Eremitage, Bayreuth, Germany

One of my favorite places in Germany was only 15 minutes away from us. In Bayrueth there is so much to see and do. One of my favorite places in Bayreuth is the Eremitage, or "New Palace". Located on the outter area of the city. Although it's great all year round, my favorite time to check out this palace is during the summer when the fountains and gardens are in full bloom.

The Eremitage has its origins in 1616, when the margrave purchased a tract of forest not far from Bayreuth. Half a century later, Margrave Christian Ernst turned part of it into a deer park and shortly afterwards added a "grotto and fountain house".

Margrave Georg Wilhelm founded the Eremitage on the site of a zoo belonging to his father Christian Ernst. In 1715 the Old Palace was begun as the focal point of the hermitage. In the palace and the scattered hermit's huts in the woods the court played at being members of a hermits' order.

The New Palace with the upper grotto, the lower grotto, the Margrave's Hermitage, the "Ruined Theatre" and other small buildings from Wilhelmine's day are still the dominant features of the Eremitage. At the end of the 18th century, the Court Garden was transformed into a landscape garden, which included replacing the boskets with natural stands of trees and meadows. Over the last 30 years, individual sections of the park which disappeared in the 19th century have been reconstructed.

It's such a beautiful place to visit, and although the fountains are closed during the winter it makes the perfect backdrop for photos! We even took our Christmas photos here one year. Perfect place to visit for people of all ages!

Additional Information:
Cost: Free (Grounds)
Pet Friendly
Stroller-Friendly
Address: Eremitage 4, 95448 Bayreuth
Park open all year round
Waterworks: May to October every hour:
Bassin at the New Palace: Daily 10 am-6 pm
Lower Grotto: Daily 10.15 am-5.15 pm

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6 Favorite Castle Ruins near Grafenwoehr

I love castle ruins. Sometimes I even prefer them to in-tact castles. For those with little ones you'll appreciate the fact that with castle ruins your little ones can run, climb, and touch whatever they want. I do love castle ruins for several reasons, it's free, you usually have to hike (keeps you active), it's pet friendly, and it's open all year round. It's the perfect Sunday activity when you want to do something, but you don't want to venture too far from home.

Here's a list of my top 6 favorite castle ruins (in order of distance) for those of you in the Grafenwoehr area.

+ Waldeck Ruins (20 mins)

Am Schlossberg 40 Kemnath Germany 95478

I might be a little biased with the Waldeck Ruins. Located 3km away from my town Kemanth, every day I see these ruins in the distance and it brings a smile to my face. The castle itself was originally constructed in the 12th Century and was in almost continuous use until its destruction in 1705, at the end of an unsuccessful seven month siege. The castle was besieged several times in its history and passed back and forth in possession between Bavaria, Franconia, and the Swedes. Much of what exists today are reconstructions completed by the local historical society.

+ Flossenburg Ruins (40 mins)

Gaisthalweg 2, 92696 Flossenbürg

The 3rd largest castle ruins in the area. It is in a relatively good state of preservation, the unique location and the beautiful view from the living tower make Flossenburg to a worthwhile destination. The "castrum flozzen" was originally one of the main strongholds of Nordgau.

You could also tie this ruin in while visiting the Flossenburg Concetration Camp, it is located less than a mile away.

+ Weissenstein Ruins (45 mins)

Waldershof 95679 Germany 

Follow the Brown signs that say Burgruine Weissenstein to the parking lot

The ruins were built on a high rocky cliff and are in danger of collapsing, There is only about a four foot high wall that remains visible. More wall traces were discernible at the wall-like elevations. The Company Steinwaldia Pullenreuth e. V. restored it between 1996 and 2000. With significant time and expense the remaining parts of the building and provided for the preservation of cultural and historical monument. It is a 4km hike/bike ride to the ruins. The pathway is perfect for those looking for a biking adventure.

+ Kurnburg Ruins (50 mins )

Kürnberg, 93491 Stamsried

(This will get you into the town, follow signs it will lead you to the parking lot.)

Burgruine Kürnberg is tucked upon a wooded forest, approximately 1km north-east from Stamsried. The late-Gothic castle ruins Kürnberg is one of the youngest castle ruins in the area, and is a sprawling castle that has a moat, three courtyards, two gatehouses, a main palace, and several partly semicircular towers. There is also a fire pit in the courtyard below the castle. What I enjoyed most with the castle was the lack of people. If you're looking for something to visit where you are able to check it out on your own, this is the place for you.

+ Neideck Ruins  (1 hr )

Am Freibad 7 91346 Wiesenttal

These ruins were a bit of a hike to get to, but I just love the look of the castle and the view from the top was worth it! The large castle complex consists of three deep neck trenches through separate sections. The outer bailey was secured at approximately 100 meters long, 22 meters wide and about 7 meters deep trench. The high defensive wall was built around 1300. From the other buildings are only small traces of foundation available.

+ Wolfstein Ruins (1 hr )

Wolfenstein 1, 92318 Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz

I love these ruins for the simple fact that you don't have to hike, you literally park and walk 5 min and you're at the entrance. The ruins of the hilltop castle is located in the central part of the Franconian Alb on the highest point of the Wolf Steinberg. Today, the ruins of Wolfenstein are in good condition. Since the mid-1990s, the association leads Wolfenstein visitors through extensive excavations and renovations in the main castle. Among other things, the ground floor has been exposed. The dense tree and vegetation in the ruins has been removed, so that the walls will get more light and will prevent damage due to moisture. 

Are any of these on your favorite's list? Do you have a favorite that I missed? Let me know. I'd love to hear from you!

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Drew's Reenlistment Ceremony

If you've been reading my blog for a bit, you know that my husband Drew is in the U.S. Army. (For those unaware, surprise!) With this move coming up I've been slacking on blogging, but I just had to be the proud wife that I am and write a post about my amazing husband.

Drew's been in the Army for 7 years, for those who don't know him, being in the military has been something he has always wanted to do. He lost 165 lbs so he could join the Army! On Monday, he reenlisted for another 6 years!

Since Drew is changing jobs, he wanted one last hoo-rah with his battery. Since he has spent 7 years as an artilleryman he wanted to reenlist with the cross cannons and because we don't know if we will ever come back to Germany (I'm crossing my fingers for one day) he thought it would be a great idea to do it on the field with the iconic Grafenwoehr Tower behind it.

When we drove up the field he was so happy to see how things looked. He was even able to get his favorite Lieutenant to administer his oath of reenlistment. Unfortunately, Drew had to wait 2 months for this to happen, due to scheduling conflicts and the constant training (gotta love the Army, it never stops). But in the end it all worked out for the best.

I asked Paige if she would take pictures, (I swear I'm not sure what I'll do without her! ) of course she took a video of the day, she's been working on a piece of artwork for us, as a memorabilia from our trip to Kotor, you'll get to see it (and Bravo) in her video.

It's hard to believe that when this contract is over, Drew will have been in the military for 13 years! Time is flying by. I can't wait to see what our next adventure brings! 

**Photo Credit; Paige Ramsey, to see the full Gallery: Click Here

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Rauher Kulm, Neustadt am Kulm

Drew and I have been talking about hiking up to the tower pretty much since we got here, but for one reason or another, we never made the trip. So, on a beautiful Saturday Drew decided to take Rylie for hike to the top. I got him to guest post! I love the fact that he's so supportive and willing to contribute to my blog. #besthusbandever

Rauher Kulm is located only 5 km away from Kemnath (about 20 minutes north of Grafenwöhr). Technically, Rauher Kulm is the mountain (well, if you want to get specific; it's a 21 million year old extinct volcano), but when people talk about Rauher Kulm they are referring to the tower that stands atop the mountain.

I put in an address close to the base of the tail. At the base, there are multiple road-side parking spots. From the parking area, it is about a 20 minute hike up to the top of the mountain. Just follow the trail markings, and you will find the path leading up. Once you get to the top, there is actually the ruins of an old fort!

Burgstall Rauher is the name of the remnants of the medieval fort built in 1112, whose tower was part of the Margravial signal system established in 1498. Interestingly enough, the fort on Rauher Kulm was besieged by Waldeck in 1554. There really isn't much to see any more. It is really just a few walls standing no higher than 4 feet. However, it does make a good place to stop off, take a breather, and enjoy the view. I used it as an opportunity to take some pictures of Rylie, since I know Teanna love pictures of her! Haha.

Throughout history, the Rauher Kulm has had several towers sitting atop the mountain. The first wooden tower was built in 1807 and housed a movable
gilded sun, giving the tower it's nickname; the "Sun Temple". By 1895 the "Sun Temple" was dilapidated and replaced with a new tower which stood until 1937, when it was replaced by a tower 6 meters higher.

Due to weather conditions, the tower's platform had to be replaced, and in 1962 a new steel framed tower with wood paneling was built. In 1984, an arsonist set fire to the tower, and it burnt down in a half hour. To this day, the arsonist has not been caught.

The tower that stands today was built in 1987, is 110 steps to the top where you can get a complete 180 degree view of the whole area. From the top, you can see Waldeck, Kemnath, and on a clear day you can even see Eschenbach and as far as Netzaberg! The view from the top is amazing! It is well worth the trip up the stairs.

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GPS Address: Am Sporrer 20

95514, Neustadt am Kulm

Cost: FREE!
Open All year round, During winter months it is an icy path

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Burg Burglengenfeld

Saturday was another beautiful day out here in Bavaria. Spring is right around the corner! We had dropped Drew's car off at the shop and were waiting to pick it up. Instead of headed out to Coburg, we decided to stay close by and headed down to Burglengenfeld. Burglenngenfeld is located on the river Naab, 22 km north of Regensburg. From my house, it is exactly an hour drive.

What's so special about Burglengenfeld? The castle that is above the city! The Lengenfeld castle is located on a hill on the northeastern outskirts of the town of Burglengenfeld. From the very extensive grounds only the buildings below the castle are still preserved. The castle was built overlooking the town. It was originally built around 900 A.D. and now stands as the city’s landmark. During the off season the castle serves as a private institute for treatment, promotion, education, training and work including mentally ill young people, and as an academy for artists looking for peace and inspiration. It is supported throughout by the Foundation of Mrs. Irene Heuser-Wackberger.

We followed the GPS to the top of the castle, there is parking right outside of the castle! We weren't sure if the ruins would be open. I know during the summer they hold festivals there, and the towns Christmas market is held inside the castle.

In my research, I found out that there was a 2 euro entrance. I was pleasantly surprised to see that we could visit the ruins on our own. Although we might have been lucky. Someone told me that when they tried to visit, although the gates were open, they were asked to leave. 

We walked around the grounds. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but both Drew and I agreed that from the pictures we saw, the inside was not what we expect. But we still enjoyed our time there. There were art pieces all around the path ways. We even saw peacocks! Rylie was more interested in barking at them. She's never seen a bird that was bigger than her before.

It wasn't a castle ruin we really enjoyed. I think during the summer time when there is more to do, or even during Christmas time, I would've enjoyed it more. But it was still nice to see. 

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GPS: Auf der Burg 1, 933133 Burglengenfeld

Parking: Free (Outside of the castle)

Pet-Friendly

Hours: Varies

Cost: 2 Euros 

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