Today I didn’t want to leave our hotel in Cologne. It was so nice. The room had a separate living room and bedroom and a huge bathroom with a soaking tub. It was so nice to have that extra space to relax in. However, we only had this for one night so it was time to get ready for the day.

We headed downstairs to have breakfast. This was by far the best breakfast we have had. A great variety of breads, meats, fruits, etc. I piled up my plate. I thought about taking a picture halfway through but figured it was too late.

They even served coffee at our table. When asked if I would like some coffee, I replied, “Yes, bitte.” Mixing German and English. My brain is confused!

Another plus for the hotel were the staff, they were all very kind and helpful.

After breakfast we headed out the door to catch a train into Cologne to see the Cologne Cathedral. We had a very pleasant walk through the neighborhood we were in to the station. After only two stops we got off at the central station in Cologne, walked out the doors and there it was! The Cologne Cathedral.

Now, we’ve seen many beautiful buildings in our time here but this was absolutely impressive. This cathedral is huge! And, as a bonus you can walk inside it for free.

My breath was taken away when we walked inside the cathedral. It was so beautiful and I couldn’t get over how high the ceiling was.

After the close up view we walked across the bridge to capture the classic photo that you’ll see if you google Cathedral Cologne. It was interesting to see another bridge in Germany with thousands of locks on it. I guess you are supposed to put your name and the name of the person you love on the lock and put the lock on the bridge.

We walked back to the train station and I was sad to say goodbye to Cologne so quickly. It was definitely a city I felt like I’d like to explore more.

We returned to our hotel, packed up our things and were on the road. Today was castle day! We used the guide from Rick Steves to drive along the Rhine River. From Cologne we headed to Koblenz and from there onto the 9.

 

After a short time we arrived at the Rheinfels Castle. Only a few dollars to park and only $5 per person to enter the castle and wander as you wish. It was amazing. Though the castle is mostly in ruins you can wander in and out of little rooms and hallways. You can climb up their little stoney staircases. At one point we ended up in the “big mine tunnel.” This was a narrow and short (although I could stand up) completely dark tunnel that went straight up a hill. I told Jacob I thought this was a bit creepy and that there were castle ghosts that were going to get us. He seemed to love it!

If I learned anything about castle life its that I am the perfect height for it.

After wandering about the castle for a few hours we got back in the car to see more amazing castles along the Rhine River.

 

After we said goodbye to our last castle we headed to France. We are staying in Strasbourg for the night. We checked in and dropped off our stuff before heading on an evening stroll along the canal. We grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading back to the hotel.

It was an absolutely magical day. Definitely one of my favorites so far. We are halfway through our trip. We have seen so much already but still have lots to do!

Tomorrow we will be in Zurich, Switzerland!