I am so glad Rick Steves wrote such an amzing review on this castle because it made me want to come! And it was really off the beaten path. I had to take a small train then walk 2 hours just to get there. But it was well worth the trip! The walk was through a wooded forest with a little stream. It made me feel like I was in a fairy tale just waiting for the wood nymphs and fairies to come out and greet me. There was something almost magical about the journey.
The castle itself was amazing! It was huge - 80 rooms. 3 different families lived here at one time. They each had their own section and there was a common room for important meetings. I was lucky to get an English tour of the castle which really helped. So far, this has been my favorite castle I have visited.
I did try my first German bratwurst. I have to say, I wasn't a fan. So far, the German food isn't my favorite so to speak, which is a little weird seeing as I am mostly German.
The hostel I stayed in was really big, but once again, I had a room all to myself. So much for meeting all kinds of new travelers along the way. This was another family oriented hostel, so even at the meals or in the lounge area it was families all sitting together speaking German, or course. Not knowing much German at all, it is hard to try to join in their conversation.
I left to catch a 7:30 am train, not too early by my standards, but found the reception desk at the hostel wasn't even staffed until 8 am. The housekeeping staff I found spoke only German, which didn't help, so I ended up just leaving the key and some cash on the desk. I wasn't sure what else I could do.
Wow! I especially like the idea of the hike in the enchanted forest. How fun!!
ReplyDeleteAnd to think this has been in the same family for over 800 years. We Americans have no concept of age, we think 200 years is a long time. No wonder people say we are just a "young country".