Like a fairytale – Germany during Advent

A castle like out of a book. And that's actually true in this case. The inspiration and model for the reconstruction of the Lichtenstein ruins in 1842 came from the castle in Wilhelm Hauff's novel "Lichtenstein" from 1826. That's what it looks like: a real fairytale castle, built dangerously close to the slope.

The Königssee lies like a fjord between steeply rising gray rock faces. The almost 2,000 meter high walls are so steep that they plunge seamlessly into the water of the lake. Since there is no path along the shore, the fastest and most promising way for you is across the lake with one of the excursion boats. In order to protect the water quality and nature, all boats used are operated exclusively with electric motors or physical power.

Between Azalea and Rhododendron Park you will find one of the most bizarre bridges in the world. If you ask locals for the bridge, they sometimes look questionable. In the vernacular, it is often referred to as the Devil's Bridge. Namely, especially at sunset, it receives a devilishly red color. Devilishly beautiful.

The comparisons range from Yosemite National Park to Lord of the Rings. Probably the Sababurg forest is somewhere in between. Along beautiful, mystical paths you will discover ancient oaks and beech trees, which also have a special appeal for photographers. Always worth seeing!

One of the most famous motifs in Germany, v.a. for foreign tourists.

Attention: Tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle are only available at the Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau below the castle.

Prices 2016:
regular price: 12, - Euro
Reduced price: 11, - Euro
Children and adolescents under the age of 18 have free admission.

Ticket sales times in the ticket center:
April to 15 October: 8 to 17 o'clock
16th October to March: 9am to 3pm

Opening times Neuschwanstein Castle:
April to October 15: 9am to 6pm
16th October to March: 10am to 4pm
open every day except January 1st and December 24th, 25th and 31st

It's as unreal and magical as in a fairy tale down here. In the “fairytale dome”, the most beautiful of the cavities, one should be able to recognize the fairy with imagination who gave the cave its name. The Saalfeld fairy grottoes are in the Guinness Book of Records as the "most colorful exhibition grottoes in the world". Here you can spend a whole day in the visitor mine, the adventure exhibition Grottoneum and the adventure forest Feenweltchen without it getting boring.

You can find all information at feengrotten.de.

The highest waterfall in Germany! In the middle of nature, but still right next to the center of Triberg, the amounts of water plunge over 163 meters. However, word has already got around outside the town limits that there is something to see here. Therefore, I recommend coming in the evening or earlier in the morning when it is less busy.

Admission: 8 euros. With the guest card from the site, entry is even free.

One of the highlights on the Hermannsweg through the Teutoburg Forest is definitely the imposing Externsteine. They are among the most important natural and cultural monuments in the entire Teutoburg Forest. But myths and legends also haunt the Externsteine. If you are not afraid of heights, you can also climb the five rocks and enjoy a wide panoramic view.

Information and events around the Externsteine:
externsteine-info.de

The Urach waterfall is one of the absolute highlights of the Swabian Jura and, with a total drop of 37 meters, is one of the highest waterfalls in Germany outside the Alps in several stages. It is particularly impressive when the snow melts or after heavy rain, because then a lot of water flows. Together with the very damp and therefore dense and green forest all around, you almost feel like you are in a different world. There is a hut at the top of the waterfall for meals.

This magnificent jewel is located directly on Lake Schwerin. Schwerin Castle is certainly one of the most beautiful in Germany. I couldn't decide which side is the prettiest. Whether at sunset from the lake side or with the beautifully landscaped castle park in the foreground. After the walk, you can also visit the fairytale castle from the inside as part of a guided tour.

Opening times castle museum:
April 14th to October 13th
Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

October 14th to April 13th
Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
closed on Monday

When clouds of mist hang over the water in summer and icicles from the walls in winter, the magic of this place is almost tangible. The Partnach cut 80 meters deep into the rock. It's dark, cold and damp below. The path leads 700 meters through tunnels and passages carved into the rock.

The Partnach Gorge is open all year round, a rain jacket and clothing for cooler temperatures as well as good shoes are advisable in every season.

You can find more information here: partnachklamm.de/de.