Schloss Linderhof - The Fairytale Mountain Palace​​ 🏰✨

​​Schloss Linderhof​​ Nestled in the Ammergebirge mountains of the Alps, this secluded palace sits in the Graswang Valley of southwestern Bavaria. Built between 1874-1878, it's the smallest but most personal of King Ludwig II's three castles - essentially his mountain retreat. 🏞️ Though completed after Neuschwanstein, Linderhof was the only palace Ludwig lived to see finished (completed in 1878). It wasn't meant to showcase opulence to the public, but rather served as his private sanctuary. 🤫 This Rococo gem appears modest from the outside but dazzles inside (no photos allowed inside!). English guided tours (~30 mins) focus on the 2nd floor. Chinese brochures available at ticket counter. Beyond the palace, the gardens feature stunning structures like: The Moorish Kiosk 🕌 Venus Grotto 💎 Moroccan House 🇲🇦 The Venus Grotto's electrically illuminated opera scene is absolutely magical ✨ (a must-see!). The gardens blend Italian, French and English styles with fountains, ponds and decorative buildings - truly Ludwig's treasure chest. 🌸 Fun fact: Ludwig idolized Louis XIV after visiting Versailles. Hence, Linderhof mirrors Versailles' style with portraits of French royals throughout. 🇫🇷 On the way back, we passed Plansee lake and almost crossed into Austria 🇦🇹 without noticing! #BavarianCastles #RoyalRetreat #EuropeanHistory #FairytalePlaces #TravelGermany #LudwigII #SchlossLinderhof #PalaceLife #GardenDesign #VersaillesOfBavaria