Linderhof castel-where you can get the royal treatment
The legendary Bavarian king Ludwig II seems to be more popular than ever. In addition to taking in a showing of the new Ludwig musical, fans can now enjoy intimate visits to the princely chambers of the fairy-tale king. Sascha Stiller, a resourceful, young entrepreneur from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, organizes “private audiences” at Linderhof castle for small groups outside the regular visiting hours. In due style, guests are picked up and taken to Linderhof by horse-drawn carriage. They may stroll through the castle at their leisure instead of being hurried through it in large tour groups on a tight schedule. Afterwards, a string quartet performs music by Ludwig’s favorite composer, Richard Wagner, in the spectacular setting of the famous Venus grotto. A sumptuous dinner, served by lackeys in historic costumes, rounds off this journey into the world of the eccentric king. But exclusiveness has its price: the package, including a night in a luxury hotel, costs DM 1,500. Bavarian officials are prepared to support the commercial use of the landmark “as long as it is done in a tasteful manner.” Information at Schloss Linderhof, Tel. (08822) 920 30.