The Linderhof Palace, nestled in the western corner of Ettal, is the smallest castle to have been constructed by King Ludwig II. The tour of the palace gives visitors a glimpse into the opulent life that King Ludwig II led. From various chambers, dining rooms, grottos, and the King's favorite Hall of Mirrors, the ornate castle and its breathtaking expanse gives an up and close peek into the royal life. In winter when the castle is covered in snow, it resembles a spectacular, magical snow globe. While the castle is the smallest in size among all three palaces commissioned by King Ludwig II, it is also one of the most beautiful and exquisite royal complexes.
Among the largest of its kind, Ettal Abbey is an active Benedictine abbey. Though it was established by Emperor Ludwig in 1330, it is the Baroque designs of the architect Enrico Zuccalli after 1744 that laid the foundation for the beautiful structure that stands today. Featuring a stunning façade, the monastery is regarded as one of the most prominent sacred destinations in the area. Visitors can visit the bookstore to peruse the titles on display, stroll through the picturesque monastery garden, or explore the distillery that produces the famous Ettaler Kloster Liqueur. Guided tours of the complex are also offered.
Located on a mountainside overlooking the Hohenschwangau valley, the Neuschwanstein Castle is a dream-like structure in an idyllic setting. Construction of the castle began in 1869 but was not completed until 1892. King Ludwig II commissioned its construction so that he could stay in a beautiful castle when he wanted to escape the royal courts. However, the king did not live to see the castle's completion. Visitors can explore the castle's Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic-inspired interior, including the third and fourth floors, which were supposed to have been the king’s residences. These floors house opulent murals and spectacular wood carvings. Tours of the castle are available throughout the day. Visitors must visit the nearby Mary's Bridge, from where the view of the castle and its surroundings is stunning.
Standing out amid the dense verdure of Bavaria, the imposing facade of the Hohenschwangau Castle looks nothing short of a castle from a fairytale. Dating back to the 19th Century and credited to Maximilian II of Bavaria, the castle was home to King Ludwig II when he was a child. The architecture and interiors of the castle are simply spectacular. The castle is open to public visitation throughout the year and also offers guided tours in several languages. The castle is one of the prime tourist attractions in the city. The Schloss Hohenschwangau is also one of the few castles in the country that remained unscathed during both World War I and World War II.
The Hofkirche, a lovingly maintained historical church, is a perfect attraction for those interested in Innsbruck's past. Completed in 1563, the church was intended to house a tomb for Emperor Maximilian I, who passed away in 1519. Although the tomb remains intact, Maximilian's remains, however, are buried in Castle Chapel at Wiener Neustadt. For a more detailed description of the building's historical artifacts, the church offers daily guided tours in English, German and Italian.
Altstadt von Innsbruck or the Old Town of Innsbruck is one of the main sights of the city. It is full of charming old buildings with a long history to keep you fascinated. You can walk down the cobbled, winding lanes of the old town, or you can even visit some of the buildings like the magnificent St Jacob’s Cathedral or the Golden Roof. It is a picture-perfect area that is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture with the majestic Alps in the backdrop.
A beautiful mountain refuge built by King Ludwig II in the 19th Century, Königshaus am Schachen reflects his interest in oriental culture, particularly Turkish culture. The large hall is opulently decorated in reds, golds and oranges with beautiful Turkish textiles, divans, and an indoor fountain which contrasts with the surprising simplicity of the Swiss chalet. The Königshaus am Schachen is accessible only via foot or mountain bike, and avid hikers traverse this beautiful trek to witness the unique site. Guided tours of the building are available through the day. The nearby botanical gardens, which feature beautiful Alpine flora and fauna, are also worth visiting.
The Franziskanerkloster St. Anton (Pilgrimage Church of St Anthony) was built between the years 1708 and 1738 in the Rococo style. The 1738 addition features a cupola that can be seen from across the town. The cupola or onion dome features a beautiful fresco by Johann Evangelist Holzer. The walk up to the church allows visitors to appreciate the panorama below, and the views of the mountains peeking through the trees is enchanting. The park surrounding the Franziskanerkloster St. Anton is perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
St. Salvator und Hl. Kreuz is one of the most ornate churches of the region. The facade of this 15th-century church is rather modest, completed with a bell tower, however its interior is replete with several artistic gems. The hall is bathed in an angelic white tint with arched ceilings adding to the place's visual allure. The altar is embellished with stucco work dipped in a golden hue and intricately done paintings further add a spellbinding touch to Rococo setting.
With roots dating back to as early as the 12th Century, St. Nikolaus is one of the oldest churches in Unterammergau. Characterized by cream-colored facade and an onion dome tower, it stands out elegantly amidst its neighborhood structures and verdant surroundings. Hidden behind the relatively demure exterior lies a space that is richly adorned with Baroque and Rococo style embellishments. The ceiling is resplendently adorned with colorful frescoes and the nave and organ are quite noteworthy too.
Adults and children alike are enthralled by these fascinating and chilling castle ruins.
St. Peter und Paul in Mittenwald is a catholic parish which in its present form was constructed between 1734 and 1749. A must-visit landmark of the town, the church's mighty tower is visible from quite afar. The religious structure has a humble exterior but it conceals a wealth of beauty within its historic walls. Its Baroque Hall is the church's notable feature along with the intricately done frescoes that adorn its high ceilings. The church is also home to a majestic organ.