This morning I left Mainz and started driving towards Cochem on the Moselle River. I stopped at a wonderful scenic overlook near Brodenbach. In case you are curious, yes that is the Moselle River.
Once I arrived in Cochem and parked in the public parking lot I had to search for a place to get coins for the parking meter. The parking meters didn’t like any of my credit cards. I found a nearby cafe and made a small purchase to get change before I got a parking ticket.
There is a public bus available to make it easier to get up to the castle, but I decided to hike up the hill.
Once I arrived at the castle there is a small area with scenic views that is accessible for free – and a gift shop. I was able to purchase a guided tour of the castle in English (no non-guided visits).
After buying the ticket I still had some time to wait, so I took a few more photos.
Finally we were allowed into the gate by our tour guide.
After the tour guide provided a brief history lesson on the castle we were allowed to enter.
This was an interesting door fixture. Apparently it was designed this way because it was usually dark inside and hard to find the hole for the key.
And the tour continued while I took more photos.
The tour was now almost complete. We were back outside and I took a few more photos of the exterior.
The tour guide didn’t let us linger. I did take a few more shots from outside the gate.
I started to hike down the hill… It was much easier down the hill than up.
At this point I decided to try and take a time lapse video with my Canon mirrorless camera. I realized that even though the sensor was much bigger, it only was capable of 8 bit colors and obviously a compressed file format. I am thinking of upgrading as it is a few years old already.
Before I left Cochem I took a few photos from the town itself. The stairwell inside the bridge was very colorful.
After departing Cochem I stopped at another scenic overlook above the castle.
Next stop Green Hell…. Nürburgring. Nürburgring used to be a Formula 1 track, but it was too dangerous. It is now a toll roll – unrestricted tool road. There was corner workers with flags and you can only do one lap at a time, but it is still an amazing experience.
I parked the car in a grass parking lot. The track was closed briefly when I arrived. Below is a picture of the toll gates.
And I got a plastic card that is used at the toll gate for entry – if you have enough funds on it.
While I was waiting I took some photos. There was a large diner at the entrance/exit – and bathrooms.
I did manage to get one lap in. It was a bit stressful – I felt like I was driving a GT car in the 24 hours of Le Mans with all the prototypes flying by me. Needless to say the gutless VW Golf rental car was no match for the souped up BMW’s and Porsches.
I then drove to Cologne where I checked into the Marriott hotel.
It is conveniently located downtown next to the train station and not far from the cathedral. I did catch a sunset from the window.
I walked over to one of my favorite restaurants. Gilden im Zims. Oh and they have good Kolsch as well.
I had my favorite German food – Haxe (pork knuckle)
I took one more photo of the Cathedral as I walked back to the hotel.
Today’s timeline:
