Schloß Lichtenstein

Schloß Lichtenstein is Brian's FAVORITE castle - and for some reason we missed it the last time around! So last Wednesday we asked Mama to drive us (it's about an hour drive) so I could marvel at it just as Brian does.

Our first glimpse of the Castle, perched on a rocky cliff, as we take the twisty road upwards.

On the drawbridge, entering the inner courtyard. Notice the gargoyle behind us.

This is the actual "castle" - the rest are outlying buildings.

It's absolutely amazing that they were able to build this on the edge of this rocky cliff, and it has still survived to this time.

The view, looking down at the village many meters below.

See the door? This was the emergency exit. Most of the steps have worn away, but if the castle were to be attacked, this is how they would have escaped back then.

An older section of the castle.

Waiting for our tour to begin!

The newer building to the right of the castle. I think this was constructed in the 1700s and it has been renovated.

All around the castle was a trench that would have been the moat. Wish it was filled with water!

We had the most amazing tour. We were told it would be given in German, which was fine with us. But lo and behold, the tour guide (who looked so much like my Uncle Steve it was scary...talk about a doppelganger) gave it in English...and we were the only two people! We got to ask whatever questions we wanted, and take our time looking at everything. It was really special -- too bad you aren't allowed to take pictures inside the Castle. There actually isn't that much to see inside anyway, since the Castle is still owned by the Duke's family there are a lot of private rooms off limits. We saw the "drinking room" and the armory, and a couple of formal living areas but that was about it.

I think the most amazing part of the Castle is outside anyway. I'm so glad Brian decided to take me!