After our jaunt through the vineyards of the Black Forest in Germany yesterday, today we’re going to meander through the ruins of a medieval castle.
I love how this German castle, like so many others, is perched atop the highest hill, providing commanding views and protection (once upon a time) from invaders.
Although at one time it must’ve been abuzz with activity, now it is a peaceful oasis of leaf-strewn pathways that wend between crumbling walls and deep wells, around dilapidated outbuildings and soaring towers.
It is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
My German friends and I had such fun moseying along, peering around corners and over walls and craning our necks to see the tops of towers almost disappearing into the trees.
There are perfectly placed benches ideal for resting, looking out over the tree-covered hills, or feeding a hungry baby.
At times we wandered off by ourselves, the thick stone walls and dense forest blotting out the laughter from a nearby cafe.
It felt so restful there, and I would’ve happily spread a blanket on the ground and spent a happy hour stretched out on my back, gazing up at the interplay of ancient stone and new growth.
As the late afternoon sun filtered down through the trees, we packed up our belongings and headed back down the mountain, hoping to have just enough daylight to explore another nearby castle.
Do you like to explore old ruins? If so, which ones are your favorite?
!!!http://goo.gl/fmt1R
Very cool!
Thanks, David! I loved it here. 🙂
Yes I love to explore old ruins Krista 🙂 Great photos. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Somehow I knew you would, @wanderingsheila:disqus 🙂 So glad you like the photos!
I look forward to visiting Pompeii and Paestum when I am in Italy this fall. There are many more places to discover and I will have fun doing just that.
I so enjoyed Pompeii but didn’t get to visit Paestum. I will look forward to your stories and photos, Val! 🙂
Ah, memories…you’re making me jealous, K! Great pics.
So glad they’re GOOD memories, @UlyssesSRant:disqus 🙂 One day we WILL return to this country we love so much. 🙂
Love those “crumbling walls” Krista & the photo with you and the baby is just adorable… I love to visit old ruins all around France, such a great way to explore the history of a country 🙂
Aww, thanks, @TuulaR:disqus Emma is such a doll – I love her!! 🙂
Interestingly enough these photos remind me of some Etruscan ruins near us! Lovely photos as always Krista.
I’ve been reading a bit about the Etruscans, @google-9c2cabc6737d76d3ba841e28d670a9c0:disqus , and would love to visit some ruins one day. 🙂
Looks very cool. I enjoyed these pics, but maybe I’m just starved for green.;)
I can understand that. 🙂 At the tail end of winter it was so brown here. I’m so glad Spring has arrived and brought green with it! 🙂
I love exploring ruins! I’m planning a hike in Germany’s Black Forest – I wonder if I’ll stumble upon one of these; that’d be really cool! Great post 🙂