The day started once again with some rain, but the sun made a serious effort, helped by strong winds. It was chilly in the morning at 11 or 12C and never got warmer than 17 or 18C during the day.
My favourite type of hike or walk is when we start off directly from our front door and don‘t use the car or other means of transport at all, and today we were doing just that: Walking to Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle), about 7 1/2 km from Münstermaifeld.
The public footpath is signposted and pretty easy, making it a pleasure to walk out of the small town, across the fields and into the woods until you reach the castle.
 |
| In Münstermaifeld |
 |
| St Joseph chapel at the outskirts of Münstermaifeld. |
An abandoned farm along the way captured my interest the way such places usually do:That first glimpse of the castle would be like something straight out of a fairytale, were it not for the many other people who walk the same path (most of them only walk the last 15 minutes from the parking lot). In the courtyard, we had to wait a while until we were admitted for our guided tour, the only way to see the inside. Photos are not allowed in the rooms, and so you have to take my word for it that it‘s impressive and well presented, with fresh flowers adorning most of the rooms. Or you have a look at the official website or wikipedia; clicking on wikipedia will take you to that entry which contains a link to the official website at the bottom. Also, you can read there about the long history of the castle.We found it really impressive, but of course with the many, many people about, the atmosphere wasn‘t as enchanted as it looks. It is a hugely popular spot, and who can blame folks for wanting to visit - after all, we were there, too.After the tour, we only stopped briefly on a bench for a drink of water and a Cadbury‘s Picnic bar and then made our way back to Münstermaifeld.
 |
| This one is for Kay! |
A brief shower caught up with us on the last kilometer or so, but of course we had rain gear in the backpack. A rest at home was followed by a short walk to the nearest supermarket for a few fresh items for the evening, such as salad and cheese.It had been a very good day, and not just Burg Eltz will stay in my mind, but also the abandoned farm we came across.
The castle really does look as though it belongs in a fairy tale.
ReplyDeleteAbandoned farms are a sad sight. One wonders about the history.
The farm must have been quite posh in its heyday, judging by its size and the comparative elegance of the house. We mentioned it to our host and his wife thinks that some investor planned to turn it into a golf club with the course out there on the fields, and when the Count’s family who own and live in Eltz Castle heard of it, they quickly bought so as to stop a golf course and club relatively close to their land.
DeleteI can see why it would be a popular place to visit. It sure is huge! I'm glad you had a nice day to hike there and back and that you didn't get too much rain.
ReplyDeleteIt must be enormous in its upkeep. Just imagine how many spiral stone staircases there are to sweep and wipe down every week, and cleaning windows must be a neverendimg task!
DeleteThe most odd coincidence today - when I turn on my computer each day, I get a picture from around the world of a lovely sight. I never know what is going to turn up but today your Eltz Castle was the photo! I am wondering if my computer is peeking at my blog friend's posts?!
DeleteHow funny! It is possible that your browser history influences the starting picture, but as far as places around the world go, Eltz must be rather high ranking in popularity.
DeleteI would have loved to visit that castle and your great walk in getting there too. You know I love the trees into that heart shape!! ❤️ I did read the history of the castle, the great age of any building is amazing to me as an American. I must say also, I dont recall having a Cadbury's Picnic bar but I am wanting one now!
ReplyDeleteA Cadbury‘s bar may not be the healthiest of snacks, but I like them and buy them every time they are on offer at my local Aldi.
DeleteI really enjoyed the walk to and from the castle, and the castle itself is really very impressive. I wouldn‘t want to live in it, though!
Good job there was no guard dog at the abandoned farm. It might have come woofing round the corner, knocking you over - but have no fear, the noble Sir OK would have rescued you from the slavering beast. Great walk.
ReplyDeleteWe didn‘t enter the fenced off area, I took the photo sticking my hand holding the phone through the fence. No dogs were seen or heard, but I could have thrown them my Cadbury‘s Picnic and we would have become best of friends.
Delete