Braunfels, Germany – Altstadt and Castle

An hour’s drive by car north of Frankfurt above the Taunus mountains you will find a small, quaint and often overlooked little town called Braunfels.

Braunfels

The town of Braunfels in the Lahm valley in Hessen and on the famous German Timber-Frame Tourist Road. All of the houses in the Altstadt are of this type construction and most are fairly old, sixteenth and seventeenth century.

Main center square – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Old tower and hotel with shield – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

The Altstadt lays to the east of the castle by the same name. Since it was built on the side of the same hill as the castle, some of the roads are pretty steep. Most are paved with cobbles and there are several signs, mostly if not exclusively in German, reminding visitors that the stones are uneven, slippery when wet, and the town and castle are not liable for any injuries, so watch you step when you visit.

Be Careful – Altstadt and Castel – Braunfels, Germany

The castle may be reached through the town via the Schloßstrasse, or on the other side of the hill via the Burgweg (this is where we parked).

Old 1812 Mill Grinding Day memorial – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Warning over mill – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Old wooden beam houses – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Old wooden memorial – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Interesting cupola – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Wood beam house rebuilt in 1901 from old barn that burnt down – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Another old building 1679 – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Very old houses – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Memorial stone – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Old gate and entrance – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Beautiful old house above parking area – Altstadt – Braunfels, Germany

Kratzsteine

If you ever wondered why old towns such as Braunfels had these many corner stones, or Kratzsteine; the following sign explains it. The interesting thing here is, that although these are very common throughout older German cities and towns, you will not find many examples in Braunfels; making one wonder why someone posted a sign above an example of one, when there are so few throughout the town.

The above can be translated loosely in English as the following.

The medieval cities had very narrow alleys, which were only meant for pedestrians and mule drawn carts. When horse drawn carriages came, they had difficulties trying to make the turns without slowing down. The hubs of the wheels or the side of the wagons would damage the buildings. In order to prevent this damage and the high cost of repairs, the home owners had to come up with something. They decided on giant house stones, or Kratzsteine, which were partially buried on the corners of the house. This forced the driver to avoid and swing their carriages wide, so they didn’t risk their wheels getting damaged from these strategically placed corner stones.

Castle Braunfels

Christian Christmas Tradition

In Germany there is an old religious custom on the twelfth day of Christmas, or what is more properly known as the Epiphany. On the evening of or the day of Epiphany the front door of the building is chalked with the pattern “yy * C + M + B * YY”. The CMB is short for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, or in English, May Christ bless this house. The YY are the year divided up appropriately.

Epiphany blessing on door to Chapel – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Chapel inside castle – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Chapel inside the castle – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Chapel organ – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Castle Innards

The courtyard of the castle is fairly large and surrounded by three walls and towers. The inside of the castle is typical for one of this period. The slideshow below finishes our tour of the castle and our visit to this very nice little town in Hessen.

The new tower – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Area by new tower – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Panorama of inside courtyard showing all towers – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

The clock tower – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

The new tower from different angle – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

The family wapper – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

The old tower – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Hausshuhe you have to wear – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Old chandeliers main room – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Main room – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Old fireplace and family crest – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Antique armor – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Weapons and antlers – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Study and paintings room – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Ornate wood carvings – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Old fireproof chest with five inch thick sides – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Tapestries – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Outside facade – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

Exit – Braunfels Castle – Braunfels, Germany

5 June, 2023

Mainz, Germany – Stadtbummel And Lunch

Though we have been in Mainz at least several times, it was before the beginning of this blog. Therefore, after a brief visit to the city to meet our friends and have a walk or stroll throughout the city (also known as a Stadtbummel), a quick mention here seemed almost required.

Day Trip To Mainz

This week we met our good and long time friends Karl Heinz and Isolde in Mainz for lunch and a customary Stadtbummel, if only to see some of the sights Patti has never seen.

To get there, we had to take the RMV S8 line from the Marktplatz in Offenbach to the Römisches Theater in Mainz. Unfortunately for us, there a typical issue which held the train up for forty-five minutes after we boarded and only went for two stops. Apparently something fell onto the tracks and tripped the signal on the line.

17th Century Fortress – Zitadelle – Mainz, Germany

Karl Heinz – Römisches Theater – Zitadelle – Mainz, Germany

Römisches Theater – Zitadelle – Mainz, Germany

Mainzer Dom

Once the item was removed from the tracks, there were no further difficulties and we reached Mainz with plenty of time before lunch. We toured the Mainzer Dom and the Marktplatz, which are side by side, while we enjoyed the exceptional weather we were having for Germany.

Side Altar – Mainzer Dom – Mainz, Germany

Saint Ignatius Church

One of the more colorful churches inside is Saint Ignatius church. Though rather plain from outside the inside is definitely worth a look. The baroque style and paintings are impressive.

Saint Stephan’s Church

A must stop is Saint Stephan’s church, if only to see the famous church windows designed by Marc Chagall. Once inside, the eerie blue glow that occurs inside a bright sunny day is indeed a treat for the eyes.

Almost totally destroyed during World War II along with the rest of Mainz, the church was rebuilt in the late 1950s. Marc Chargall created a number of stained glass windows from 1978 and 1985 depicting scenes from the Bible.

Chagall Windows – Saint Stephan’s Church – Mainz, Germany

Restaurants

Since we did not actually stay in the city we only had time with our friends to try the following restaurant for lunch.

Hof Ehrenfels

For lunch we ate at Hof Ehrenfels, a stone’s throw away from the Mainzer Dom on Greberstraße. It is actually a three star hotel that also has a very good restaurant with a garden. The four of us ate outside in garden and had Wiener Schnitzel.

Wiener Schnitzel – Hof Ehrenfels – Mainz, Germany

3 June, 202328 December, 2023

Mainz, Germany – Deutschen Freunde

Diese Woche hatten wir die Gelegenheit unsere guten deutschen Freunde in Mainz zu treffen. Bevor wir unsere aktuelle Reise begannen, schickte ich meinem Freund Karl Heinz eine E-Mail, um alles zu planen. Und in den letzten Tagen haben wir uns gefreut, dass all unsere Planungen für uns geklappt haben.

Eine Kleine Reise Mit Dem Zug

Da wir eine Woche in Offenbach am Main waren, um unsere Töchter Ericka und ihren Mann Gabriel zu besuchen, mussten wir die DB S8 ab Offenbach Markplatz nehmen, die direkt zur Mainz Romisches Theater Haltestelle führt. Das bedeutete, dass wir von der Wohnung unserer Tochter in der Innenstadt laufen mussten, aber das kein Problem war, denn es dauert nur ungefahr fünfzehn Minuten.

Nach fast zehn Minuten des Anfangs unserer Reise gab es eine Störung, einen Gegenstand leigt auf den Gleissen und das rotes Stopplicht angeschaltet war. Es dauert 43 Minuten bevor wir unsere Reise fortfahren könnten.

Restaurants

Für Mittagsessen wählten wir Hof Ehrenfels.

Hof Ehrenfels

Dieser restaurant ist auch ein Drei-Stern-Hotel mit einem schönen Garten, den man draussen sitzen kann während man isst.

31 May, 2023

Auerbach, Germany – Auerbach Castle

Perched above the small hamlet of Auerbach, located immediately north of Bensheim, Germany is the castle of Auerbach. The Auerbach Castle is privately owned, maintained and is free to visit. Hiking and walking around its grounds and castle is allowed and encourage by the many structures that have been put in place to reach the upper parts of the castle.

Auerbach Castle

This is a perfect destination for a day trip, where one can go and enjoy the weather and the beautifully forested grounds of the castle. The castle itself is rather small and may be used to get an excellent view of the surrounding area and countryside beyond.

There are plenty of trails – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Our merry travelers – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The entrance to the fortification – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Entrance – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The stairs up to the castle walls – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The south tower flying the Hessen Flag – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The north tower – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Fortifications of the castle – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Inside the castle fortification, interior entrance – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

An old fireplace and tools – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Interior wall and north tower – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Commemoration plaque – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Gabi and Ericka – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

We were lucky enough to stop on our way to Frankfurt, and on a day of exceptional weather, where we were able to easily make out the nuclear power plant ten miles away and the hills beyond that, at what must be close to fifty miles away.

North panorama – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The castle was built sometime in the thirteenth century on what they called the old hill, or Urberg. It was probably partially maintained as a strategic fortification well into the seventeenth century, when it was no longer needed.

Castle wappen commemoration – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Over the next hundred years or so, it fell into disrepair and eventually the north tower collapsed. In the nineteenth century, it was repaired and partially rebuilt, the former bailey^[1]A bailey is a protective walled courtyard, usually surrounded by a palisade or ditch outside. being converted into an Inn and eventually taking on its final form we see today. You can actually stay at the Inn even today.

Interior – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

An old window – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

A view of the outside wall – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

North tower gate – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Old tree – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The moat – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The south tower – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

A view of the hills behind – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

The north tower with Zwingenberg – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

South tower and Bensheim below – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

South tower looking south – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Bensheim (left) and Zwingenberg (righ) – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Looking north – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Inside one the north tower – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Castle well – Auerbach Castle – Auerbach, Germany

Restaurants

There is only one restaurant on the grounds and a cafe. The cafe is situated outside and you may even bring your own food and enjoy a nice picnic on the tables that have been provided, assuming I would guess, if you buy a drink. The restaurant is inside, has a marvelous outside terrace with overlook and is fully staffed. The restaurant and grounds are capable of actually holding weddings, with the appropriate arrangements, of course. They also occasionally hold dinner theaters and a Rittermahl^[2]In the U.S., this would be similar to our Medieval Times, where you get a knight fight and a dinner, while cheering your team on., complete with medieval games.

Auerbach Castle Restaurant

We ate lunch at the restaurant on the terrace, which of course has a commanding view of the countryside below.

Erick and Patti – Auerbach Castle Restaurant – Auerbach, Germany

They have a very good selection of typical German dishes and the service is also very good and timely. However, I am not sure how much English they speak, since we only spoke German to them and they never attempted to speak English. So if you are an English only speaker and plan to visit, be prepared, you may have to use the point and grunt method of ordering.

Salad and Goulash soup – Auerbach Castle Restaurant – Auerbach, Germany

Castle history – Auerbach Castle Restaurant – Auerbach, Germany

References[+]

References
↑1	A bailey is a protective walled courtyard, usually surrounded by a palisade or ditch outside.
↑2	In the U.S., this would be similar to our Medieval Times, where you get a knight fight and a dinner, while cheering your team on.

30 May, 202331 May, 2023

Straßburg, France – Quaint Border Town

Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

We arrived by plane from Catania, Sicily in France’s EuroAirport, also known as the Basel-Mulhouse-Friebourg airport. You arrive via the air and exit in any one of three countries, Switzerland, Germany or France.

Three exits at airport, Germany, Switzerland and France – Basel -Mulhouse-Freibourg Airport, France

A word of caution though, exiting in France, you may find it difficult to get a taxi. We waited for a half an hour and ended up sharing a ride with a Frenchmen that explained to us that exiting via the France exit has the least amount of taxis. Of course, the airport has no information booth and you can’t of course change your mind once you are out.

French exit – Basel -Mulhouse-Freibourg Airport, France

The taxi drive was about five minutes and we were standing at the Saint-Louis la Chaussée train stop, having already purchased our tickets via phone. From there we went to Mulhouse and then on to Strasbourg, again using France’s regional train service, which you can essentially purchase any ticket in the future and still be able to use it for earlier trains.

Argantorati

Just barely in France on the border with Germany is the small quaint city of Straßburg, or Strasbourg to the French, and it actually goes by other names to some of the ethnic minorities. The name has German origins and meaning as ‘the town at the crossing of roads‘. It is also the place where the river Ill dumps into the mighty Rhine river.

Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

The original settlement here before the fifth century CE, was known as the fortified silver settlement, a compound of the Celtic arganto for silver and rati for fortification. It was later latinized into Argentium and Argentina, or city of silver, where it is known in numerous texts. What follows is a slideshow of some of the many amazing sites you will see as you walk the city.

Restaurants in the evening – Strasbourg, France

The old Bollinger House – Strasbourg, France

The river Ill from outside the hotel – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Old wooden framed houses – Strasbourg, France

Another unique wooden framed house – Strasbourg, France

A beautiful day from Pont Saint-Thomas – Strasbourg, France

One of the dam overflows – Strasbourg, France

A beautiful restaurant – Strasbourg, France

Walking the streets – Strasbourg, France

The Liebenzeller memorial – Strasbourg, France

The other side of town – Strasbourg, France

The river Ill on a lazy day – Strasbourg, France

Another view of the Ill – Strasbourg, France

The boat tour anchorage – Strasbourg, France

Old wooden beams up close – Strasbourg, France

Notre Dame

The town has a huge and wonderfully prominent cathedral called Notre Dame de Strasbourg, also known as the Straßburger Münster in German.

Its construction began in the late twelfth century and its impressive bell tower and spire were added more than 120 years after the start of construction, which I might add was never completed, since the addition of a second right tower and spire never came to fruition. The outside at night is spectacular, the interior and exterior lighting provide an excellent balance to show the real grandeur of this cathedral.

Of course, this is balanced well by the stained-glass windows illuminated by the sun in the early morning hours. The interior also houses an ecclesiastical astronomical clock which was built in the early 1570s.

Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

The organ – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Stained glass – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Organ and stained glassed windows – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Another shot of organ and glass – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Old renovated side door – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

The large rosette window – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

The pulpit – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

A small side altar – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

More statues – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

The ecclesiastical clock – Inside the cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Side chapel – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Very old stone carvings – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

An entire view – Notre Dame de Strasbourg – Strasbourg, France

Get here early, usually before ten o’clock, otherwise the tour groups from the Viking cruises start to assemble and you will have little chance, the line often snakes all the way out the courtyard and around the block!

Palace Rohan

Across the river Ill from our hotel was the Rohan Palace, which houses several museums. We toured the Museum of Decorative Arts, just to get a view of the palace from inside.

We all found the decorative arts inside the museum a bit avant-guarde for our tastes, but typically French. The interior of the palace for the most part met expectations.

Inside the Decorative Arts Museum – Palace Rohan – Strasbourg, France

Decorative Arts Museum – Palace Rohan – Strasbourg, France

Pont du Faisan

Built in 1888 this is a working example of an old hydraulic swing bridge. Below is a short video showing it in operation. First the two ends are closed for traffic, then the operator swings the bridge to allow boats through the gate. We were able to see this as a pedestrian and on the Strasbourg sightseeing tour boat. It is a very interesting piece of engineering and on a small scale, perhaps better than raising a bridge.

Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg

This Ponts Couverts is a set of thirteen century covered bridges and towers on the southwest part of the island. Initially a battlement and constructed of wood, the roofs were later removed and eventually the bridges were rebuilt in stone.

At least one of them was made into a prison and it was later told, though falsely, that executions were also carried out there, though there is no evidence of this happening.

The Courvert Towers – Strasbourg, France

Hotel Cour Du Corbeau

A very good hotel that is strategically located close to the old city center in Krutenau is the Hotel Cour Du Corbeau. It is situated just across the river Ill and two blocks away from the cathedral. Parking for cars is only a block away and many restaurants and cafes are within ten minutes walking distance.

The courtyard and cafe – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Old wooden framing – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Renovated inside – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Since we were arriving by train, we took the D Tram from the Central Station and got off at the Hospital stop. From there we were only a ten minute walk away.

Old spiral staircase – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

The hotel is a smartly renovated and modernized version of an old inn that was used by workmen that worked at the tanneries and other places throughout the city. It maintains many of the old beams and architectural elements of the old building. However, it includes air-conditioning and many other modern amenities.

The lobby – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Outside courtyard – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Outside courtyard and bar – Hotel Cour Du Corbeau – Strasbourg, France

Although you may initially find their 27€ price for breakfast a bit steep, it is well worth it since they provide both hot and cold buffet items, as well as a wide selection of coffees.

Restaurants

Being a very busy tourist spot, Strasbourg has a plethora of restaurants, anything from traditional Alsatian food, to Chinese and other cosmopolitan cuisines. So you shouldn’t go hungry, even without a reservation.

Maison Des Tanneurs

The House of the Tanners restaurant was the furthest of all the restaurants from our hotel and took a good fifteen minute walk to reach.

Restaurant – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

Former names – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

Located in the far southwest corner of the island and near the Ponts Couverts it commands a nice view of the river Ill. So, if you want window side seat, reserve your seat early, we arrived at our reservation time and the sign was already posted on the menu outside – totally booked this evening.

View from window – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

Inside – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

Our appetizers – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

Gulash like soup – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

La Choucroute – Heap of sauerkraut and assorted meat – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

Tenderloin with sauce Bearnaise and potato croquettes – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

The window view again – The House of Tanners – Strasbourg, France

La Piazza

We ate here on a first night and it is a decent restaurant with pretty good Italian food. We sat inside near the wood burning over, so the pizza they made for us was using the traditional method. The service was fine and our drinks met all of our expectations. However, the toilet left much to be desired, I suggest you become prepared to avoid a visit.

Gabi and Erick – La Piazza restaurant – Strasbourg, France

The menu – La Piazza restaurant – Strasbourg, France

A nice wine – a Sicilian Nero D’Avola – La Piazza restaurant – Strasbourg, France

Au Tire Bouchon

Another excellent Alsatian restaurant choice is the Au Tire Bouchon. Though it does not have the view the House of Tanners provides, the food is on par with that establishment.

Alley and back entrance – Au Tire Bouchon – Strasbourg, France

Entrance sign – Corkpuller – Au Tire Bouchon – Strasbourg, France

Entrance – Au Tire Bouchon – Strasbourg, France

The menu – Au Tire Bouchon – Strasbourg, France

Inside – Au Tire Bouchon – Strasbourg, France

Beef and mashed potatoes – Au Tire Bouchon – Strasbourg, France

28 September, 2022

Vienna, Austria – Eine Gruft Und Mehr

Vienna Sights Above And Under

In Vienna, as with many older cities in Europe, there are interesting things to see not only above ground, but below as well. Today was a rainy day and we had to deal with as best we could, that could have meant museums, but everyone else had that idea. In attempt to continue to avoid crowded place, whenever possible, we decided on the offbeat.

Schweizertor – The Swiss Gate

The swiss gate is the oldest gate or door and part of the Hofburg, dating back to the 1300s. It is part of the original square castle that included four turrets on each corner. It’s not much to see, but is a remarkable color red.

Die Ankeruhr

The Anker Clock is located on Hoher Markt, next to the Judengasse.

It chimes and performs a small show every noon time, otherwise all you will witness is an hourly chime, as follows.

Kapuzinergruft – Kaisergruft – Habsburg Tomb

If you are at all interested in the Habsburgs, and perhaps where they might be buried, look no further than the Kapuzinergruft. Also called the Kaisergruft or Habsburg Tomb, it is located on Neuer Markt and next to the Kapuziner Kloster.

Vienna – Kapuzinergruft – Kaiser Gruft or Crypt – Tickets For Two

The gruft contains many of the families of the Habsburgs and Habsburg-Lothringen and includes a genealogy of the members who rest in this place. Some of the coffins also have amazing details, most of which have to do with wars^[1]I sometime wonder when we are going to get over or need for that exercise in futility.

Vienna – Kapuzinergruft – Habsburg Genealogy

Restaurants

Grand Hotel Wien – Breakfast Lounge

If you stay at the Grand Hotel Wien, you should look into any combination package that offers breakfast. Unless you are an extremely light eater in the morning, you will not do much better outside. They have a hot and cold menu (buffet), and the portion size is well managed, so you won’t have to worry about walking around with a lot of extra weight.

Café Central

One of the oldest cafes in Vienna, the Café Central is located in the old Palais Ferstel building on the corner of Herren- and Strauchgasse. Famous personages like Freud and Trotsky have visited this establishment, though today the conversations today, one could say, are less political or analytical.

Vienna – Cafe Central – Building and entrance

We made reservations for lunch and commend anyone do that same. The line waiting to get in can be long and when it rains out, as it did today, you do not want to find yourself getting wet before sitting down after a twenty or so minute wait.

Vienna – Cafe Central – Show case at entrance

Vienna – Cafe Central – Looking toward entrance

Vienna – Cafe Central – Patti enjoying lunch

The food is good and traditional. I can commend a good red wine from Burgenland called Blaufränkish, which is served by the glass for around 5.50€. It is an excellent accompaniment for Wüstchens and Gulash soup. It is very busy, so service can be intermittent at times, so be patient.

Vienna – Cafe Central – Würstchen platter and Maygar Gulash

Vienna – Cafe Central – Apfelstrüdel – a local and personal favorite

References[+]

References
↑1	I sometime wonder when we are going to get over or need for that exercise in futility

27 September, 2022

Vienna, Austria – An Amaranthine Albertina

Viennese Museums

Anyone visiting Vienna has to have museums on the top of their list of things-to-do. This city is home to many extraordinary examples of very good museums, some even housed in former palaces. The Albertina is just such an example and a must see when visiting Vienna, their collection of fine art is, shall we say, first rate.

Vienna – The Natural History Museum – *Naturhistorisches Museum Wien*

Some Museums of Vienna

In fact, there are so many museums in Vienna, it is perhaps difficult to list them all. Below are a few that we visited and thoroughly enjoyed, along with a few photographs, just to remember the important works of art that are there.

The Hofburg

A complex of museums and a library, which we found out only allows users who are doing research or have special permission. Though we did not see any museums here, it does include a World Museum and a Papyrus Museum.

Vienna – The Hofburg – 1821 built in memory of the Battle of Leipzig

Vienna – The Hofburg – Prince Eugene Statue

Vienna – The Hofburg – Erzherzog Karl – Equestrian Statue

Maria-Theresien-Platz

Sitting across from one another, on the Maria-Theresien Platz, are the Art History and Natural History museums. This impressive public square was built with the public in mind, where they could come and enjoy the museums and stroll the grounds afterwards. The square is joined on the one end by the Museumquartier and on the other by the Burgring (Ringstraße), across which lies the Hofburg.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Tickets for Two

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Main Stairway – Works by Klimt and others

Across the Burgring from the Hofburg is the Art History Museum of Vienna, or the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. It houses unique art pieces collected by the Habsburgs during their reign.

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Ceiling

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Ancient Jewelry Collection

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Cameos

Vienna – The Art History Museum – A Griffin

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Ancient Roman and Greek bronzes and vases

Vienna – The Art History Museum – Ancient Bust

The Albertina

Formerly a palace, the Albertina was rebuilt after the Second World War and refurbished at the turn of the millennium. It contains collections of works by Monet, Picasso, Dürer and Da Vinci to name a few, my favorites are the works by Klee and Chagall. Here is a slideshow of some of those works.

Batliner Collection

A famous collection of paintings featuring Monet and Picasso, the Batliner Collection was endowed to the Albertina by Herbert Batliner’s estate. It contains many important collections by modernist artists, including Chagall, Ernst and Klee. Here is a slideshow of what this collection has to offer.

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Bonnard

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Renoir

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Monet

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Signac

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Van Rysselberghe

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Matisse

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Manguin

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Gauguin

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Campendonk

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Jawlensky

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Nolde

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Walde

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Werefkin

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Sedlacek

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Kadinsky

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Klee – The Fool

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Klee – Crow Landscape

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Klee – Fairy Tale of the Dwarf

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Klee – The Fairy Tale of the Two Fishes

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Klee – Blue Coat

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – The Kite

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Vitebsk, Village Scene

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Chagall – Motherhood

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Sleeping Woman with Flowers

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Picasso

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Ernst – Forest and Sun

Vienna – Albertina – Batliner Collection – Giocametti – Portrait of Annette

The Habsburg State Rooms

The building also has a collection of state rooms that were used by the archdukes and archduchesses of the Habsburgs. It consists of about twenty rooms of varying styles and designs.

Restaurants

La Scala Trattoria

Yes we know, Italian food in Austria? Yes and yes! It is amazing how many Italian restaurants and trattoria there are here, including chains like Vapiano’s, if you need a quick bite for lunch.

This was a great pick for lunch, the hosts are very attentive and the food is speedily and well prepared. Though I would say that cuisine that is offered has an almost Rome feel to it, either due to the owners origin or as a response to tourist’s expectations. All in all, you couldn’t any better in Vienna than selecting this place to eat Italian food.

Vienna – Italian Restaurant – La Scala – Spaghetti al Pomodoro e Basilico

Vienna – Italian Restaurant – La Scala – Spaghette Aglio Olio

Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer

This is an old Viennese restaurant, formerly owned by Sacher^[1]The same person one who made the Sacher Torte famous, which was named after the exploits of a chimney sweep who had a torrid love affair with a young woman baker who used to work in the building. After some time of coming out each morning covered in baking flour the locals would jokingly call the place of the White Chimney Sweep.

The food is traditional for this area and very well prepared, the pea soup was marvelous. The Wiener Schnitzel was above average with the breading being very tasty, crusty and separated from the veal, making for a delicious entree. As such, expect to pay above average prices.

Vienna – Restaurant Rauchfangkehrer – Pea Soup

Vienna – Restaurant Rauchfangkehrer – Wiener Schnitzel

Be aware, though we were seated immediately at fifteen after six in the evening, management of getting a table appeared a bit capricious to us. They seem to turn some parties away while accepting others of the same size without reservations. My wife and I were puzzled, so reservations are easy enough to make and probably a good idea.

Vienna – Altstadt – Rauchfangkehrer Viennese Restaurant

A Bit More Of Vienna

Another short slide show of other sights in Vienna we saw while walking around. Enjoy!

Vienna – Albertina- Tourist Office and Maysedergasse

Vienna – Kärtnerstraße – Main Shopping Street

References[+]

References
↑1	The same person one who made the Sacher Torte famous

25 September, 202126 September, 2021

Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany – Bad Water And All

This is actually a missing post from our travels in Germany while we were visiting our daughter and her fiancée in August. As we were driving back from our visit in Kronberg im Taunus, we stopped here to visit the wonderful park and spa.

Schloß Bad Homburg

Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, or Bad Homburg before the Taunus, was originally settled in 1180. Until recently in the late 1800s it became widely known as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s summer residence. Wilhelm later erected the spa and built the Erlöserkirche, or Church of the Redeemer for which the place is now recognized.

Erlöserkirche Schloßpark – Bad Homburg – 25th of August 2021

We divided our time between the Schloßpark and the Kurpark, which features numerous fountains where people collect and drink the local water.

Schloßpark And The White Tower

The Schloßpark, or Castle Gardens, contains many fine flower beds and examples of exotic flora. There is also a large lake that can be enjoyed while taking a leisurely walk around the grounds. The main attraction here is the castle with its white tower and overlook of the grounds and lake. At the time of our visit the tower was closed and we were not able to ascend to see any views of the surrounding town.

Schloß Gardens – Bad Homburg – 25th of August 2021

The White Tower – Bad Homburg – 25th of August 2021

The Kurpark

The water here is documented to contain a myriad of basic elements, minerals and other health regenerative ingredients that are ostensibly good for your health. I tasted a few, with my fingers crossed that I wouldn’t get sick (which I didn’t), and can say that the overwhelming tastes are of sulfur dioxide and metallic, most likely from manganese. Though drinking it often could cause issues, depending upon the mineral exposures, an occasional drink now and then probably has no negative impact to the body and may even help in some cases.

Kaiserbrunnen, Kurpark – Bad Homburg – 25th of August, 2021

The Kurpark, or Spa Park or Garden, has many cafes and paths that one may stroll and enjoy during fine weather. There is a Swan Pond and a stream that runs through the park along which one may find numerous benches were one can stop, sit and just enjoy nature.

Historical Fountain Alley – Kurpark – Bad Homburg – 25th August, 2021

26 August, 202126 September, 2021

Bacharach, Germany – Model Medieval Town

On a bend of the Rhine River above Mainz sits the small town of Bacharach. Nestled among the varied and many castles of the west bank, its row of buildings and high walls demonstrate historically how important this part of the Rhine was in the Middle Ages.

Bacharach – Above Burg Stahleck – August 2021

The walls of the Rhine River valley provide an ample perch for the many castles and fortresses that were built to protect the towns along its banks. The Stahleck Castle sits above this small town and extends it length of walls, turrets and towers around the small community like a net from above. The curtain of walls is formidable in both height and width, being its strongest at river level, where perhaps most of the attacks (if any) would probably originate.

The Town

There is no real center of town, since it is more of a stretch of houses and building along the Rhine. Points of interest include the main street called Mainzerstraße, where all of the shops are located, Blücherstraße which starts at Saint Peter’s church and continues up through the Steeger Tor, a smaller street called the Langestraße which parallels the main street and the beautiful park along the banks of the Rhine.

A main attraction here is the beautifully preserved Altes Haus. It is here where Robert Stolz wrote his operetta Wenn die kleinen Veilchen blühen, or “When the little violets bloom”, which was eventually performed in the Haag in 1932. Aside from that, it is an excellent example of Half-Timber, or Fachwerk framing.

Old House And Turret In Back – Mainzerstraße – Bacharach

Inscriptions And Designs On House – Bacharach

View Of Wall And Towers From Steegertor – Bacharach

Steegertor From Outside The Wall – Bacharach

The hillsides in this area are dominated by vineyards, the area being a major wine producer for Germany. There are many Vintners here and many, if not all, sell directly to the public. Unfortunately after taking so long to eat, we were not predisposed to try and visit any of them.

Restaurants

There are several restaurants in town to choose from, all of which appear to serve a mixture of traditional German fare and some Mediterranean. It is probably preferable to find something on one of the side streets, since traffic is still allowed through the main thoroughfare.

Restaurant Burg Stahleck

We choose this restaurant based on its menu and amount of outside seating. Plus we were just lucky to get the last table with its advantage at being in a very strategic corner, in order to view the goings on in town.

Cream Cheese Torte With Strawberries And Espresso

Bacharach is indeed a great place to spend a day or afternoon. The combination of the town, the banks of the Rhine and Castle above it provide more than enough to do for anyone in the area looking for a day trip.

13 September, 202013 September, 2020

Bolzano – Museums And Castles

Continuing our adventure in Bolzano, we found it has a number of good museums and many castles to visit, actually one of the denser areas for castles in Europe. We were lucky enough to have time to see two great museums and one of the better castles. If you are ever in Bozen/Bolzano, these are all great places to visit.

Museums

Südtiroler Archäologiemuseum

The South Tyrolean Museum of Archeology is the present home of Ötzi, the five thousand and three hundred year old man that was found frozen in an alpine mountain pass.

Visitors will learn who made the discovery and how, as well as many keen facts on the later removal and care for the iceman. It is amazing how many artifacts were found along with the body, all of which can be seen in the exhibits. Ötzi himself is viewable from a portal of glass, though which you can see most of the details of his frozen form. The room keeps him at the conditions in which he was found on the mountain-top.

Naturmuseum Südtirol

The South Tyrolean Museum of Nature is a rather small museum that provides a good educational foundation for the natural areas surrounding Bolzano. You can learn about all of the habitats and ecology of the forests and fields of the neighboring countryside, as well as its geology and climate.

There are many hands-on exhibits for children, most of which are still accessible with the proper attention to hygiene, in this time of pandemic.

Castles

Schloss Runkelstein

If you walk from Bozen/Bolzano to the castle, you will note that it is not just a thirty minute walk, but rather more like forty-five minutes.

The parking lot across the street from entrance

Probably one of the larger castles in the area, with a location right next to the Talferbach, one of the many rivers (what we would call a stream in the States).

After 45 minute walk in the sun, Weizenbier

Schloss Runkelstein was built in 1237 near the road that north of Bozen up to the Ritten plateau, or Ober-Bozen. This was to avoid the Eisack river gorge. However, the road eventually passes through this very gorge and on through to the Brenner pass, making it a valuable piece of real estate for trade. It was actually built as a fortress to protect the local population. Not until the 14th and 15th centuries was it then converted by aristocracy into a castle.

The castle contains great stories about Tristram and knights of the round table. There are several very good frescoes to enjoy and some very interesting period architecture. With any good castle, this one will take about forty-five minutes to hour to thoroughly discovery all it has to offer, including the views.

Our next blog will detail out hiking trip to Ober-Bozen and the Earth Pyramids.