Do you love visiting Castles?

I am keen on following King Ludwig II of Bavaria. I´ve got to know him eversince I moved here in Germany. He was famous,his name is all over the place, especially in his realm here in Bavaria. He made it into the books of History and yes, he made quite fascinating stories about himself. He was unique in all ways and he was known to be the “fairy tale king“.This latest castle or Schloss that we´ve visited is one of his private home, his secluded place to hide from the crowds, and exclusively for him and his Solace- the Linderhof Palace.

Linderhof is beautiful in everyway. Small gem Tucked in the woods, surrounded with lush greens and forest, it is really a dreamy place to be.It is typical of King´s taste– always we need to have a bit of hike, then we come to a forest, then his castle is there tucked like a secret gem in the woods.When we visit Eibsee in Grainau, we made this as another road trip exploring the village of Ettal, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberammergau.This palace is one of the 3 palaces that he built, and only one that was completed until the day he was gone. The other palaces, Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee were both unfinished, but also became large points of interests here in Bavaria.

Finding Linderhof was quite easy. It is in the tiny village of Ettal and the road leading to this place is quite secluded.Once we reached the parking area, it was half-full, and it is only 9.30 am in the morning. We took the english guided tour because that is the only way to see the interiors. The palace outdoors and its gardens are already enough to feast my eyes but then inside was absolutely breathtaking.

King Ludwig, famous for his lucrative taste and glamorous expenditures on building over the top palaces never hesitate to built Linderhof in an ornate Rococo style inspired by his trips in France.The palace is like a mini version of Versailles.His idol and model for inspiration is the “Sun King”, King Louis XIV of France where he regard himself as the “Moon King“.The staircase looks exactly the same as in Versailles. Although I have never seen the palace in Versailles,but our guide narrates that it was inspired by the grand Ambassador´s staircase in Versailles. This made me curious to see if it´s indeed true.

I love how private the castle is. It is not intimidating since it is quite small, but really a luxurious place, fit for a king, and a heaven for a Monarch in the time of his life. King Ludwig has fine taste in everything. There are only 4 functional rooms in this palace and his bedroom is facing the grand staircase fountain which I find so beautiful. The chandelier and decorations were really impressive and well-preserved up until to this day.

I really enjoyed the gardens of Liderhof. It was laid off beautifully and I was grateful seeing it. Can´t imagine that once, King Ludwig stroll on this ground and made his rounds in the same forest.It is a typical court garden with secluded sections such as fountains, pagodas and landcaped floral beds.Typical from the grand palaces and Schloss here in Germany, everything is so lavishly decorated, full of glistening gold and expensive statues, marbled floorings and accents.

This peacock caught my attention since it was displayed in his drawing room beside his old piano where he used to play and listen to music. The expensive curtains, draperies and dazzling chandelier made this place really intriguing. So this is how a royal “Villa” looks like….

The design of the dining room is quite fascinating. The King dined mostly alone but 4 servants need to tend to him. There is a table that is being leveled- down and up and it is really fascinating. Touring the rooms made me known his daily lifestyle and personality. No wonder he always like seclusion and his imagination is always profound. In this palace, it is very evident of his admiration for french style in the previous centuries.

It might be hard to compete and beat the world-famous “Neuschwanstein Castle” but peeking into another King´s private hideaway is another lovely treat.

Up next in my list is the last Palace of King Ludwig that I really wanted to see, the Herrenchiemsee.But first, ever wonder what is his view when he is out hunting and hiking in Herzogstand with ranges of mountain peaks?

Gem in Füssen : Neuschwanstein Castle

Bedazzled in Residenz München

Palazzo Ducale, the grand Doges Palast in Venice

Until then, Tchüss!