Although spring had officially began, we found ourselves in the midst of winter scenery while visiting this tiny, cute town. On our way out of Garmisch, we stopped in a little town up the road called Ettal just to scope out the place. I knew that Linderhof Palace was close, so I put it on the unofficial itinerary before heading into Ettal. Honestly, there's not much to write home about (I don't blog about everywhere I have been, believe it or not). But I will say that this town is worth the mention simply because it's postcard adorable. First, we visited the highly regarded Ettal Abbey. I knew there was a brewery on site, but was bummed to find out it was only possible to visit with a guided tour, and they don't run often. Meaning, like, twice a week. Boo. We walked around the abbey, visited the basilica, and checked out the gift shop. It was a FIRST to have a legit monk in full robes {monk garb} ring up our gift shop beer purchase. He uttered "Bless You" in German upon handing me my receipt. We ended up only spending about 45 minutes at the abbey, but I wouldn't mind stopping by again if I return to the area. Only next time, I'll plan to be there on a brewery tour day! About 10 km down the same road sits another of crazy king Ludwig II's palaces. I have been to Schloss Neuschwanstein before {check my Oct 2014 archives}. There's something fascinating to me about Ludwig II's history, so of course I wanted to see Linderhof! Linderhof is tucked away on a forested hillside. I'll put it this way, if there wasn't a sign posted on the road telling folks where it was, no one would be the wiser that it was even there. We hopped out of the car and began to follow a few small groups of people on an unpaved trail. The area is very park like; trees, lakes, streams, tiny waterfalls. Though it was pretty scenery, I was anxious to see the dang palace. When we approached the palace, my husband turned to me and said "That's it? That's a little guy!" That's one way to describe Linderhof. As for me, I'd describe it as the runt brother of all palaces and castles in the land. I don't think the palace itself is what makes it special. Really, it's the setting. I've seen pictures of it many times before; usually captured in snowy winter or blooming spring/early summer. It looks gorgeous with vibrant flower gardens, and shady trees. But in the dead season and without snow, there's not much to "ooh and ahh" about. Something to consider should you plan a visit. We walked around it, snapped a few pictures, and promised to return possibly this summer. We'll see...I already have a summer travel schedule that would scare some folks... I chose not to go inside the palace simply because the grotto portion of the tour hadn't opened for the season. If I'm going to tour this tiny palace, I would like to see all of it; especially the grotto. We stopped for some brats and drinks on site, on the way out, and hit the road. Our two hour detour gave us more reason for wanting to return to the area. There's more to lower Bavaria than just Garmisch, Berchtesgaden, and Fussen! And the scenery of lower Bavaria is lovely. Even while on the autobahn. I added this one for my friends who have asked about Germany's solar panels. When you pass them, they look like bodies of water! Our next adventures will be in a neighboring country, and I am pretty darn excited!