Life of a Traveler

California to Germany + Eltz Castle

About 3 years ago we decided, with my parents, that we were going to Europe! Plans changed numerous times, the trip got put off and here we were 3 years later finally making it happen. According to my mom, this was their last big trip out of the country (we shall see about that) so we had to make it good. We took the entire month of September off and it was amazing! We started out in LAX. We had stayed the night before near the airport so that our early morning flight would be easier to get to and we wouldn’t have to fight the weekday morning traffic. As you can see below, we were in good spirits and ready for vacation. Frankfurt here we come!!!

We arrived in Germany and not only were we exhausted but it was still morning so we had to try and stay up for another whole day. Usually when we go to Europe I use Sixt Car rentals and this time was no different. The plan was to pick the car up in Frankfurt Germany and drop it off in Strasbourg France after driving through most of Bavaria, Switzerland and the edge of France.

Nick was the captain of the car and had to remember how to use his “clutch leg” again. It seems like most european rental cars are manual so if you can’t drive a stick then you need to make sure and request an automatic. There will be an additional fee so just be prepared.

After driving about 30 minutes to Bacharach we were able to locate our Air B&B home and get ourselves settled. Our home away from home was amazing. It was up on the top of a hill and had the best view of the Rhine River!! So relaxing! It was the perfect location for our first few days.

On day 1 we had planned to take it easy and do a cruise down the rhine. We thought it would be an easy way to get adjusted to the new time zone and have a relaxing day. The only problem was that when we woke and looked out the window we were socked in with clouds. I talked to my dad and we made the executive decision to not do the cruise that day since there wasn’t any point if we couldn’t see the castles on the hills as we went along. Instead we opted for a small driving tour. We drove about 45 minutes to the beautiful Eltz Castle. We pulled up to the parking area where a cute old German man took our money and pointed at the parking spots. It was in the middle of a forested area and there was no castle in sight. We located a sign that pointed the way to the castle and started our hike. Now, I say hike but really it was a very slight downhill stroll for about 15 minutes. My mom has problems with her legs when going downhill even slightly and if the weather is chilly (which it was) so she didn’t like it too much but I thought it was a nice stroll. As you can see below, this is what the path looks like for most of the way. Nothing too crazy or steep. Thank you Nick for being my model!

Once you get almost to the end of the path, the trees part and there it is! BAM!! The most beautiful castle you have ever seen.

Here we are below going “selfie” crazy but it really was amazing. See world… Proof that I was there!

I think my mom was just happy she made it to the castle. On a side note. We did figure out later that there is a shuttle which my parents took back to the car later. It was an additional fee but if you can’t walk too much or just lazy and need a lift there is that option as well.

I would have posted pictures of the inside but it was forbidden to take photos inside. If you ever get the chance to go here, please do! It was one of the best castles I have seen that is original and undamaged by war. After an amazing morning at Eltz castle we drove up the Mosel River to Cochem… but that I will leave for the next post.

Until Then… Happy Traveling!

-Steph