Hermitage of Gurnemanz, Folly hermitage in Ettal, Germany
The Hermitage of Gurnemanz is a hermitage building in Ettal situated at approximately 935 meters elevation in a forested area near Linderhof Palace. The structure includes a bell tower and rests against rocks, appearing naturally integrated into the mountainous surroundings.
King Ludwig II commissioned the building in 1877, drawing inspiration from the Wagner opera character Gurnemanz from Parsifal. The construction was part of Ludwig's broader passion for Wagner themes, which appeared in several of his architectural projects in the Bavarian Alps.
The site takes its name from a Wagner opera character and reflects King Ludwig's personal passion for Richard Wagner's works. Visitors can still recognize today how the building's design translates this artistic inspiration into the Bavarian mountain landscape.
The site is located near Linderhof Palace and is accessible from the immediate surroundings, but requires some willingness to walk through forested areas. Since it is private property, visitors should check local access conditions beforehand and respect designated boundaries.
The building underwent restoration through private donations in 1999 and 2000 and stands approximately 150 meters west of the nearby Hundinghütte. This location demonstrates how Ludwig's building projects were arranged like small villages, with each structure representing a different episode from his favorite operas.
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