Idar-Oberstein

     If you've heard of this town there are probably three reasons why.   First,  you are from the area.  Second,  you are a BIG Bruce Willis fan or third,  you have something to do with gems and minerals.
     In Idar-Oberstein, there is a castle but that isn't the main attraction in this town.   The church built into the rocks is what catches the eye of visitors and growing up in the area, I quickly learned the legend of this church.
    Once upon a time,  there were two brothers who were in love with the same girl but neither knew how the other brother felt. Wyrich, the eldest,  went away on business and while he was gone Emich, the youngest,  secured the affection of Bertha, the girl both brothers were in love with, and married her before Wyrich returned.  When the eldest brother returned and learned about the marriage he became very angry and he fought with his brother which resulted in Emich being pushed out of the castle window to his death.   Wyrich felt very guilty and sad and wanted forgiveness but couldn't seem to find it.   One day the abbott suggested he build a church in honor of his brother at the exact spot where his body landed.   Wyrich built the church and when he was finished he asked God for a sign that he was forgiven.   Almost instantly, a spring sprung up in the church and has been there ever since.   He took this to mean he was forgiven and shortly after the Abbott found him dead in the church and buried him with his brother.   Nobody really knows what happened to Bertha...some say she died of a broken heart. 
     Also, the city is known all over the world for its gems and minerals.   The stores lining the streets are filled with many gems and you are sure to find something in the style you want... necklaces,  bracelets and earrings.
     Then if you are a BIG fan of Bruce Willis you already know he was born here.   His mom is German and his dad was in the military stationed in Germany.

 You can't see the castle in these pictures but it is above the church.

My kids are standing in front of the spring in the church.

Lichtenburg Castle

     For most American girls,  castles are something you get to see in Disney movies but if you happen to grow up in Germany castles become your playground.   Lichtenburg Castle or Kusel castle as I called it growing up was a castle I explored numerous times as a child and was fortunate to spend a week there at a summer camp 29 years ago.   It is the largest castle ruins in Germany and was built around 1200.
     Today,  I got to show my own children my spielplatz..."my playground".  There was a Medieval Festival going on so it was a different type of exploring but we had a good time.

Herrenchiemsee

"I want to remain an eternal mystery to others and myself. "

King Ludwig II

     The "Fairytale King" was definitely a mystery in life and remains so in death.   There are  many theories or opinions about his life and mysterious death.   My kids are reading every pamphlet we receive trying to find out more about this king.  Their fascination began after our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and continued after our recent visit to Herrenchiemsee, another castle King Ludwig II built. 

     Although,  Herrenchiemsee isn't as impressive as Neuschwanstein from the outside it is far more impressive on the inside...a must see!   It is located on a small island in the Chiemsee.  You have to take a 15 minute boat ride to reach the island but don't expect to see the castle from the boat because it isn't towering high in the clouds but just the idea of having to take a boat to reach the castle was enough to intrigue my kids. 

     Upon arrival to the island, we purchased our tickets and then opted for the horse drawn carriage ride to the castle versus the 20 minute walk...the horse carriage added to the intrigue. Arriving at the castle, we were in awe of the fountains and were delighted when they came to life five minutes after our arrival. But nothing prepared us for the splendor we saw inside on our tour and once again no photography was allowed. 

     This castle was built as a copy of Versailles Palace as a tribute to Louis XIV but bigger and more splendidly furnished than Versailles but this castle was never finished. But the rooms that are finished are very impressive and one can understand why this castle even unfinished cost more than his other two castle combined.   It has a massive porcelain collection,  crystal chandeliers,  hand woven tapestries, and tons of gold. 

Paradise

"Paradise is seldom recognized as such until it is considered from the outside. 

     I am often asked by people who know I have traveled extensively, "where is your favorite place?"   I have pondered this question and still cannot answer it.   Every place is unique and I try to embrace the differences each place offers.  And although I don't have a favorite spot, there are places that have mesmerized me and on my most recent trip I have found another spot! 

  You know you have picked a good spot when both of your kids exclaim,  "WOW, it is beautiful!"  I really can't tell you how I came across this specific town but I'm glad I did.   Originally, I planned on staying longer in Munich and just making day trips from there to Berchtesgarten, Salzburg and Herrenchiemsee but when I came across this town, Rupholding, the description of the town intrigued me enough for me to research and eventually make reservations at an apartment.  It's a small town with lots of hiking trails,  bike riding, swimming pool and museums.  My kids and I are enjoying the beauty of this town and surrounding area so much that we have decided to spend our last day enjoying the area instead of going on our planned day trip to Salzburg...sorry, Mozart...we'll have to meet up another time!

Neuschwanstein Castle

"There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds"

     When planning a trip to Germany, most people will include a visit to a castle on their itinerary but with so many to choose from how do you decide which one to see?  I chose Neuschwanstein Castle because my daughter still believes in fairytales and I knew she would love it.  So I promised her we would go even though at the time I didn't know when.

     The castle was built by King Ludwig II.  He was nicknamed the " Fairytale King " and all you have to do is look at this castle from the outside to understand why he got that nickname and if the exterior of the castle doesn't convince you then take a tour of the interior...unbelievably beautiful!

     For those that might not know, Walt Disney modeled Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland, California after this castle.  They both have a lot in common.

     Some people will tell you to skip this castle because it's very touristy and that is true but I think it's worth a visit and with fighting the crowds over.  Since I'm traveling with two kids I didn't want to hear the complaints about having to walk up the BIG hill so I told them I would pay for the bus ride up to the middle bridge where all the famous pictures are taken and then we would walk down the BIG hill...easier to go down then up!

     The castle looks different from every area you view it...from the bottom, from the bridge, from the other castle across the way, halfway up the hill, front, back and side but it always looks breathtaking!

     Unfortunately, King Ludwig II died before the castle was finished, only a third was ever completed.  Within weeks of his death the castle was opened for tours to help pay the cost of what had already been done.

     On our trip, I hope to visit another castle King Ludwig II built.