Bavarians, especially those sporting the “Free State of Bavaria” stickers, are immensely proud of their King Ludwig II. Often dubbed the “crazy” king (perhaps just for his fascination with palaces), Ludwig was a huge supporter of Wagner and a prominent figure of the Romantic era. The Bavarians feel that Ludwig’s extravagant tastes, which differ greatly from the serious German Gothic style, highlight the distinctiveness between being Bavarian and Prussian.

Among Ludwig’s creations, the lesser-known Neuschwanstein Castle might bring Cinderella to mind. However, his favorite was Linderhof Castle, which he envisioned as his personal haven. Despite being smaller than other grand residences of that era, Linderhof was designed and decorated to leave a lasting impression. Its lavishly furnished rooms wowed guests as early as 1878, especially with the magical glow from some of the first light bulbs.

The exterior features one of Germany’s and Europe’s most beautiful gardens. Behind the garden, there’s a smaller version of the vast park at the Palace of Caserta. This area includes attractions like a Moorish kiosk, a Moroccan house, and Venus’ grotto, all built for the king’s and his guests’ entertainment.

Linderhof Castle is situated in southern Bavaria, near Oberammergau, about 100 kilometers from Munich, and 350 kilometers from Verona. It is open from April to mid-October, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM the rest of the year. The Venus grotto and pavilions are only accessible from April to October. Tickets cost €8.5, and for €24, you can visit Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee castles as well.