I visited the White Birch Inn in Clayton. It’s a rustic yet elegant Georgia bed and breakfast. The local is ideal for visiting the numerous country festivals in the Georgia Mountains. Beautiful Lake Burton is frequented by visitors for boating, fishing and picnicking. Visitors might also want to gawk at the gorgeous mansions surrounding it.  Oh, and Helen, Georgia a destination for Oktoberfest and the cutest fairytale-like Christmas is just a few miles away.

White Birch Inn owners Chuck and Brenda Patterson fell in love with Clayton, Georgia. After building their own home there and partially relocating from Alpharetta, Georgia, the couple decided to use their talents to build a Georgia B&B. Brenda is an interior designer and Chuck is an architect. The rooms at the White Birch Inn are all named after trees. I stayed in the Hemlock Suite.

This  Georgia B&B is great for a mountain get-away, but you can still stay in touch with your friends and post your selfies. Wi-Fi available.

Chuck and Brenda Patterson, owners of the White Birch Inn, a Georgia B&B in the North Georgia Mountains.

Details like the tree branch on the wall behind the sofa add a lovely touch to the decor of this Georgia bed and breakfast and reminds guests of the birches on the picturesque North Georgia Mountains.

The inn itself is inside a restored building, redesigned by Brenda and Chuck. There are the usual comforts, Wi-Fi, a bright dining area, and a lounge area. There’s also outside sitting areas to take in the good old mountain air.

I enjoyed a delicious country breakfast at the Inn. Chuck is the chef in the family. He does a lot of  the cooking, and Brenda knows her way around the kitchen, too. She went to culinary school also.

Chuck made us all breakfast during my stay at the inn.

Guests can opt to eat out on the patio for breakfast if they wish.

The bed and breakfast is conveniently located in downtown Clayton. It is walking distance from restaurants, antique boutiques, and it is on the same street as a coffee shop. The coffee shop, White Birch Provisions is also owned by Brenda and Chuck.

White Birch Provisions is the two-level coffee and gourmet shop with wine and a plenty of adorable housewares. It’s a prime location for delicious baked goods, and the shop is just steps away from the bed and breakfast. It’s adjacent to the inn’s parking lot.

A Look at Clayton, Georgia

Fortify Kitchen and Bar

For dinner, I ate at Fortify Kitchen and Bar, a popular date night farm to table restaurant, which was full of people on Saturday night. The dress was casual or what we call, dress to impress. Menu items included entrees like filet mignon, crab cakes, and shrimp and grits. I had the fish and grits, which actually contained a combination of shrimp, grits, and fried chicken.

Yes. There’s beer at Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. There’s plenty of beer to partake in, but this Oktoberfest destination is also oodles of fun for families, also. Helen is naturally beautiful. The city looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. There’s even a store that pays respect to Hansel and Gretel. As I walked down the streets (which thankfully are not cobblestone) I heard a mother tell her delighted young son, “There’s Hansel and Gretel.”

Old Fashioned Fun for Oktoberfest

Helen doesn’t have to don decorations in homage of Oktoberfest. It’s an alpine city year-round. Nestled in the mountains, visitors will find homemade fudge, ice cream, and pretzels sold in the picturesque stores. Horses clop down the street, which is busy with SUVs, sedans, and tour buses. Yet, the horses pulling the carriages seem not to be bothered by all of the racket. The tourists in the carriages are delighted.  A horse walked slowly and steadily in front of my rental car, and I learned another lesson in patience.

I walked past a little old man playing the drums on the sidewalk. A couple of bystanders were drawn to him and chatted with him. Another performer sung German songs under a shelter,  and down the street yet another singer sung upbeat melodies on a stage. His audience members were ordering up all of the beer they could handle. Their voices were animated and jovial, festive. I’m not a beer drinker, but I thought about joining them for a hot minute. I didn’t, because there was so much more to see.

Festhalle Fun at Oktoberfest in Helen Georgia

The Chamber of Commerce building is the home of the Festhalle, an indoor venue with scheduled shows and plenty of singing, dancing and beer-drinking. ID’s are required to drink, but all ages are invited. There’s even a dance floor for the kiddies, and children under 6 can enter the for free. It’s half-price for kids who are 6 to 12. Admission is $8 Monday through Fridays. It’s $10 for adults on Saturdays, and it’s free to get in on Sundays. The Festhalle is open in the evenings, from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. from Mondays thru Thursdays and 6 p.m. until midnight on Fridays, 1 p.m. until midnight on Saturdays and 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sundays.  There’s more information about the Festhalle in Helen, Georgia on this calendar.

During the daytime hours, I saw dozens of people walking. Many people had pets with them. Pets are allowed in an area of the Festhalle, I read, but you should ask the Oktoberfest organizers first, to be sure. I even saw a sign in front of one of the small restaurants on the main drag, which said that the restaurant accepts well-mannered leashed pets. Not all restaurants accept, pets, though. However, some of them have outdoor seating, so you’ll have a better chance getting those restaurants to accept your pets.

To take a break from the excitement, some visitors like to float down the Chattahoochee River to relax and cool off.  Cool River Tubing is one of the popular companies for this activity. You’ll probably see a Cool Tubing bus going down the street during your visit. The water is calm and the breeze will feel great. It can get hot in Helen, even in the fall.

Are you planning to visit Utah? Here are some ideas for your Utah bucket list. Even if it wasn’t a destination that thought you’d want to visit, read on. Pour over these lovely images for inspiration for things to do in Utah.

Bryce National Park

Utah Bucket List Photo of Bryce Canyon by Don Graham, Creative Commons

Those of you are fit and are up to the challenge at Bryce Canyon should try hiking the Navajo/Queens Garden Loop trail. Be careful, because the trail slopes downward. You will see eventually see Thor’s Hammer, a popular rock formation.

Thor’s Hammer one of the popular formations that you’ll see in Bryce Canyon. The view of the hammer and the surrounding hoodoo formations is amazing at sunset.

The Queens Garden is a short moderate  trail that you might want in conjunction with the Navajo Loop. The Visitors’ Bureau warns that you might encounter steep dips in the trail and loose gravel, but you’ll see some cool hoodoo formations.

Zion National Park

Utah Bucket List Photo by Les Haines, Creative Commons

If you are looking for an easy, yet beautiful hike to add to your Utah bucket list, consider visiting  Zion National Park. The Narrows is one of the easiest hikes to see, because you can take the paved wheelchair path that leads out to it. Those of you who are more adventurous can wade in the river.  You will get your feet wet, but you’re going to keep your shoes on due to the rocky, slippery terrain. Wear shoes with good soles for those conditions.

Utah Bucket List Destination of Zion National park By Thomas

You are more likely to spot a mule deer, a bighorn sheep, or a fox among the reported 68  mammals that you’ll see in Zion National Park according to the National Park Service.

Canyonlands National Park

If you want to do some sightseeing without a crowd of other people fulling Utah bucket list experiences, Canyonlands might be a good national park for you to visit. Islands in the Sky may offer you a quieter and calmer trip (because there’s usually fewer people there).

Tough and athletic types might want to add a bike ride in Canyonlands National Park to your Utah bucket list. The 100-mile White Rim Trail takes some planning. In addition to the gear that you’ll need, you’ll also need to get a permit to stay in the park overnight. Be careful! It was recently reported that a biker had a terrible fall at Canyonlands.

Of course, you can ride an easier path in nearby Dead Horse Point State Park. Here’s a map to help you navigate the bike trails. 

Arches National Park

Add a visit to Arches National Park to your Utah bucket list! If you are looking for easy hikes with lots to see, get to Arches. It’s only a few hours away from Salt Lake City.  However, you need to visit when the weather is cool. It gets extremely hot there. At Arches National Park, the arch-shaped rock formations are the big attraction for things to do in Utah. Delicate Arch, Firey Arch, and the Double Arch are the arches to see.  Arches National Park is busy, so it’s best to get there early, like right after sunrise, at sunset or at night.

See the Milky Way at the Arches National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, reports the NPS. It’s an amazing sight to see the brilliant mass of stars, away from the bright lights of the city.

Capitol Reef National Park

Hiking to the Hickman National Bridge is among the things to do in Capitol National Park. It’s a moderate hike and park officials recommend it because of its great scenery. It’s also easy to get to from the Visitor’s Center and it is one of the one of the most popular trails.

See the Animals at Antelope State Park

Things to do at Antelope State Park photo by R. Nial Bradshaw, CC

Antelope State Park (Antelope Island) is worth a trip to see freely roaming bison. You can also see mule deer, bighorn sheep, and antelope, too. And if you are into beaches, the park has a sandy beach at the Bridger Bay Day-Use Area. There are trails to hike, you can rent a horse to ride, and you can even visit a historic homestead.

Caution: Be sure that you are aware of the insect situation before you go. Always wear and bring insect repellent. By the way, the park is about 41 miles away from Salt Lake City. The park’s hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Things to do in Utah: Antelope State Park, photo by Jon Roberts, CC

Dinosaur National Monument

See where the dinosaurs roamed in Utah. The Dinosaur National Monument has over a thousand fossils in the quarry. It’s located in both Utah and in Colorado. It’s east of Salt Lake City.

Go River Rafting

Live on the wild side. Take a river rafting trip on Green River in Utah. You can find many companies that provide guided trips like Don Hatch River Trips.

Sundance Film Festival

Get dolled up and attend the famous Sundance Music Festival for Independent Films. It’s held at Park City and Salt Lake City.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Every year dozens of people visit the Utah Shakespeare Festival held from July to September at Southern Utah University. The performances are held on replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, The Randall L. Jones Theatre, and  The Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre. The latter theaters are are modern-style theaters. In addition to the performances, there are workshops about period costumes, acting working workshops and more. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a Tony Award winning event.

Do you feel stressed out, worried, or worn out? These luxury Belize resorts are just what you need to pamper you and rejuvenate your spirit. Which resort is the best for you? They all have amazing amenities, so read on to find out more.

Turtle Inn

Luxury Belize Resorts,Turtle  Inn Resort, Photo courtesy of the Coppola Family Hideaways

Turtle Inn Resort, a beach resort owned by Film Director/Producer Francis Ford Coppola, consists of 25 cottages, a family pavilion, a large beach house and another cottage called the Star Fish Cottage.

The resort is located between  between Seine Bight and Placencia, a vibrant little town with reggae bars, resorts,  and eateries. So, if you want to stay at a resort that is totally relaxing, yet not too far away from town (4 minutes away by car), Turtle Inn is the luxury resort for you. Be forewarned that Placencia has the smallest main street in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Photo courtesy of the Coppola Family Hideaways

Francis’ Family Pavilion is a luxurious dwelling in Turtle Inn. It has two bedrooms with a third bedroom loft. This is one of the most private options at Turtle Inn. Francis’ Family Pavilion is surrounded by a wall and it has pool access.

Beyond the pool is a dining terrace with a fabulous view of the sea. Guests who choose Francis’ Family Pavilion have a full-time butler and other comforts from a luxury Belize resort. For example, they are treated to comfortable robes, organic bath products, and an intercom system that links to the front desk of the resort.

Photo of Placencia by Bobistraveling Creative Commons

Placencia is a village near Turtle Inn where visitors can go shopping and grab some food in this tiny village.

Luxury Belize Resorts: Coral Caye A Resort to Unplug

Luxury Belize Resorts: Photo courtesy of Turtle Inn/Coppola Hideaways

Also among the Coppola properties is Coral Caye, located about 25 minutes away (by boat) from the Turtle Inn dock. Coral Caye is a private island and offers guests luxury accommodations, complete with a butler or caretaker a chef and housekeeping services.

The entire island has only two cottages and a great house for an ultimate getaway. Invite your friends. Up to 10 guests can be accommodated. Only one group or couple at a time may enjoy the accommodations, so your group will have the entire 2-acre island to yourself.

A Little Unplugged: Amenities at Coral Caye

 Luxury Belize Resorts: Photo courtesy of Coppola Family Hideaways

You can unplug a little at Coral Caye. The resort does have electricity, in every villa, but wi-fi is only an on-island amenity. There’s also no TV. Amenities include all meals, and the cottages have living rooms, sleeping areas and full bathrooms (with showers instead of tubs). The cottages have both indoor and outdoor showers.

The Great House

The Great House is actually a place for the guests to gather. It’s used as a giant living room/fun area with games, a full bar, kitchen, and a half-bathroom. Although guests use the Great House to socialize and for special dinners overnight arrangements can be arranged.

Luxury Belize Resorts: The Great House at Coral Caye, Photo courtesy of The Family Coppola Hideaways

Coral Caye’s Island Amenities

Although it’s tempting to spend all of your days and evenings in the cottages, the island has the following amenities:

• scuba diving
• wi-fi
• shaded picnic tables
• hammocks
• fishing rods
• Canoes
• Suntan lotion
• The beach

Photo courtesy of The Family Coppola Hideaways

Belize Ocean Club

Photo courtesy of the Belize Ocean Club

The Belize Ocean Club, also in Placencia, has one and two bedroom suites with ocean views and also views of the Maya mountains and the Placencia Lagoon.

Choose the Sunset Side of the Belize Ocean Club Resort for views of sunsets, the mountains and lagoon. It’s also the side of the resort where 16 Degrees Restaurant is located. This side is perfect for those who seek a romantic getaway.

Image courtesy of the Belize Ocean Club Resort

The balcony of the Sunset Side penthouse of the Belize Ocean Club Resort has a view meant to relax guests.

Belize Beach Club Ocean Side

The Belize Ocean Club has two significant and very different sides to choose from for your stay, the Ocean Side and the Sunset Side. The Sunset Side is for guests who want a little more privacy.

Photo by the Belize Ocean Club Resort

Penthouse on the Ocean Side of the Belize Ocean Club

So, the Ocean Side has views of the ocean, Latitude Beach Bar, and according to the resort, the “largest pool in Southern Belize.” Choose the Ocean Side of Belize Beach Club resort for easier access to the bar, beach and the pool.

Ka’ana Resort

Photo courtesy of the Ka’ana Resort

 Photo is Courtesy of the  Ka’ana Resort

If you happen to be a fan of the  TV show the Shahs of Sunset, the Ka’ana Resort and Spa might look familiar to you. The popular Shahs of Sunset reality TV show was filmed at the Ka’ana, and the show aired in the summer of 2016.  Located  in San Ignacio, the Ka’ana offers guest suites (Master suite, Casita suite, Balam suite) and villas in one and two bedroom configurations.  One important difference between the the villas and the suites is that the villas have private pools. Ka’ana Resort’s decor is minimalist, yet luxurious.

What Can You Do at the Ka’ana Resort?

Well, there’s a two-acre organic garden, so you can look forward to fresh, organic vegetables for your meals. Other amenities include free morning yoga classes twice a week and a spa. The resort has its own space for yoga, open daily. Private classes can be arranged.

Are you a fitness devotee, a culture craver, an epicurean, or a thrill seeker? There’s something for you to fulfill your healthy passions or remove a few items from your bucket list.

The Ka’ana Resort’s San Ignacio location places the resort near Mayan Ruins and a nature trail. So, it’s convenient to go horseback riding, have a jungle stay, experience history and culture during a tour of the ruins. You can also go zip lining, taking a helicopter ride or do some exploring underwater.

Yoga photo courtesy of Ka’ana Resort

Cayo Espanto

Cayo Espanto is a special, because not only is it one of the luxury Belize resorts, but it’s also an all-inclusive resort on a private island. This luxurious resort features five-star dining, stimulating and fun activities, and spa services.

Photo courtesy of Cayo Espanto, a Belize Luxury Resort

Cayo Espanto features one and two bedroom oceanfront cottages and a overwater bungalow. Plunge pools, verandas, and private docks are some of the common features of the cottages. These cottages range from 1,200 square feet to 2,600 square feet.

Photo of Cayo Espanto, www.aprivateisland.com

Dining at the resort is a special experience, because Cayo Espanto presents individualized meals for its guests. Guests complete a survey, outlining your likes and favorite foods and dislikes. Once guests arrive, the chef and his team prepares meals that suits the guests individual tastes, therefore guests do not have to pour over a menu for meals.  Meals can be served outdoors or indoors, in suites, on terraces or in other pre-arranged locations.

Photo courtesy of Cayo Espanto, www.aprivateisland.com

You will not need to pour over a menu to make meal selections. Just sit back and wait for gourmet delicacies to be delivered to you.

Because the point of staying on a private island like Cayo Espanto is to stay on and around the island. Cayo Espanto has enough activities available to keep you occupied. For additional fees you can:

You can:

• Swim with sharks
• Take a ride on a private yacht
• Go on a scuba diving trip
• Go bird watching
• Go on a tour of Belize
• Have a private picnic on a deserted part of the beach

Photo courtesy of www.privateisland.com Cayo Espanto

Terrazas Resort

Photo courtesy of Las Terrazas: Luxury Belize Resorts

As all of the accommodations on the list of  luxury Belize resorts, Las Terrazas, about 4 miles away from San Pedro, has  extra large residences, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, fully-equipped kitchens, in-room full-sized washers and dryers, and if you select a Penthouse suite, you’ll have either a personal plunge pool or a Jacuzzi.

Photo by  pixulture

Las Terrazas is located in the touristy area of Ambergris Caye, which is also where the airport is located. A few of the amenities at this boutique hotel include a 70-foot infinity pool, a poolside bar, airport transportation, and babysitting.

San Pedro, Photo by Taco Girl

Select Las Terrazas if you are up for an active vacation. The concierge has connections for zip lining, cave tubing, excursions to see the Tikal Pyramids, Xunantunich Maya Ruins, or the Lamanai Maya Ruins. You can also take a tour and see the sights by helicopter. The knowledgeable concierge can advise you of the costs and help make the arrangements.

Mahogany Bay Village

Photo used with Permission © 2018 Hilton

Mahogany Bay Village is a property within Hilton’s Curio Collection. Hotels in this are uniquely styled and cater to people who want one-of-a-kind experiences.

Choose Mahogany Bay Village if you want to stay in a hotel with a familiar name (Hilton) and be near the hustle and bustle of San Pedro. Mahogany Bay Village is only 10 minutes away from San Pedro, with its bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Photo used with Permission © 2018 Hilton

What’s So Special About Mahogany Bay?

Mahogany Bay has a variety of different accommodation choices, so if you are a single person, or if you have a medium-sized or large group, you can find a place that’s just the right size.

You’ll find accommodations ranging from small suites to family-sized townhouses. There are six different room types.

Mahogany Village  Bay offers its guests a private white sand beach, a saltwater pool, fitness center, carts and bicycles to rent. There is 24-hour security at the resort and a high-speed internet connection.

Once upon a time queens and kings roamed the castles in Germany.  From Neuschwanstein Castle, and Hohenzollern Castle to Eltz Castle, they were the epitome of glamour and royalty. Fairy tales come to life through these real-life castles in Germany. Did you know that  inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty’s castle? Here are some of the most enchanting castles in Germany and what you need to know to see them for yourself.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most well-visited castles in Germany. It is busiest from July to September, so expect long lines. It is the same castle which inspired the famous Sleeping Beauty castle. The small town of Hohenschwangau sits at the base of the castle. Tickets for touring Neuschwanstein Castle should be purchased in the town prior to your visit. Hotel  Villa Ludwig is walking distance to the ticket office, where tickets can be purchased for Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings.

After purchasing your ticket, you can can arrange transportation up to the castle. The most comfortable options appear to be by horse and carriage and by bus.  Both options will require some walking, because the transportation can’t deliver passengers directly in front of Neuschwanstein Castle. So, you can expect a 10 to 15 minute walk.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Castles in Germany: Hohenschwangau Castle by Michelle Callahan

Hohenschwangau Castle, in the town of Hohenschwangau (the same town where Neuschwanstein Castle is located. Transportation by horse and carriage to Hohenschwangau Castle can be arranged just before you leave for for the castle. You pay the driver for the carriage ride.  Keep in mind that the carriage does not operate during the winter months.

Hohenzollern Castle

Beautiful Castles in Germany: Hohenzollern Castle by BrookCatherine53

Hohenzollern Castle is on the outskirts of Baden-Wurttemberg. Tours for Hohenzollern Castle are approximately 45 minutes long, and the tour guide will most likely speak only German. Tours in English, however, are given on weekends.  Tickets are about $14 per adult for general admission. Beginning in 2018, there are Hohenzollern Castle strolls available, which allow guests to visit the castle’s rooms without the traditional tour with time limitations.

Public transportation, buses and trains, are available to the castle. Check the schedule.  Unsere Stadtvilla is a hotel that’s only about 2 miles away from Hohenzollern Castle.

Schloss Schwerin Castle

Photo of Schwerin Schloss by Jana Reifegerste

Schwerin Castle is in the town of Schwerin in the state of  Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the north part of  Germany near the Baltic Sea. The oldest parts of the existing castle were built in the 16th Century.

To get to the castle take a flight into the Fuhlsbüttel Airport in Hamburg and then take a train to Schwerin Central Station (Schwerin hbf – Hauptbahnhof). You can then even walk to the castle or take a taxi there. The Hotel Niederlandischer Hof is a short walk from the train station and only .7 miles away from the Schwerin Castle.  Call ahead of your visit to arrange a tour with a guide (the more expensive option) or you could have a self-guided audio tour (the less expensive option). Buy your tickets at castle’s museum office.

Wernigerode Castle

Located in the town with the same name as the castle, Wernigerode Castle, actually towers over the town and it takes a hike, a rather steep hike, to get there. Or if you would rather not hike up the hill, take the little train behind the Town Hall (Rathaus in German) to get up to the castle.  You can also try looking for signs for the train in the Tourism Office. There is another train company that operates behind the HKK Hotel.  It’s much easier to take the train up, especially since there is a lot of walking and  stairs in the castle itself.

To get there, take a flight into Hamberg or Berlin  to the Harz Mountains. From the Harz mountains, you’ll likely take a train to Wernigerode. There’s a train station in the town. Here is the train schedule.

Burg Stahleck Castle

Amazing Castles in Germany: Burg Stahleck Castle by Wei-te Wong

The Burg Stahleck Castle in Bacharach, Germany has a surprise inside. It’s actually a hostel, so there’s nothing to see inside, unless you are generally curious about what a castle-turned-hostel would look like. And it’s a hike to get up to the castle, anyway. The good news is that it’s a great place to view the town, and the outside of the castle is pretty neat to photograph. If you do stay at the hostel, you’ll definitely need a reservation.

To get here, you’ll want to take a flight into Frankfurt. From Frankfurt, find the train station (downstairs from terminal 1)and take one of the regional trains going to  Mainz. The Koblenz stop will be final stop. Use this train guide to help you get to the Burg Stahleck Castle.

Zwinger Palace

Fairy Tale Castles in Germany: Zwinger Palace by Steve

Zwinger Castle is located in the city of Dresden, where there happens to be an international airport, the Dresden International Airport.

It is a Baroque-style palace, which now accommodates world-famous art collections. The palace is said to be one of the best examples of Baroque-style architecture.  There are actually several museums in the palace, with styles ranging from old masterpieces to a museum on weapons of war. The Zwinger holds art that is representative of artists from around the world.

From your hotel in Dresden,  you can take a taxi or public transportation to Zwinger palace. The Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski (ranking #10 on TripAdvisor) is the closest hotel, but the Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss is the second closest hotel, and it is rated at the #2 hotel in Dresden on TripAdvisor.

Lichtenstein Castle

Located in Baden-Wurttemberg, Lichtenstein Castle was inspired by the novel, Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff. Built between 1840 and 1842, the Gothic-style Lichtenstein Castle sits high up on a cliff. Other castles have stood in this location, so Lichtenstein Castle is considered a relatively modern castle.  Be forewarned that although it is certainly worthy of a selfie background, Lichtenstein Castle is very small.

Stuttgart Airport is the nearest airport to Lichtenstein castle. Check out this TripAdvisor list of the closest hotels to Lichtenstein castle.

Schloss Drachenburg Castle

Schloss Drachenburg is yet another one of Germany’s beautiful castles. It is found on top of Drachenfels Hill, overlooking the Rhine, and near Bonn. Actually, the Schloss Drachenburg was originally constructed to serve as a villa, so you might think that it looks a little more like a home. If you want to go the self-guided route, you can pay the admission price to enter the castle and visit selected rooms inside (rooms on the noble level).

The Stuttgart Airport is the nearest airport to Schloss Drachenburg Castle. It’s two hours away from the castle. From there, you can take the German Railway and make it to the Königswinter exit to get to the castle. Buy your railway tickets at the airport.

Burg Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz Castle in Wierschem is yet another fairy tale castle in Germany. It’s best to arrive there via the Frankfurt Airport and then use the train to get closer. The castle in basically in the woods, so you’d have to take a taxi to get there from the train station. Burg Eltz Castle has a beautiful bridge that leads to the castle, itself. If you get there early enough, you can get some gorgeous pictures on it. You’ll need to arrange a tour to get inside the Burg Eltz Castle. It’s much easier to get a hotel near Burg Eltz Castle and come and go as you wish. Here are some of your choices.

What Are Your Favorite Castles in Germany?