Linderhof, Royal palace in Ettal, Germany
Linderhof is a royal palace in Ettal, Germany, set among wooded hills south of Oberammergau. The complex consists of a central building with two side wings, surrounded by formal gardens with fountains, pavilions and grottoes.
Ludwig II began enlarging his father's hunting lodge, the Königshäuschen, in 1869; Georg von Dollmann added wings from 1870, and stone Rococo façades followed in 1873. The lodge was moved about 200 metres west in 1874, and the south wing with the Hall of Mirrors closed the complex. The bedroom was enlarged by Julius Hofmann in 1885/86, and the work was finished in simplified form after the king's death in 1886.
The name comes from an old linden tree and a nearby farm that stood here before construction began. The rooms now show Ludwig's preference for complete privacy and his desire to escape from courtly obligations.
Guided tours last around 25 minutes and run from April through October, with reduced hours during winter months. The gardens and grounds can be explored outside tour times and offer walking paths through the estate.
The dining room holds a mechanical table that could be lowered into the kitchen below and raised again. Ludwig used this device to take his meals without servants present and remain undisturbed.
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