July 9 – More Castles, Clocks and Crazy Roads

Another slow day starting day today. There is something about staying in an apartment as opposed to a hotel room that seems to make you want to start at a slower pace.

Once we got on the road we ended up at Burgruine Hohengeroldseck castle ruins parking lot. Unlike when Patrick was a child, you can no longer drive up the short road to the parking lot near the ruins. Now it involves a straight walk up a winding and twisting path for 1.5 kilometres. After much back and forth, we decided we could do this no problem at all. Switching into sneakers and we were off. This was a very interesting trail as there were tasks for kids (and us) to complete at every switchback. With having to translate things at every sign it made for a nice rest in between hiking. Once we got up to the top, the ruins were absolutely fantastic to explore. From old worn stairs to new ones, this site had it all.

Just outside of the castle gates there was a playground for kids….and us 🙂

For lunch today we decided we would like to try a German McDonalds. We all ended up getting things we could not get at home. From a McRib to Mac & Cheese Bites to a McDeluxe. Then we even got desert…New York style cheese cake.

With a quick stop back at the apartment, we were now heading up the The House of 1000 Clocks and Triberg. Halfway up we spotted a mountain coaster. With a quick turn around we quickly bought tickets and off we went. Flying between 20 – 31 km/h down a track on a cart was so much fun. Once done we were off as we headed back into the mountains.

Going through multiple tunnels and 1 long wait construction zone we arrived at the House of 1000 Clocks. I was a bit worried about the noise but as not all the clocks were working it was fantastic looking around at all the amazing wood work. There were many we would have loved to take home but as we already have one and a grandfather clock we left them there.

Just a short drive later we were now in a place called Triberg. Another beautiful mountain town. We had hoped to go to a waterfall but unfortunately they had a fee if you did not stay in Triberg and I let Patrick decide. Going into some local shops we were able to see local dress clothing…lederhosen and dirndl.

We had hoped to get back to the apartment to head out to do laundry but both places the dryer was not working. But a quick message to the airbnb host and a solution was found….we could use the one here behind locked door. Amazing response 🙂