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Hermitage of Gurnemanz: A Wagnerian Retreat

Discover a serene Wagnerian escape at the Hermitage of Gurnemanz near Linderhof Palace, a testament to King Ludwig II's artistic passions.

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The Hermitage of Gurnemanz, nestled near Linderhof Palace in Ettal, Germany, is a whimsical, chapel-like structure inspired by Richard Wagner's opera *Parsifal*. Commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1877, it offers a serene escape into art and nature, embodying spiritual contemplation within the Bavarian landscape.

A brief summary to Hermitage of Gurnemanz

  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the scenic paths and gardens.
  • Take your time to explore the intricate details of the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Linderhof Palace, the Hermitage of Gurnemanz is approximately a 700-meter walk. Follow the signs within the park towards Hunding's Hut; the Hermitage is a short distance from there. The walk offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the Hermitage from the Palace. No costs are associated with walking within Linderhof Park.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Hermitage of Gurnemanz via public transport, take bus 9622 to Linderhof Schloß, Ettal. From the bus stop, walk approximately 700 meters to the Hermitage within the Linderhof Palace grounds. Bus fares vary depending on the starting location; a short trip within Ettal or Oberammergau typically costs around €2-€4. Check the local transport schedules for the most accurate times.

  • Car

    If arriving by car, follow the signs to Linderhof Palace. Parking is available near the palace for a fee. From the parking area, walk approximately 700 meters to the Hermitage within the palace grounds. Parking costs vary, with hourly rates around €1-€2 and daily rates around €5-€7. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.

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Discover more about Hermitage of Gurnemanz

The Hermitage of Gurnemanz, a unique folly hermitage in Ettal, Germany, offers visitors a glimpse into the mind of King Ludwig II and his passion for the operas of Richard Wagner. Located near Linderhof Palace, at an elevation of 935 meters, the hermitage was commissioned in 1877 and modeled after the third act of Wagner's *Parsifal*, where Gurnemanz lives as a hermit. The structure itself is a chapel-like hut featuring a bell tower, nestled against rocks in a forest setting. It was intended as a place for spiritual contemplation, connecting Wagner's operatic themes with the physical beauty of the Bavarian landscape. King Ludwig II would visit the hermitage, especially on Good Friday, to immerse himself in the uplifting mood of the opera. He insisted on having a flower meadow around the hut, even requiring his garden director to plant one if snow was present. The original hermitage fell into disrepair in the 1960s but was reconstructed in 1999/2000 with private donations. The replica stands approximately 150 meters west of Hunding's Hut, another Wagner-inspired structure in Linderhof Park. Today, visitors can explore the hermitage and its surroundings, experiencing a blend of nature, history, and art. The site serves as a reminder of Bavaria's artistic movements, with the hermitage embodying spiritual contemplation through its architecture.

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