Linderhof Palace located in southwest Bavaria,
Germany, is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of
Bavaria and the only one which he lived to see completed. The largest one is
Herrenchiemsee and the most famous is Neuschwanstein Castle.
Ludwig II, who was crowned king in 1864, began his
building activities in 1867/1868 by redesigning his rooms in the Munich
Residenz and laying the foundation stone of Neuschwanstein Castle.
The smallness of the Linderhof Palace creates a
rather private atmosphere, which is a unique experience for a visitor. In
fact, there are only four rooms that have a real function. One of the most
impressive is the Hall of Mirrors. The ‘Fairy Tale King’ (as he was known among
other names) enjoyed spending his time in this room, sometimes reading there
the whole night. The candle light reflected in the mirrors created almost a
fairy tale effect of never ending space.
You are not allowed to take pictures inside the
palace.
The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The
structures in the park include the Venus Grotto. Ludwig wanted his own ‘blue
grotto of Capri.’ Therefore, an artificial grotto was constructed. The 'Swan King' liked to be rowed over the artificial lake inside the grotto in his golden
swan-boat.
