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Caves

Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Ettal

Venus Grotto (Venusgrotte)

Caves

Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Ettal

Venus Grotto (Venusgrotte)

Highlight • Cave

Venus Grotto (Venusgrotte)

Recommended by 46 hikers out of 48

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Ammergauer Alpen

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Location: Ettal, Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

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Best Hikes to Venus Grotto (Venusgrotte)

4.8

(150)

945

hikers

1. Brunnenkopfhütte – Brunnenkopfhütte loop from Graswang

17.3km

07:08

1,030m

1,040m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

4.7

(108)

492

hikers

2. Linderhof Palace and Gardens – Linderhof Palace Park loop from Graswang

12.9km

03:28

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(99)

443

hikers

3. Linderhof Palace Park – Linderhof Palace and Gardens loop from Graswang

12.9km

03:28

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

breddy

April 14, 2025

The Venus Grotto is an artificial stalactite cave built into the mountain starting in 1875. The stage design for the "Venus Grotto" is from Act I of Richard Wagner's opera "Tannhäuser" and was created precisely according to his stage directions.

The enormous painting depicts the Venusberg scenery. Between 1878 and 1881, the grotto received its state-of-the-art electric lighting. With the help of interchangeable colored glass panels, the grotto could be bathed in various colors. With its then highly innovative illusion technique, the Linderhof Grotto is one of the most fascinating examples of the 19th-century quest for the most perfect Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art). The Venus Grotto reopened on April 11, 2025, after 10 years of restoration and an investment of approximately 60 million euros.
Be sure to take the guided tour and experience the grotto live.

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Bettina

September 10, 2025

Super beautiful 🥰 you find yourself completely transported into a fairytale world - simply fantastic

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Pat

July 29, 2025

The surcharge for the 15-minute guided tour is definitely worth it. Unfortunately, filming is not permitted.
A homage to Richard Wagner. What was created here is truly unique. After a long restoration phase, the grotto is open again. Visit on July 29, 2025.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 960 m

Weather

Wednesday 10 December

5°C

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Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

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Location: Ettal, Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

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Venus Grotto (Venusgrotte)

1. Brunnenkopfhütte – Brunnenkopfhütte loop from Graswang

2. Linderhof Palace and Gardens – Linderhof Palace Park loop from Graswang

3. Linderhof Palace Park – Linderhof Palace and Gardens loop from Graswang

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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