L I N D E R H O F palace

En route to Garmisch, we put together a quick itinerary to hit a few new spots in the region on Sunday. First up was Linderhof Palace- another new favorite spot a little off the popular path.

I have a friend who raved about this castle, but I hadn't yet researched it so I didn't know what to expect. Super close to Garmisch, it was first our first stop and definitely did not disappoint.
We decided to take the tour and were thrilled not only that the tour was in English, but that kids up to age 18 were free: a huge bonus. What a deal!

The walk up to most castles can take a while. They're up high. As I bought tickets for the tour, the lady told me it started in 20 minutes.
I looked at her {with big eyes, I'm sure} and asked if that was enough time to get there. She just laughed as she told me it was only a five-minute walk.

This is definitely one of the easiest to get to. We were even early and had to wait for the cue line to open and take our ticket.

The smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, it was his favorite and the only one which he lived to see completed. He spent most of his time here. He also built Neuschwanstein- the most popular of the three.

Our tour guide was wonderful as we walked through and she pointed out simple facts and gave us a huge look into the personality and reign of Ludwig II. Both the interior {we were asked not to take pictures inside} and the exterior were beautiful.

The gardens and the fountains around the outside made for a beautiful view.

He was appointed King in 1864 at the age of 18. Of course, we laughed thinking that he was Justin's age.

He lived most of his solitary life here with very few guests invited to his house.

We've said more than once how nice it is to be past the baby-stage of our lives as we see these amazing places.

Coleman and Caden listened to every word of the tour as we walked from room to room through the palace.

It's nice not only that we can take them just about anywhere, but also that they're old enough to hopefully remember our travels as they grow older.
The dining room was very intersting as he had a magic table.


nice self portrait.... think he's watched his mama?

With his dining room table on a lift- he {or his servants} would lower it to the lower level where the servants would set it with his meal, then raise it back up to the second level where he would eat in peace.

He wouldn't even be bothered with servants setting his table or serving him as he chose to eat in complete isolation.

In a living space covered from top to bottom in gold {there is one silver room, the rest in gold}, he was so wealthy as all kings are, but at the same time so I can't image how lonley he was.

Near the end of his life, he was declared insane then shortly after died. I think this is a prime example of the simple truth that money can't buy happiness.