I’ve found myself with (a lot of) extra free time lately, and while some days I don’t leave my room, other days I go on extensive (to me) bike rides around Bavaria. The weather lately has been exceptional, dare I say hot even, making the choice to get outside that much easier.
I’ve ridden my bike many places around where I live, but now I’m starting to go further.
I decided last week to ride my bike to Linderhof Palace, the lesser known stepsister to the popular Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II of Bavaria never finished building Neuschwanstein before he mysteriously died, however Linderhof was completed, and it was in this palace where he actually lived.
Ludwig was an extreme introvert, to the point of having his meals delivered using a pulley system from floors below just so he didn’t have to see anyone. I think he would have thrived during this time of social isolation, however at the time his escape from reality lifestyle cost him his sanity, and ultimately his life.
Despite his unique progression (or lack there of) into power, his fantasy world brought to life these two amazing palaces which were said to be funded by the tax paying community. I can understand the disdain towards him from the town folks, but today hundreds of thousands of visitors come to admire these architectural masterpieces.
Due to the current lockdown in Bavaria (and in many places all over the world), Linderhof is not open to the public. However, Bavaria (and Germany as a whole) has contained the Corona virus appropriately enough to allow those of us who live here the freedom to go outdoors for sports activities.
So long as we’re alone, or with those we live with. For me bike rides are almost always solo activities.
I am finding that my love of outdoor sports is fluid. It changes as I change, and that’s ok. I once loved running outdoors, which then changed to a love for hiking, and has changed once again to a love for biking. This doesn’t mean I don’t still enjoy the aforementioned activities (although running and I really struggle to get along these days), but I much prefer biking. Especially when it’s warm outside.
Fortunately for me, King Ludwig II loved the mountains, and loved to be tucked into his own pocket of the alps. Linderhof is surrounded by amazing views, and I can see why he chose this location to isolate himself. With the current isolation going on, I’d choose a place like this to spend my time too.
Linderhof is not in prime shape during the winter months, and although it was technically spring when I stopped by, it was still looking pretty rough. The outside of the actual palace is gorgeous, and I can only imagine what the inside looks like, but the outer grounds (known for the flowers and the garden) was less than stellar.
Renovations are being done to the grounds, which are larger than I expected them to be. The palace itself is part of a park area with walking paths, tree canopies, and fountains to unwind next to. I’ve been told middle to late spring is the best time to visit because the gardens are in full bloom, but photos of the palace in the fall intrigue me more.
The above photos are what Linderhof looks like in her prime, alas when I visited it was a complete 180. I didn’t go expecting to see elaborate landscapes though, I went to see the palace itself, and to enjoy a long beautiful bike ride. I rode 34 miles this day, and it was a wonderful adventure through parts of Bavaria I hadn’t been.
I have said it once, and I will say it again – the freedom that a bicycle provides is unlike anything else. Sure, driving is great, but there is a kind of exhilaration that accompanies being on two wheels in a new to me location, with the wind in my hair. My travels have all been well worth the money, but this bike was the best investment I made last year. Second to my IRA of course. 😉
Q: What does social isolation look like where you live? Are you able to go outside in nature?
Blissfulbritt 
23 thoughts on “Linderhof Palace”
rootchopper
I ride nearly every day here in Northern Virginia. Distancing policies have resulted in the cleanest air in these parts in decades. Of course, there are no castles to visit but the rides take away the fog of indoor life.
As for the distances you are riding, well done! When I first discovered the bicycle as a means of discovery and exploration, my first 30 mile ride was to Walden Pond outside Boston. It was a bit of a disappointment but this ride led to many others of similar distances. Most notably, we discovered Farm Pond about 20 miles to the southwest of town. Free swimming!
Brittany
You’re like my biking muse. I only wish I had places like this back in Washington. I mean there are some, but not near where I lived. Time to move to different areas upon my return!
rootchopper
BTW, I sent you a link to a free bike maintenance thing online. No idea if it’s going to be good. If you are bored and want to learn how to fix your bike, there are TONS of Youtube videos. Also the Park Tool website is full of useful videos and advice. Cheers.
Brittany
Yes! Thank you!
Liz H
Been doing a lot of urban hiking in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, MN. Amazing how many tiny parks and nature preserves are hidden throughout the city. Never knew they were there…it took Shelter at Home to help me find them. No castles, but Spring is pushing through!
Brittany
I love finding hidden city gems like that!! Keep exploring. 🤗
capejohn
One of my blog posts from a couple of years ago is titled, “secret places.” It’s about traveling to a different city, town, country or whatever, and you ride with a local. They take you to places that only the local know about and very few share with tourists.
For example. I was in Milan a few years ago and hooked up with a few locals. We visited some wonderful places, and when we got to one of the tourist spots, we usually arrive on the back side. It was a very quiet and quite a spectacular ride.
Brittany
Wow, what a cool idea. I love having locals show me secret spots, this would be so fun on a bike.
Hettie D.
When I was there, it was early spring, and it was COLD! And inside the palace as well :). I wish they would worm the palace up a little bit, then I won’t hurry to get out of it 🙂
Brittany
How were the outer gardens? Beautiful like the photos from the internet?
Hettie D.
Nothing interesting, it was still snow in the mountains. Loved the place anyway! Oh, and it was on that trip that I got my Bavarian Witch, which makes all my neighbors jealous 🙂
Brittany
I love it! 😝
Katie Kritikos
I love Linderhof! Such a unique castle.
Brittany
Maybe one day I’ll get to see it when it’s all jazzed up!
gpavants
Hi Brittney,
In California we have to mask up( at least this week it could change) to get outside. Not fun walking or biking with a mask. Getting out in the yard and planting has berm great. Lots of rain for us as well. Working on a second book and teaching online school is keeping is sane.
Thanks,
Gary
Brittany
I’m glad you have those activities to keep you sane, I wouldn’t enjoy wearing a mask while I bike!
Pam
We started self isolating in February, March brought Us to social distancing and April stay at home……We decided early on to make this as productive of a time as possible with a bit of fun too. We stick to a plan , keeping a balance of work,play and exercise. After watching some wonderful British murder mysteries with loads of humor, I now dream with a British accent and long to visit old friends there. The sun will come up tomorrow and the clock will keep moving forward and this too will pass👍❤️……🌞🌲🏔❤️
Brittany
I love your optimistic spirit! You are a bright light in my life. ❤️
Amy
Introverts unite!! All in our own homes… away from each other… and the rest of humanity… 😉😂🙈 Even though it’s smaller than his other one (the one that inspired the Disney castle, right??), this palace still looks stunning and magical to me! I think you’re right about the way it looks in the fall too. That photo looks surreal! 🙌🏻
Social isolation here looks… Well, let’s put it this way. I think quarantine basically is my “normal” life (up until the world went into lockdown mode)! 😂🙈😂🙈 We’re still allowed to go outside for exercise, walking dogs, and that sort of thing, which is really nice. But people are really hesitant to go outside for anything else besides grocery shopping. I suppose I’m fine with that — it means my little ol’ food blog is getting lots of love these days! 😉
I hope you’re still doing well and as safe and as healthy as possible, sweet friend!! 😘❤️
Brittany
I LOVE that your website is getting so much traffic, a huge silver lining and blessing. I feel sort of the same as I love being alone, but I’m lacking a routine.
My bike rides do provide enjoyment, and this palace was a fun adventure!
Nita Wilson
I love you
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind–Bruce Lee
Brittany
I love YOU!
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