Hohenschwangau castle Sticky post

King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau

My daughter and I enjoyed some beautiful, sunny days early October in the vicinity of Füssen near the King Ludwig II castles. Since Neuschwanstein was under renovation, we were looking forward to take a tour through Hohenschwangau castle, which was also Ludwig’s and Otto’s childhood home. After buying our tour tickets we proceeded to take a horse buggy up a semi- steep hill, with the … Continue reading King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau

Historic half-timbered homes in Idstein Sticky post

Idstein has a well preserved Altstadt

While staying at a hotel west of Frankfurt, I realized the next town over was Idstein in the state of Hesse. I grabbed a brochure at the Hotel reception and read it has a well preserved historical Altstadt (Old Town). I was looking forward to see it for myself. Idstein is part of the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (Timber-Frame Road), connecting towns with fine Fachwerk buildings and houses. The König-Adolf-Platz (on … Continue reading Idstein has a well preserved Altstadt

An iconic landmark, the Felsenkirche of Idar-Oberstein

The Felsenkirche in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, is an iconic landmark in the region and has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The Chapel was established around 1350 a.D. to serve as a place of worship for the miners working in the nearby gemstone mines. The church is perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The actual church was built … Continue reading An iconic landmark, the Felsenkirche of Idar-Oberstein

Berchtesgaden Watzmann Mountain

The Berchtesgaden Watzmann Legend

The Watzmann mountain is not only Berchtesgaden’s landmark, it is also shrouded in famous legends and myths. Even today, the peaks of the massif are referred to as a family The Watzmann itself, with its 2713 meters of the middle peak, highest inner-German peak, as well as the Kleine (small) Watzmann known as the Watzmannfrau, and its 2307 meter frame with the smaller peaks, the … Continue reading The Berchtesgaden Watzmann Legend

Roland statue in Bremen

The Roland statue in Bremen has quite a history

There are Roland statues in many German towns and cities, symbolizing freedom and market rights. Bremen’s Roland statue is one of the most beautiful, and, according to UNESCO experts, the most representative and one of the oldest examples. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a small commission if you click through and make qualifying purchases with no additional cost to you. As the legendary knight … Continue reading The Roland statue in Bremen has quite a history

Mespelbrunn moated castle, Bavaria, Spessart

The romantic picturesque Mespelbrunn Castle

Sometimes, when arriving at the Frankfurt Airport and driving on the Autobahn to Würzburg, I stop by the Mespelbrunn palace built in 1569. The moated castle, also called Wasserschloss, is located in north Bavaria between Aschaffenburg and my hometown Würzburg The castle has gained worldwide fame due to its picturesque appearance and romantic location. In May 1, 1412, the Archbishop Johann von Mainz gave the … Continue reading The romantic picturesque Mespelbrunn Castle

Wieskirche, South Bavaria

Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria

A couple years ago I was driving towards Füssen through the Bavarian countryside. I saw the sign “Wieskirche” and instantly remembered visiting this church with my parents as a child. The Wieskirche in Upper Bavaria is a jewel of the South German Rococo. The building, created by the Zimmermann brothers, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. In this volume, the church and … Continue reading Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria