Beautiful Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

The Mosel River region is wine country. As far as you can see, on both banks of the river, there are vinyards. It's also the land where fairy tales were born...

Once upon a time, approximately 5,000 year ago, people first settled on the banks of the Mosel River. Over the years, the settlement grew. The best forms of income for nobility at this time were tolls, so Adalbero of Luxemburg added a toll station for the Mosel ferry here. Around 993, he built a castle and named it after his favorite animal, the bear. (He had a bear on his coat of arms.) Over the years, "Barenkastel" became "Bernkastle". Across the river, the community of Kues was also growing. Eventually, the names of these lovely towns were hyphenated into one...and now you have Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Bernkastle-Kues one day, do what this lovely Princess and Prince did. Hop on this golden carriage and take a magical journey up the mountain, through the vinyards, and around the winding road to the place where all royalty belongs... Landshut Castle. Unfortunately, the original structure of Barenkastell was destroyed by Adalbero's rival in 1017. A second structure was built here around 1200, but was burnt down by Archbishop John I not long after that. The third time's the charm, though, and Landshut Castle was built in 1277. It sits quietly, nestled in the vinyards and overlooking it's domain. Is this a view, or what? Bernkastel is on the right bank of the Mosel River, and Kues is on the left. All of the land on the right bank of the river is covered with vinyards. This lovely inn is hidden within the castle walls. It's a perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch and look out over the valley. In our case, it was the perfect place to warm up with cappucino and hot chocolate! After exploring the castle for a while, we hopped back in out magical carriage and descended to check out the town below. Don't you just love this hotel? It sits on the Kues side of the Mosel River, and when you stay there, you can spend your days watching the swans glide by or gazing up at Landshut Castle. It's a tough life, but I think you can do it. Oh, by the way, if you are a webcam fan like Dad, be sure to check out their website. You can check out the action first hand! Just a short walk from the river, through narrow cobblestone streets, and you soon find yourself in the Marketplace.This is the Town Hall. This area is home to the Middle Mosell Wine Festival in September, and Medievil Christmas Markets in November and December. I spotted a giant just off the market square! Watch out, kids! He looks hungry! The lovely princess is standing in front of Spitzhauschen. It's an extremely narrow house that was built in 1583. Each story juts out just a little bit more than the one below it. Sadly, all fairy tales must end. After exploring this lovely town for several hours, it was time to head back home again. It's OK, though. I think that anyone lucky enough to spend the day in Bernkastel-Kues is sure to live happily ever after.