Rhein-Lahn-Kreis

For the second time, we drove the van on to a Rhein ferry that took us to the other sidw of the river. Whilst the services were locked up, the view from Braubach's Rheinside stopover was impressive with Marksburg, the only castle on the Rhein never to have been destroyed, looming above us on the cliffs behind. We took a well signposted walk up the steep hill to the castle and looked around the beautiful town of half timbered houses on the way back to the van. As well as the full sized houses there were a multitude of handmade miniature wooden replicas with intricate detail on display in gardens and on walls.

When we saw Der Schwanen (The Swan) pub it brought back memories of our local (The Old Swan; aka Ma Pardoes) so we popped in for a quick 'kleine pils'. Will had spotted an old looking pub called Eck Fritz (Fritz's corner) as we'd been heading up to the castle and as it was a hot day we availed ourselves of their services too! The pub was triangular to fit into the space at a Y-junction of the road. Its interior was dominated by dark wood and its shelves, that stretched all the way round the main room were stacked full of old curios from meat mincing machines to milk churns. A particularly memorable feature was the deer antler chandelier with lampshades of leather hide sown to small wooden frames and energy saving lightbulbs - this is a very environmentally aware country!Read more