Castle Finding Day - Burg Lichtenstein and Hohenbeilsein

Last weekend after having a lot of rain during the week we decided we had to get out of the house even if it were for just a few hours.  

I had done a quick search and found a castle that looked interesting to go see.  So we hopped in the car and headed north.  

It was a nominally nice day and we were just motoring along enjoying the Autumn colors just expecting to get to the destination we planned.  Lucky for us we found an extra castle to go see.  

This is Burg Lichtenstein.  Its history dates back into the 1100's which I find astounding.  https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Lichtenberg_(Oberstenfeld)

We walked down below it for a few shots then up the hill to see it close up

 

On the way we found two alpacas who wanted to say hi.

Up close there was of course scaffolding.

Normally the chapel is open for visitors but there was an event being held so hopefully we can try again.  This castle is about 40 minutes from where we live and is surrounded by vineyards.  A perfect reason to return.

After our unexpected side trip we jumped into the car and drove the 15 or so more minutes to ours final destination. Hohenbeilstein.  This 11th century castle sits as most castles to high up on a hill above the town of Beilstein.  https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenbeilstein

We parked in town and hiked up the hill.  Wet leaves on the trail up made it necessary to hold onto the rail to make it up without killing yourself.

The entrance is sadly as close as we got.  The reason I picked this particular castle was they have a falconry exhibition on Sundays which I was very excited about.  Sadly, their website didn't mention that no dogs were allowed and of course we had our wonderful furry traveler with us.  So, both castles are on the need to go back list.  

On the way back to the car we found this incredible tree in a churchyard.  Boy if that tree could talk.

All in all it was a great day of exploring with my favorite traveling companions.