Day 4 - Koblenz / Berg Eltz [Germany]

Last night I slept like a baby! After struggling to catch a wink on the C-5, and walking around Trier all day yesterday, I had no problem sleeping. My hotel room was one of those classic European rooms, no larger than 10x10, a little teeny tiny bed to sleep on, and not much else in the way of creature comforts. The view from my window was one of the many random sculptures dating back a couple centuries or so. Even the old german men at the pub next door chatting it up over bier couldn't keep me from drifting off.

In the morning, I wandered around Trier for longer than I should have, and didn't get to the train station until after 1pm. I bought a ticket and took the slow train for Moselkern, a very small town on the banks of the Mosel River. After an hour or so on the train, I departed and started walking towards Berg Eltz, a castle dating back from at least the 1400's. I chose this castle, mostly because Rick Steves told me to, and because it has never been destroyed in battle, unlike most of the castles in Europe, and is therefore completely original.

The castle was pretty incredible, as you might imagine. No photos allowed inside, so check the link for images. I could have done without the 90min walk with my pack on though - my legs are feeling it tonight. The english speaking tour was very informative and the rooms are furnished in original furnishings and decorations. It was very easy to imagine yourself living there, a few hundred years ago. Its treasury contained art that must have been priceless. The armory held weapons from every era that were simply fascinating to look at. Unfortunately, the tour only took us to 13 of the 80 rooms. Apparently, the new owner, Count von Schnitzelass, still visits occasionally and is keeping most of the castle to himself.

After walking the grounds, I headed back, regreting having traded my reliable hiking boots for fancy euro-shoes (a misguided attempt to fit in). 90 mins later, I was less than 1 minute late, and watched my train drive by without me. So, I sat on the bench talking with a student from Singapore for an hour, waiting for the next train. I did catch the next train, and rode it North up the Mosel, watching various castles and ruins glow red in the softening light of the setting sun. Now I'm in Koblenz, a city at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. This city has tons of history as well, history that I will explore tomorrow, after a bier or two tonight. After a little exploring, I'll head down the Rhine :D