To Landeck Castle

wir=128 (129):2-on the go

Today we are escaping the heat of the city and heading to the Palatinate Forest. Friends have an idea and we have the corresponding car. 

Through small, unknown villages, steadily climbing up the mountain; on such a narrow road that I am glad I don't have to drive. Arriving at the parking lot, which was already quite full around 1:30 pm, we put on our hiking shoes. 
At least the hike here is not exactly flat. It is the CASTLE TRAIL and a castle is rarely located in the valley. Right at the beginning, we face the first challenge of a path leading over tree roots. 

Fortunately, it didn't rain, otherwise I wouldn't have managed the very steep ascent. There are so many stone piles built on the 'Stäämännlhöh' that there is almost no space for new piles. Our stone pile, which we built here a few years ago, has fulfilled its purpose: we are here again and enjoying the view. 
Also a family with children and a dog, who spread out a picnic feast here. Two young mountain bikers set off to the Martinsturm tower, then up the next mountain and down to the next village. With motor support, certainly not as demanding on the muscles as if they were without propulsion. At least they were equipped with helmets and knee pads. However, only one young man wore knee pads.

We continue on the Castle Trail and follow the signs to the Marthaquelle. I already found it not very water-rich back then and therefore not worth visiting now. Today, we simply ignore it after a joint decision. The next fork in the road is not quite clear - we asked Komoot and today the app was actually able to help us. 

And so we arrived at Burg Landeck - no sunburn because the path leads through the shady forest and a gentle breeze always keeps us cool. Surprisingly, there was little activity on the castle or in its courtyard. Everything there is to know about this beautiful castle can be found at www.burglandeck-stiftung.de - www.landeck-burg.de - and the Landeckverein e.V.

In one of the 'courtyards' there is an old cannon on which little people like to sit and have their picture taken by their grandparents. The view from here left me speechless. 'Beautiful' is far too little recognition for it. A view over the vineyards and villages that is unique. But every day comes to an end. 

So after a delicious meal at the castle (for me a very tasty organic bratwurst! The fries that came with it weren't really to my liking - I would have preferred bread) and equally delicious blackcurrant juice and various other drinks from my fellow travelers, not to mention coffee and equally good cake, we went back down the mountain and made a detour to STIFTSGUT KEYSERMÜHLE in Klingenmünster.

It is a hotel with a park that is open to all visitors. Beautifully landscaped and quite large. There was a cat sleeping on the terrace - no restaurant service today. It is worth taking a look at this park. Especially with children, as there are plenty of playgrounds for them.
Tip from our friends: enjoy a delicious meal here. We will definitely do that. We certainly enjoyed our time in the Palatinate Forest.

See you soon