We decided to head to one of Germany's famous castles - Burg Eltz. We left on time and had a nice drive. The leaves are starting to change, and so seeing the hills with all the fall colors was beautiful. We also encountered some fog down in the valley by the Mosel River - but once again fog has its own beauty. We also encountered a close call with some heavy machinery coming down a winding road! Fortunately we could just squeeze by!
Upon arrival at Burg Eltz - you park, then walk 10 minutes down into the valley to the castle. Its a steep walk down -but what a gorgeous view! The sun was shining so brightly today that our pictures are a bit hazy looking - but so it goes! I prefer the nice warm sun!
Our first glimpses at Burg Eltz. Some history on this castle - The first record of a burg on the Elz River dates to 1157. By 1472, the castle looked like it does today. It has been in the Eltz family for 850 years. It has never been damaged and even survived a 5 year siege. Part of the castle is still inhabited by this family (unfortunately you can't tour their quarters)....it sure would be neat to actually LIVE in a castle!
When we got to the castle itself we found out the next English tour was leaving in 4 minutes - good timing or what?? The tour took about 45 minutes. Fortunately the kids did well - but we couldn't keep Silas in the backpack carrier -and so now that he can walk - he likes to explore....I don't know that we will be doing any museums or indoor tours again for awhile!
Eating a little snack after the tour. When we came out of our tour there were tons of people in line waiting for tours. Glad we arrived early -and got right in!
From the castle you can take a path down to the Elz River that flows by the castle. The kids enjoyed throwing rocks and looking at the crystal clear water. The castle from below looking up - its really big! Sure makes you wonder just how they built these castles....
We had a nice time there. We took a little red shuttle bus back up to the parking lot. Walking down is always easier than having to walk back up....especially with 4 kids! We ate some of our packed lunch, and then took a nice scenic drive along the Mosel River.
We had a nice time there. We took a little red shuttle bus back up to the parking lot. Walking down is always easier than having to walk back up....especially with 4 kids! We ate some of our packed lunch, and then took a nice scenic drive along the Mosel River.
To top off our day we went to a Apple Orchard/Wine Vineyard in Malsch and had dinner there with friends. The food was delicious - and plentiful!
1 comment:
Sweet pictures Kimber and Jer. That castle is amazing. Glad that you are all getting to take in so much history and scenery there. Keep having a good time and making the most of it eh???
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