THURSDAY, 7th SEPTEMBER : In BAD URACH

After our muesli this morning, we were debating whether we would stay here another night as there seems to be quite a lot of interesting places and attractions in this area, when our minds were made up for us by a fellow motorhomer who had paid for 2 nights but decided not to stay for the second (tonight) and so kindly offered us his parking ticket for tonight. We had already decided to visit the Schloss Lichtenstein today and were still discussing other possible visits before we start heading north towards Frankfurt.

Before setting off, we strolled a short distance to the local bakery/cafe where we indulged in coffee and yummy pastries, then headed off for the 27km drive through gorgeous country

  

to the Lichtenstein Castle

In 1388 a knight's castle was erected at the site where the current castle stands.  It was considered one of the strongest, most well-fortified defensive structures of the medieval period and resisted all attack.  In 1802 a hunting lodge was erected on the foundation walls of the former castle, by this stage in ruins.  This lodge served as a hunting chateau for the King of Wurttemberg.

In 1840 Count Wilhelm of Wurttemberg, later Duke of Urach, acquired the lodge, demolished it and constructed Lichtenstein Castle based on his romantic vision of a medieval knight's fortress.

It was well worth the 3 euros each (pensioner price) we paid to enter, we'd have happily paid more.

Walking down from the castle to the car park, we could hear lots of shouting.  In amongst the trees there is a tree walk of a different kind from that we experienced on Tuesday, many young people were zip lining and climbing from tree to tree, Mike wished he was young again so he could participate  

but happily settled for a ride on the Sommer-Bobbahn

which was advertised on a large board near the castle

and so, after another drive through more gorgeous country

he had his ride.

Through even more gorgeous country back to base, with a detour thrown in caused by more roadworks in one of the towns through which we passed.  The question is, are we following the roadworks or are the roadworks following us?

A fabulous day!!