LINDERHOF PALACE IN A BLACK DRESS

There has always been a close relationship between the famous "fairytale" King Ludwig II of Bavaria and my hometown. Several of his magnificent residences are located in the near vicinity including Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle (which inspired the Disney Castle). Since the later 19th century when the King visited the Oberammergau Passion Play, the locals celebrate his birthday with bonfires, fireworks and music from top of the surrounding mountains. Ever since this tradition of King Ludwig's Fire takes place on 24th August, the night before his birthday. Although it attracts more and more people from the area, it was never meant to be a tourist attraction but a custom by and for the local inhabitants.