Windsor Castle is located in the English town of Windsor in the south of England in the county of Berkshire. It is the largest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The River Thames flows below the castle (a walk here is magical) on its way eastwards to the capital, London, 35 kilometres away. Windsor Castle is also known as the "English Versailles". Its origins date back to 1078 when William the Conqueror built it. At that time it was still a wooden castle. It was not until his son that the first stone buildings were erected. The layout of the castle developed from the medieval fortifications. The Round Tower divides the castle into two different areas, the so-called Courtyards. St George's Chapel is located in the Lower Court, while the private royal apartments and the state apartments are in the Upper Court. With the exception of the private chambers, many of the rooms can be visited and are decorated with all kinds of valuable paintings. In St George's Hall, the ceiling is decorated with the coats of arms of past and present Knights of the Order of the Garter. On 20 November 1992, a 🔥 broke out in the Queen's private chapel and spread rapidly. It was started by a halogen spotlight that goes over to a curtain. 15 hours, destroying nine of the most important state apartments. A further 100 rooms were severely damaged. The buildings at the Upper Court were badly damaged overall. A fifth of the castle's building area was damaged, totalling 9000 m². The renovation work took five years to complete. The renovation work was so good that it is very difficult to tell the difference between old and new! Kisses 😘
I love small and large churches. No matter what era. I think you can come to rest here. Take in the echo of the venerable walls. Sit down and relax! Close your eyes. Let my mind wander. I just had to go to this enchanting church in the centre of Windsor! ⛪️ Kisses 😘
Windsor is ideal for a day trip from London and is a particular highlight for fans of the British royal family. After all, Windsor Castle, a royal residence that has been home to 40 monarchs, is located here.
I strolled along the famous Long Walk, an extensive avenue that can often be seen in photos - with a marvellous view of Windsor Castle. The Queen was driven along this route on her last journey. Past her favourite horse, her corgies, her family and many, many mourners.
Created by King Charles II in 1682-85, this tree-lined avenue stretches almost 2.5 miles down to the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
I'm back in Windsor. At last. Completely relaxed and comfortable by train from the centre of London. A really pleasant way to travel. Arriving at this cute little station (note: remember to check out when you get off!!!), you can take a wonderfully relaxed stroll into the nearby small and really charming city centre. And I was pretty lucky with the weather too. When angels 😇 are travelling 😉
Visiting Oberstdorf on my trip to the Allgäu. Oberstdorf is the southernmost municipality in Germany and is recognised as a climatic health resort and Kneipp spa.I can also be quite healthy 😉 As it is the southernmost town, it is a member of the so-called "Zipfelbund", an association of the northernmost municipality in Germany, List on Sylt, the westernmost municipality of Selfkant, the market town of Oberstdorf in the far south and the town of Görlitz on the eastern edge. However, Oberstdorf is better known as a ski resort with the Fellhorn and Kanzelwand and internationally for its ski jump and ski flying hill, which are housed in an entire arena. These can be visited - but not ideal for me with a fear of heights. I preferred to look at it from below. You can stroll through the small alleyways and find numerous pubs that invite you to enjoy a snack and a beer. Traditionally Bavarian. And shopping is possible in small boutiques! I love spontaneity. Spontaneously found something nice too. Looking forward to Thursday! 😉 Kisses 😘
On my way to my hotel ("Blaue Burg Falkenstein"), I travelled a little way through my beloved Austria. The ideal combination for me is mountains and lakes. I passed the "Plansee" for the first time, the second largest natural lake in Tyrol, Austria within the Ammergau Alps. At its deepest point, it is around 77 metres deep and covers an area of around 3 square kilometres. As the lake is very clear and fortunately quite clean, divers have visibility of up to 15 metres and can observe a wide variety of fish. A wonderful area to unwind and get a breath of fresh air. Kisses 😘
Typical destinations for tourists in the Allgäu/Southern Germany are, of course, the Ludwig castles. First and foremost, Neuschwanstein Castle, which sits in the landscape like a Disney castle (and probably served as a model for the same...). Linderhof Palace is somewhat smaller (surprisingly small, really) and is not far from Ettal Abbey. It was built from 1870 by King Ludwig II. Perhaps it could also be better described as a royal villa. The original plan was to model the palace on Versailles. However, the site proved to be unsuitable. A kind of retreat was designed in the style of Marley Palace near Versailles. The king spent the winter months here. Incidentally, it is not at all obvious that the castle is actually built entirely of wood and only clad in plaster.
Linderhof Palace has a complex yet symmetrical floor plan. The upper floor with the king's living quarters houses a total of two large halls, the staircase, four almost horseshoe-shaped cabinets, an oval dining room and study, as well as the tapestry rooms flanking the second largest room in the palace, the Hall of Mirrors. The largest room is the impressive 100 square metre bedroom. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos inside!
The garden directly around the castle is laid out in a very formal style, combining elements from French baroque gardens. There is also an ornamental garden and a large park modelled on English landscape gardens with groups of trees and winding paths that incorporate the natural features. Be sure to visit if you're in the area and book an informative guided tour in good time! Kisses 😘
If you are in the Allgäu region/southern Germany, then a visit to the world-famous Ettal Monastery near Oberammergau (also known worldwide for its Passion Festival, which takes place every 10 years) is practically a must. This is probably the most beautiful rococo sacristy in southern Germany. And southern Germany has many sacristies! 😉 The central building of the imposing monastery basilica from 1370 with a 12-sided floor plan is particularly impressive thanks to the outstanding stucco decoration by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and Johann Georg Üblherr as well as the ceiling fresco, which depicts the Benedictine heaven and its main saints under the Trinity.
The monastery was founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig as fulfilment of a vow (due to his safe return). At the same time, the transport route to the south was expanded.
The most important object of devotion in Ettal has always been a picture of the Virgin Mary brought from Pisa, the so-called Ettal Madonna. The Madonna soon became the destination of pilgrimages, especially since the baroque rebuilding of the monastery. The monastery church is dedicated to St Mary: St Mary's Assumption.
There is also a humanist grammar school with a modern languages programme (originally only open to boys, but recently opened to girls too), as well as a distillery, a cheese dairy, a farm, various agricultural businesses, inns and a hotel. Kisses 😘
In Oberammergau/Allgäu/Southern Germany, time seems to have stood still! Oberammergau is known worldwide for its Passion Play, which only takes place every ten years (most recently in 2022), as well as the local artisans with carvers of the Lord God and the houses decorated with paintings (special term: "Lüftlmalerei"). They often depict scenes from the Passion of Christ or from people's everyday lives.
Since the plague year of 1633, the Passion Plays have been performed regularly following a vow made by the population (to survive the plague). Today, the Oberammergau Passion Play takes place every ten years with the broad participation of the local population. They are the most famous passion plays in the world with over 500,000 visitors each year. Since 1990 (!), (married!) women have also been allowed to take part. The Passion Play is divided into approx. 11 acts (number varies), called a performance. You should take your time. The whole play lasts around 7.5 hours with a long break in between! The more than 2,000 participants in the Passion Play are recruited exclusively from the inhabitants of the municipality. Each leading role is cast twice. The cast is announced in the autumn of the year before the performance. Fun fact: In order to have an authentic hairstyle for the actors and not have to use wigs, there is a hair and beard decree one year before the next performance on Ash Wednesday, in which the mayor asks the performers to let their beards and hair grow. 😂 The musical part of the Passion Play comprises more than 4000 bars and is performed by around 12 soloists, 65 choir singers and 60 orchestral musicians (the number varies depending on the performance. Wow! 🤩 If you have the chance to get a ticket: ABSOLUTELY REALISE IT! Kisses 😘
Relax and unwind. Arrive. Relax. Hectic? Stress? Forget it. Instead, I enjoy various saunas, waterbeds, cosy fireplace alcoves and a panoramic view that is addictive. When I lie here, enjoying the sun and my gaze wistfully wanders to the mountains, I am happy. I don't think I've ever experienced a wellness area with a view like this. The saunas are small, cosy and definitely not overcrowded. My favourite sauna? The hay barn! 🩷 You can book massages (which I did) and beauty appointments on request. You will be spoilt with fresh tea to brew yourself and various nuts to nibble on. And this view.... Did I mention that already? 😍 Kisses 😘
It is a complete understatement to describe the location of the hotel "Die Blaue Burg" on Falkenstein as spectacular. What an experience with enjoyment in every respect at 1250 metres. The journey through the beautiful Allgäu alone: marvellous and in the best weather. At Pfronten/Allgäu/South Germany, the narrow road leads uphill: 50 minutes uphill with traffic lights, 10 minutes downhill with cars. At the top, just below the abandoned castle ruins (incidentally the oldest in Germany), is the hotel with a fine restaurant. Great. Always with a beautiful view and culinary summit bliss. The cooking up here is of a high standard and yet down-to-earth. The wine recommendations round off the menu. And then the rooms. 17 moving perspectives. 17 x individual & special. Most are decorated in mountain chalet chic, with oak floors, walls made of gnarled pine wood or exposed wooden beams and light-flooded bathrooms with whirlpools, one of which is furnished in Moroccan style with arched doors and a clay shower. The hotel has an unrivalled, breathtaking view across the Allgäu to Austria. Definitely a place to be. I'll be back! 🩷 Soon! 🩷Promised. 😍 Kisses 😘
Good food is the essence of enjoyment. I love going to good restaurants well dressed, enjoying the the creations and having a good time. Accompanied by an excellent glass of wine. The basis for a perfect evening! Kisses 😘.
I started my Allgäu tour in Kempten, which is located in the Swabian region. Swabia, or southern Germany in general, is known for its traditions, beautiful towns, villages and landscapes and excellent regional cuisine. Kempten is one of the oldest towns in Germany. The unique mountain panorama of the Allgäu Alps can be seen from afar and can be reached and experienced in just a few minutes by car or by bus and train from Kempten. It is not for nothing that Kempten is known as THE Allgäu metropolis.
In typical southern style, breakfast starts with veal sausages and fresh pretzels at the market. Hearty, homely, perfect! Kisses 😘
The brewing boutique is located directly next to Afiesl. Here, the own brand AVIVA light blonde 🍻 and dark blonde 🍻 is brewed in-house every week in the brewhouse. Only the highest quality ingredients such as Austrian malting barley, Mühlviertel spring water and the highest quality flavoured hops from the region are mashed, boiled, purified and fermented. There is also an in-house wheat beer 🍺 and a fruity, summery pale ale 🍻 as well as an annual bock beer 🍻 just in time for Christmas. The brewery boutique impresses with its exclusive yet down-to-earth and cosy ambience. In good weather, you can see as far as the Alps. That's how I like it 😍. And the best thing: you can walk there from the Bergergut through the wonderful forest. Kisses 😘
Near Passau, I head straight into my beloved Austria and after 78 kilometres I reach my beloved Afiesl. Here, where the rabbit 🐰 and the hedgehog 🦔 say goodnight🌙. In the middle of nowhere. Afiesl is part of the Mühlviertel region. Due to its location on the Mühlviertel high plateau, Afiesl towers far above the clouds. This opens up a breathtaking view over the clouds to the Alpine backdrop - a truly marvellous experience. The village consists of 1 street and around 400 inhabitants. The people here are characterised by their down-to-earth attitude. The Bergergut is located here. A hotel for adults only, a hotel for a couple's getaway. A magical place where you have to relax. Absolutely marvellous. I am one of the regular guests here. A closeness to nature, relaxation, dreamlike rooms and gourmet cuisine pamper body, mind and soul in equal measure. If you ever want to go there: enjoy yourselves as a couple 😈and let your soul dangle! By the way: It's also a wildly romantic place to get married! Kisses 😘
Yes - the hotel should not be underestimated either. I don't just need nature around me. But also a beautiful environment for wellness and relaxation. Retreat. The Hotel Amonti & Lunaris actually combines almost everything I could wish for. The ambience: Wow. The exquisite cuisine offers explosions of flavour on the palate, an excellent wellness area with sauna and pool on the rooftop. An excellent bar in the evening - also as a rooftop. And these rooms! Definitely a place to be. Kisses 😘
Off into the marvellous nature of the South Tyrolean mountains. We went up to the Claussee lake. Incredibly green meadows, free-roaming cattle and wonderful mountain pastures. After the long ascent, it was wonderful to dip my feet in the cold water. On the descent, I couldn't resist the Schnapsalm and Speckalm. I took a break with a marvellous Brettljause with an incredible view. And the best thing is: this year again 😍 I can relax best in the mountains. Whether skiing or hiking. Kisses 😘
The South Tyrolean Wine Road is one of the oldest wine regions in Italy. Here, you will encounter genuine friendliness and authentic conviviality. White wines are grown for the most part. I love the Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris from here or a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc. For red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. My favourite winemaker is Alois Lageder there. Marvellous wines and highly recommended. My one and only rosé wine comes from the Manincor winery. I have yet to find another that comes close to it. Almost the entire vineyard bears the D.O.C. (or D.O.P.) seal of quality! This means Denominazione di origine controllata (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) and is a "controlled designation of origin" for Italian wines. Among other things, it regulates the permitted yield per hectare as well as the authorised growing areas and permitted grape varieties. Wines with the DOC seal of approval may not be bottled in containers larger than five litres.
From Nals past the provincial capital of Bolzano through the Überetsch and Unterland regions to Salurn, 16 wine villages contribute significantly to the fascination of the South Tyrolean Wine Route with their traditions, ideas and the people who live and work here. Travel there and enjoy the wonderful wine and the indescribable region! Kisses 😘
Tuscany is a region in upper central Italy 🇮🇹. The diverse natural landscape stretches from the rugged Apennines to the beaches of the island of Elba on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the olive groves and vineyards of the Chianti region. Not forgetting the Brunello. Even though I'm not a big red wine drinker and tend to enjoy white wine (I quickly get checkmated by red wine 😂), I do enjoy an excellent drop from this sensational Italian region from time to time.
What I'll be doing besides eating, wine tasting and exploring the region: relaxing. Sun. Pool. Garden lounger. Book. The 35 degrees in summer are ideal for what I actually want to do: Lazing around and letting my mind wander. Kisses 😘
I'm in the grip of Italy fever 🇮🇹 🔥. Why? I've booked my summer holiday! Off to beautiful Tuscany! Fantastic hotel, wonderful surroundings. Fantastic food 🍝 (I LOVE pasta in any variation and very much with fish). Excellent 1a wine 🍷 (Brunello). Great olive oil 🫒 and sooooooo much to discover. And above all: plenty of sun ☀️! Location in the pics: Hotel Borgo San Luigi. Can't wait to be there. Kisses 😘
I spent the night in York at Guesthouse York No. 1, a cute hotel in the middle of York and ideally located for a quick stroll into the city centre. I was given a wonderful room with a four-poster bed 😍 There was a free self-service bar where you could get free soft drinks and sweets! I've never experienced that before. After a long walk and lots of impressions, I was able to relax in the bar. Clear recommendation. Kisses 😘
York Minster is the largest medieval church ⛪️ in England with the largest collection of medieval windows in England 🏴 . It is a mighty 2000 year old cathedral and the second largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe after Cologne Cathedral. It would even fit the Leaning Tower of Pisa from Italy! Even from the outside, it is a marvellous sight 🤩 . The imposing Gothic cathedral from the 13th century with its extensive nave is famous for its stained glass windows (128!!! Some 900!!! years old!) from the 14th-16th centuries. The east window is the size of a tennis court, making it the largest area of medieval glass art in the world. The so-called Five Sisters window consists of five lancet windows, the largest stained glass windows in England. Each of them is almost 17 metres high and 1.5 metres wide. The two bell towers are still in full operation with 56 bells 🔔. Wow! Please note: If you want to visit, be sure to book tickets in advance! Kisses 😘
York in the north-east of England, not far from the Scottish border (which is why it was on my route when I unfortunately had to leave Scotland again 😢), is a small city with an almost completely preserved medieval city wall, where there is a lot to discover - from small, narrow alleyways from the late Middle Ages, the so-called Snickelways, to a shopping street whose history dates back to the 11th century. Or the idyllic 13th-century street "The Shambles", lined with half-timbered houses, is also worth a visit.
The most impressive view of the city is from Clifford's Tower, which was built by William I in 1069. I was amazed 🤩 by such a wonderful little town.
York is one of the most haunted 👻 cities in England. Right after Chester, it ranks second in the official list of the Most Haunted Cities 👻 of England. Quite a few people even say that York might even be the most haunted 👻 city in Europe. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see it for yourself during your visit. 😉 So if you're looking for that goosebump feeling in the north of England, York is the place to be. The frequent fog that drifts through the city does the rest to send a shiver down your spine time and again. However, I can't confirm the latter. I had the best ☀️ weather.
By the way: the city and state of New York in the USA were named after the English city of York. Kisses 😘
