Jun 11, 2019

Spending the Night at a Castle in Franconia – Northern Bavaria

With an out-of-town family member in tow, we visited my hometown area Franconia for a short visit on our four-day weekend in late May. We spent the night at Schloss Zeilitzheim (Zeilitzheim Castle).

We wanted to do something special for my Parisian brother-in-law, so we dragged him off to a castle for the night. We checked into the Zeilitzheim Castle in the afternoon, and got to spend some time there before heading off to visit with my side of the family at a beer garden in another village north of the Main River.

Schlosspark Zeilitzheim

It is a fairly big garden, which needs a lot of tender care. Alexander, the castle owner, is also the gardener. That’s where we found him when we arrived – clipping the hedges.

We enjoyed sitting in the inner courtyard with a bottle of wine in the late evening.

The next morning, a hot one at 27C for June standards, was spent lounging in the park.

More at:

Apr 23, 2019

A Visit to Mainberg Castle in Northern Bavaria, Germany

One of my stateside readers, whose ancestors lived and worked at the Mainberg Castle from 1822 -1842, was able to visit there for the first time last summer.

Quoted: “… we made arrangements to visit the castle, when our river cruise ship was docked at Würzburg. We only had less than 90 minutes at the castle, but had a nice tour by the caretaker…”

He then gave me permission to share the link to his Google photo album (amazing photos!) taken at Mainberg Castle: https://tiny.cc/xzdm5y

In general, if you are also interested in learning more about castles and palaces in Germany, then this might be your guide (e-book in English).

Apr 23, 2019

Eating Well in Franconia

Whenever we travel to Franconia, we overeat. I usually remember to order the Seniorenteller (smaller size), but we also nibble on this and that, things my siblings push towards us, and what we miss around here in Hessen.

The drinking portions are in a different category too. Whenever I order a Weinschorle (half wine, half mineral water), it comes in a 0.5 l glass (pint size). I forget I need to order a small one.

Weinschorle

This is one of my favorites. We can get this in Hessen too, where it is called Obadza. In Franconia, it is called ‘Gerupfter’, served on dark bread or lye. This spread is a mixture of butter, Camembert, onions, and red pepper.

Gerupfter a.k.a. Obatzda

We wanted a small lunch in between running errands. When the proprietor suggested ‘Kraut und Bratwürst’ for a small lunch, we believed him (we fall for it every time!). First came the basket of bread.

Then came the actual lunch – big fat tasty fried sausages. Oh my.

I’m glad we had this photo taken before lunch.

Apr 28, 2018

Postcards of Mainberg Castle

Ever since I started doing research for a blog reader about Mainberg Castle in northern Bavaria, I have become very interested in the topic myself, and started buying historical postcards.

Mainberg Castle in 1914

 

Mainberg Castle around 1930

 

Mainberg Castle in 1946

 

Mainberg Castle in the 1920/1930

Apr 16, 2018

A Night at Zeilitzheim Castle

There are about 25.000 castles and fortresses in Germany. Nobody knows for sure how many there actually are, so the Deutsche Burgenvereiniung (German Castle Association) has decided to do a final count and registration. They expect to have the final results in about ten years’ time.

A week ago, we spent the night in one of these 25.000 castles. Going back to one’s hometown requires accommodation, and over the past few years, we have tried out several places – mostly inns in villages around the northern Franconia area.

This time, we chose Schloss Zeilitzheim (we had spent a night there about 10 years ago). As it was the case back then – we liked the pavilion, the park, and breakfast the best.

We had booked the Kardinalszimmer (sleeps four people) to accommodate all of us.

We enjoyed sitting on the bench looking out over the park.

 

The castle interior is a museum with its artifacts, showcases in the hallway, and authentic furniture.

I can highly recommend this castle hotel to anyone who just wants to get away for a day or two (or more). Buy a bottle of wine from the owner’s Weingut (winery) and sneak off to the pavilion at night. My husband and I sat there under a starry sky, and had a quiet conversation while sipping our wine. Recommended: Bring a flash light or a candle.

If you like really warm rooms, then I’d suggest you go there during the warmer season. This is a true castle, so in early spring, the rooms/radiators do not heat up so quickly. For me, it was perfect though.

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