.
Is Linderhof open in winter?
The palace is open year-round, except on some holidays. From mid-October to mid-April, the Venusgrotte and most park buildings are closed.
Do I need to buy tickets beforehand?
In high season it's recommended, because tour times can sell out. The ticket specifies the time of the guided visit.
Can you see Linderhof and Neuschwanstein on the same day?
By car it's possible, but it's a tight schedule: it's about 50 km between the two via mountain roads, and both require timed entry.