Traveller's Information

Linderhof

Where? - Linderhof sits peacefully in the Graswang Valley, 16kms from Oberammergau and close to the ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Geographically, it is also quite close to Neuschwanstein.

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How to get there? - Like the other castles, the best way to see Linderhof is by car.

• From Munich - take the A95 Autobahn south to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At the little village of Oberau, you will see signs to Oberammergau and Linderhof. Follow the signs to the castle.

• From Neuschwanstein - After visiting Neuschwanstein, most travellers wish to see Ludwig's other castles. Getting to Linderhof from Neuschwanstein tends to be slightly 'roundabout'. Because of the towering mountains all around, there is no direct road between the two castles. The quickest route is through Austria. From Neuschwanstein, drive to Füssen, and then to Reutte in Austria. From here, head east to the Plansee, the beautiful alpine lake where Ludwig planned to build his Chinese Palace. Continue along this road back into Germany. Linderhof is only 6.5 kms from the border.

Day tours leave from Munich, and these tend to visit many other interesting places in the area. eg. Oberammergau and Ettal.

Opening Times - It is important to arrive at Linderhof early!!!! Masses of crowds flood in around noon and early afternoon! Don't be caught in the crowd. Linderhof is so beautiful, you will want to see it as empty of tourists as possible.

• June to August - 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

• April, May and September - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• October to March - 9:00am to 4:00 pm

• Linderhof is closed every day between 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm for lunch. You can still walk around the grounds during this time, however.

What to see? - Make sure you buy the government guide book to this castle if you wish to see all the grounds. There is a good map in it showing the gardens. Be sure you see the Venus Grotto and the Moorish Kiosk as well as the castle. And don't forget the St. Anna Chapel near the castle entrance. Ludwig had the interior of this lovely alpine chapel refurbished in the 1870's, and was planning to rebuild it as a huge chapel in the last years.

Take plenty of film to Linderhof too! It is very expensive at the castle, and there are great photos everywhere you look!

Is there a tour inside Linderhof? - As at Neuschwanstein, you must see the interior of Linderhof on a 30 minute tour, and again, at peak times this can be quite rushed. As your tour leaves a room, the next tour comes in. And the last time I went through, the tour was packed beyond what it should have been, creating sardine-time in some of the smaller rooms. This is why I have emphasised to get here early!!

Other sights in the area? - On the way out from Linderhof (it's a good idea not to stop here on the way to Linderhof. Get there as quickly as possible!), you must stop at Oberammergau, the alpine village where the famous Passion Play is held every 10 years. (Next performance in 2000). It is a village of painted houses and rococo churches, and a great place to buy woodcarvings. Nearby is the magnificent monastery of Ettal, built between 1744 and 1752 after the earlier building from 1370 burnt down. The monks at this monastery brew a particularly nice liqueur, which can be purchased here.

Where to stay? - There aren't many hotels close to Linderhof. If you wish to stay here, the best place would be Oberammergau, 16 kms away.

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