The small gondola 🚡 from the 1950s took me high up to the Niederwald monument above Rüdesheim am Rhein. At its feet are the vineyards of the Rüdesheimer Berg. While I'm here - a gondola 🚡 despite a fear of heights ☺️ The monument was intended to commemorate the unification of Germany in 1871. Alongside several other monuments, the Niederwalddenkmal is one of Germany's monumental memorials from the time of the German Empire and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley since 2002. In addition to the figure of Germania enthroned at the top, the high relief below the plinth is particularly impressive, showing 133 life-size figures. This makes it the largest bronze relief of the 19th century. The surrounding area is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Kisses 😘
Wine has been cultivated at Eberbach Monastery in Eltville in the Rheingau since the end of the 15th century, as winegrowing was one of the monks' main occupations outside of their prayer times. What was initially intended for personal consumption soon developed into a sought-after commodity that secured the future and prosperity of the monastery.
In the wine barrels of the Domäne Steinberg in one of the pictures, fine wines from one of the most valuable monopole vineyards in the world (similar to my beloved Scharzhofberg on the Saar) once matured.
You can see original wine presses in the old walls. Wow. What a sight for wine lovers.
Today, Weingut Kloster Eberbach owns top vineyards in both Hessian wine-growing regions, in the Rheingau and also on the Hessische Bergstraße.
"Vinum delectat et laetifi cat cor hominum" is written in Latin script on wine press no. 9 - which means "wine delights and gladdens the hearts of the human" (if I, as a completely non-Latin speaker, translate this correctly). How true, how true 😍
Eberbach Monastery was built according to the early Cistercian movement's ideal of solitude. The monks were to concentrate on a life pleasing to God, secluded from the world and away from the important trade routes. The monastery basilica is a dominant building on the southern edge of the complex. It is a three-nave High Romanesque pillar basilica with a transept. The nave, transept and choir have a roof ridge that runs through at a uniform height. Large windows were created in the choir, one of which is still preserved today! There are no fewer than 9 chapels in front of the south aisle, which were used as burial chapels. A wonderful church, a wonderful and peaceful place. Kisses 😘
Once in the area, you have to make a stop at Eberbach Abbey. This monastery is a former Cistercian abbey in Eltville am Rhein in the Rheingau. The monastery, famous for its viticulture, was one of the oldest and most important cisterns in Germany, founded in 1136! Today, the Eberbach monastery is home to the Hessian state wineries - the largest German winery today. The entire complex is a listed building and must be visited if you're ever there!!! Kisses 😘
Who doesn't know them? The chocolates with Asbach Uralt. In fact, Asbach Uralt comes from Rüdesheim and is the oldest German drink like this - founded in 1892. Hugo Asbach wanted to create something on a par with the French one. Hugo Asbach also invented the name "Weinbrand" to distinguish it from from France. The term "ancient" was intended to indicate the long ageing period. The advertising slogan "The spirit of wine is in Asbach-Uralt", invented in 1937, is still used today. It is also mixed with cola. After several other sales, the original family business is now in the hands of the Underberg company. The original factory was bought by a South African woman who now runs a restaurant and wine shop there. There are 160 different wines available. A winemaker always presents 2 different wines. You insert a coin and take a tasting sip. Afterwards, you can enjoy a delicious snack in the courtyard. Kisses 😘
Off from Calais 🇫🇷 to Dover 🏴 with the ferry of DFDS. Super service. Early bird 🐦 and so: 6 am on the ferry ⛴️ on it. I have booked: First Boarding and Lounge. It's worth it. Really. No waiting, walk through. Parking. And then enjoy absolute peace and quiet in the lounge with all you can eat and drink. The most important thing for me: the peace and quiet! Incredible: the sunrise. And then - finally: the chalk cliffs of Dover. My heart leaps and is incredibly happy 🩷 Kisses 😘
On my way to Calais 🇫🇷 .... The car needed a pit stop just before Dunkirchen 🇧🇪 Belgium is incredibly well equipped with charging stations. Tomorrow I'm taking the ferry ⛴️ to Dover 🏴 🩷 London is calling 🩷 And I'm coming 🩷
I have arrived in Mallorca of the 60s: Rüdesheim/Rheingau. Whew. Oh well. That's also part of it. The Drosselgasse, a 2 metre wide and around 144 metre long cobbled street in Rüdesheim am Rhein, which is visited by around three million people every year, is indeed world-famous.
The numerous wine houses, some of which are half-timbered, characterise the image of this small, narrow street alongside gift and souvenir shops. Thank goodness I was here out of season and in the rain. It would be unthinkable if masses of tourists were to push their way through here!
However, I had a very tasty meal in the Schloss Rüdesheim restaurant run by the famous winemaker Georg Breuer - and of course I also sampled a wine or two. Background music and good service included. For this: A clear recommendation. Kisses 😘
Some days off for me at the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which stretches over 65 kilometres along the Rhine's breakthrough valley through the Rhenish Slate Mountains between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. This unique landscape is characterised by the Rhine, its narrow banks and the steep, partly vine-covered valley slopes as well as the numerous castles, palaces, monasteries and churches, combined with myths, legends, works of literature, music and visual art, especially from the 19th century. Of course, the Loreley is also world-famous. And no - it is not a statue of a graceful girl. The Loreley is a 132 metre high, steep slate rock on the right bank of the Rhine in the Rhine Gorge near Sankt Goarshausen and is therefore also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ley means something like stone or rock. A marvellous landscape and wonderfully accessible by car. Kisses 😘
St George's Chapel is a collegiate church in Windsor Castle in Great Britain. The building, constructed from light-coloured sandstone, is considered one of the main works of the Perpendicular Style. This refers to a "perpendicular style" or rectilinear style, an architectural style of the late Gothic period typical of England and neighbouring areas. The chapel was founded in the 13th century under Henry III. It is the final resting place for numerous members of the royal family. Most recently for Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip.
The free-standing, towerless St George's Chapel dominates the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle. Although it officially only has the status of a chapel, at 237 feet (around 72 metres) long it is the size of some cathedrals. The exterior is characterised by the large windows and the richly decorated buttresses. Unfortunately, just like Windsor Castle, it was not possible to take any photos inside. Kisses 😘
Windsor Castle is located in the English town of Windsor in the south of England in the county of Berkshire. It is the largest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The River Thames flows below the castle (a walk here is magical) on its way eastwards to the capital, London, 35 kilometres away. Windsor Castle is also known as the "English Versailles". Its origins date back to 1078 when William the Conqueror built it. At that time it was still a wooden castle. It was not until his son that the first stone buildings were erected. The layout of the castle developed from the medieval fortifications. The Round Tower divides the castle into two different areas, the so-called Courtyards. St George's Chapel is located in the Lower Court, while the private royal apartments and the state apartments are in the Upper Court. With the exception of the private chambers, many of the rooms can be visited and are decorated with all kinds of valuable paintings. In St George's Hall, the ceiling is decorated with the coats of arms of past and present Knights of the Order of the Garter. On 20 November 1992, a 🔥 broke out in the Queen's private chapel and spread rapidly. It was started by a halogen spotlight that goes over to a curtain. 15 hours, destroying nine of the most important state apartments. A further 100 rooms were severely damaged. The buildings at the Upper Court were badly damaged overall. A fifth of the castle's building area was damaged, totalling 9000 m². The renovation work took five years to complete. The renovation work was so good that it is very difficult to tell the difference between old and new! Kisses 😘
I love small and large churches. No matter what era. I think you can come to rest here. Take in the echo of the venerable walls. Sit down and relax! Close your eyes. Let my mind wander. I just had to go to this enchanting church in the centre of Windsor! ⛪️ Kisses 😘
Windsor is ideal for a day trip from London and is a particular highlight for fans of the British royal family. After all, Windsor Castle, a royal residence that has been home to 40 monarchs, is located here.
I strolled along the famous Long Walk, an extensive avenue that can often be seen in photos - with a marvellous view of Windsor Castle. The Queen was driven along this route on her last journey. Past her favourite horse, her corgies, her family and many, many mourners.
Created by King Charles II in 1682-85, this tree-lined avenue stretches almost 2.5 miles down to the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
I'm back in Windsor. At last. Completely relaxed and comfortable by train from the centre of London. A really pleasant way to travel. Arriving at this cute little station (note: remember to check out when you get off!!!), you can take a wonderfully relaxed stroll into the nearby small and really charming city centre. And I was pretty lucky with the weather too. When angels 😇 are travelling 😉
Visiting Oberstdorf on my trip to the Allgäu. Oberstdorf is the southernmost municipality in Germany and is recognised as a climatic health resort and Kneipp spa.I can also be quite healthy 😉 As it is the southernmost town, it is a member of the so-called "Zipfelbund", an association of the northernmost municipality in Germany, List on Sylt, the westernmost municipality of Selfkant, the market town of Oberstdorf in the far south and the town of Görlitz on the eastern edge. However, Oberstdorf is better known as a ski resort with the Fellhorn and Kanzelwand and internationally for its ski jump and ski flying hill, which are housed in an entire arena. These can be visited - but not ideal for me with a fear of heights. I preferred to look at it from below. You can stroll through the small alleyways and find numerous pubs that invite you to enjoy a snack and a beer. Traditionally Bavarian. And shopping is possible in small boutiques! I love spontaneity. Spontaneously found something nice too. Looking forward to Thursday! 😉 Kisses 😘
On my way to my hotel ("Blaue Burg Falkenstein"), I travelled a little way through my beloved Austria. The ideal combination for me is mountains and lakes. I passed the "Plansee" for the first time, the second largest natural lake in Tyrol, Austria within the Ammergau Alps. At its deepest point, it is around 77 metres deep and covers an area of around 3 square kilometres. As the lake is very clear and fortunately quite clean, divers have visibility of up to 15 metres and can observe a wide variety of fish. A wonderful area to unwind and get a breath of fresh air. Kisses 😘
Typical destinations for tourists in the Allgäu/Southern Germany are, of course, the Ludwig castles. First and foremost, Neuschwanstein Castle, which sits in the landscape like a Disney castle (and probably served as a model for the same...). Linderhof Palace is somewhat smaller (surprisingly small, really) and is not far from Ettal Abbey. It was built from 1870 by King Ludwig II. Perhaps it could also be better described as a royal villa. The original plan was to model the palace on Versailles. However, the site proved to be unsuitable. A kind of retreat was designed in the style of Marley Palace near Versailles. The king spent the winter months here. Incidentally, it is not at all obvious that the castle is actually built entirely of wood and only clad in plaster.
Linderhof Palace has a complex yet symmetrical floor plan. The upper floor with the king's living quarters houses a total of two large halls, the staircase, four almost horseshoe-shaped cabinets, an oval dining room and study, as well as the tapestry rooms flanking the second largest room in the palace, the Hall of Mirrors. The largest room is the impressive 100 square metre bedroom. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos inside!
The garden directly around the castle is laid out in a very formal style, combining elements from French baroque gardens. There is also an ornamental garden and a large park modelled on English landscape gardens with groups of trees and winding paths that incorporate the natural features. Be sure to visit if you're in the area and book an informative guided tour in good time! Kisses 😘
If you are in the Allgäu region/southern Germany, then a visit to the world-famous Ettal Monastery near Oberammergau (also known worldwide for its Passion Festival, which takes place every 10 years) is practically a must. This is probably the most beautiful rococo sacristy in southern Germany. And southern Germany has many sacristies! 😉 The central building of the imposing monastery basilica from 1370 with a 12-sided floor plan is particularly impressive thanks to the outstanding stucco decoration by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and Johann Georg Üblherr as well as the ceiling fresco, which depicts the Benedictine heaven and its main saints under the Trinity.
The monastery was founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig as fulfilment of a vow (due to his safe return). At the same time, the transport route to the south was expanded.
The most important object of devotion in Ettal has always been a picture of the Virgin Mary brought from Pisa, the so-called Ettal Madonna. The Madonna soon became the destination of pilgrimages, especially since the baroque rebuilding of the monastery. The monastery church is dedicated to St Mary: St Mary's Assumption.
There is also a humanist grammar school with a modern languages programme (originally only open to boys, but recently opened to girls too), as well as a distillery, a cheese dairy, a farm, various agricultural businesses, inns and a hotel. Kisses 😘
In Oberammergau/Allgäu/Southern Germany, time seems to have stood still! Oberammergau is known worldwide for its Passion Play, which only takes place every ten years (most recently in 2022), as well as the local artisans with carvers of the Lord God and the houses decorated with paintings (special term: "Lüftlmalerei"). They often depict scenes from the Passion of Christ or from people's everyday lives.
Since the plague year of 1633, the Passion Plays have been performed regularly following a vow made by the population (to survive the plague). Today, the Oberammergau Passion Play takes place every ten years with the broad participation of the local population. They are the most famous passion plays in the world with over 500,000 visitors each year. Since 1990 (!), (married!) women have also been allowed to take part. The Passion Play is divided into approx. 11 acts (number varies), called a performance. You should take your time. The whole play lasts around 7.5 hours with a long break in between! The more than 2,000 participants in the Passion Play are recruited exclusively from the inhabitants of the municipality. Each leading role is cast twice. The cast is announced in the autumn of the year before the performance. Fun fact: In order to have an authentic hairstyle for the actors and not have to use wigs, there is a hair and beard decree one year before the next performance on Ash Wednesday, in which the mayor asks the performers to let their beards and hair grow. 😂 The musical part of the Passion Play comprises more than 4000 bars and is performed by around 12 soloists, 65 choir singers and 60 orchestral musicians (the number varies depending on the performance. Wow! 🤩 If you have the chance to get a ticket: ABSOLUTELY REALISE IT! Kisses 😘
Relax and unwind. Arrive. Relax. Hectic? Stress? Forget it. Instead, I enjoy various saunas, waterbeds, cosy fireplace alcoves and a panoramic view that is addictive. When I lie here, enjoying the sun and my gaze wistfully wanders to the mountains, I am happy. I don't think I've ever experienced a wellness area with a view like this. The saunas are small, cosy and definitely not overcrowded. My favourite sauna? The hay barn! 🩷 You can book massages (which I did) and beauty appointments on request. You will be spoilt with fresh tea to brew yourself and various nuts to nibble on. And this view.... Did I mention that already? 😍 Kisses 😘
It is a complete understatement to describe the location of the hotel "Die Blaue Burg" on Falkenstein as spectacular. What an experience with enjoyment in every respect at 1250 metres. The journey through the beautiful Allgäu alone: marvellous and in the best weather. At Pfronten/Allgäu/South Germany, the narrow road leads uphill: 50 minutes uphill with traffic lights, 10 minutes downhill with cars. At the top, just below the abandoned castle ruins (incidentally the oldest in Germany), is the hotel with a fine restaurant. Great. Always with a beautiful view and culinary summit bliss. The cooking up here is of a high standard and yet down-to-earth. The wine recommendations round off the menu. And then the rooms. 17 moving perspectives. 17 x individual & special. Most are decorated in mountain chalet chic, with oak floors, walls made of gnarled pine wood or exposed wooden beams and light-flooded bathrooms with whirlpools, one of which is furnished in Moroccan style with arched doors and a clay shower. The hotel has an unrivalled, breathtaking view across the Allgäu to Austria. Definitely a place to be. I'll be back! 🩷 Soon! 🩷Promised. 😍 Kisses 😘
Good food is the essence of enjoyment. I love going to good restaurants well dressed, enjoying the the creations and having a good time. Accompanied by an excellent glass of wine. The basis for a perfect evening! Kisses 😘.
