A Guide to Visiting Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one that he lived to see completed. The palace is located in the Ettaler Forest in Bavaria, Germany, just outside the adorable village of Ettal. Linderhof Palace is only an hour drive from Ludwig’s most famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Although Linderhof is a small palace, the grounds and various park buildings are absolutely stunning. Linderhof Palace is a must-see in Bavaria. Here is my guide to visiting Linderhof Palace! 

Moroccan House

On your way from the parking lot to the palace, stop at the Moroccan House. This pavilion was bought at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878 and renovated inside per Ludwig’s request.

Royal Lodge

You will also pass the Royal Lodge. This building was originally located where the palace is now. Ludwig’s father used it as a hunting lodge and Ludwig lived in the lodge when the palace was being built. There is an exhibition inside the lodge.

Palace

King Ludwig II grew up staying at the Royal Lodge on hunting trips with his father. In 1869, Ludwig had the lodge moved and began plans for a new palace. Linderhof Palace was inspired by Versailles – there is even a hall of mirrors! The palace dining room is famous for its disappearing dumbwaiter in the middle of the dining table. The kitchen would fill the dumbwaiter with food and send it back up so that Ludwig could dine alone without the use of serving staff.

NOTE: You must join a guided tour in order to see the inside of the palace. You will not be allowed to take photos inside the palace.

Gardens

After touring the palace, spend some time admiring the beautiful gardens to the east and west of the palace. You also can’t miss the pool and fountain directly in front of the palace entrance.

NOTE: To the north of the palace, there is a Music Pavilion and the famous Venus Grotto. We did not visit these sites as the Venus Grotto is closed until 2024.

Chapel

Near the east garden is St Anna Chapel. Built in 1684, this is the oldest building in the Linderhof complex.

Moorish Kiosk

Continue east to the Moorish Kiosk, my favourite building in the Linderhof complex. This building was originally created for the World Exhibition in Paris in 1867. Ludwig purchased it and had it magnificently decorated, complete with the famous Peacock Throne. Here he read and drank tea and had his servants wear Oriental costumes.

Hunding’s Hut

Continue walking east down the path and you will pass the former quarters of the building site staff on your way to Hunding’s Hut. Hunding’s Hut was created based on a set from one of Richard Wagner’s plays. Ludwig would have Bavarian feasts here!

Temple of Venus

End your visit at the Temple of Venus. It’s a bit of a trek to walk here from Hunding’s Hut but it is a beautiful walk through the forest and you will be rewarded with the absolute best view of Linderhof Palace!

I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting Linderhof Palace!

More info on Linderhof Palace: https://www.schlosslinderhof.de

To read my blog post, “A Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles”, click here.

To read my blog post, “A Guide to Visiting Nymphenburg Palace,” click here.