I was rambling thorugh my gallery and saw these photos. Reminded me of my adventure exploring the Mountain Province , Sagada, in the Philippines.We went cave spelunking , hiking, and swimming after discovering perfectly hidden waterfalls, but none of these brought a nostalgic memory than this sight.
Hanging coffins–what a weird sight.
It´s my first time to see such things. Everything about the dead and burial practices are no interest for me, but I practically was curious why such practice is being done here.Of all places, they hanged all the coffins high up above, and even labeled them. The local guide says that we can´t go near to this place so I just zoomed my photos to have better capture. Although I must say that the forest surrouning this valley is really beautiful.
A burial practice that is over 2,000 years old.
I have never met the local tribe, tried mingling thorugh the market but I guess I can´t distinguish enough who are the locals since I don´t understand their dialect. Me & my friend started our early hike and upon reaching the “Echo Valley”, our guide asks us to try yelling, shout loud to test the Echo thing. We did as we say and it was really working.
Too many strange things, and very old cherished practices.
As we gazed through the other direction, the view of the coffins really surprised us. We´ll of course we´ve heard about it but seeing them for real just gave me goosebumps. Such a beautiful place with so much virgin nature .
I have heard that the local tribe has many rich stories about all of these graves-or coffins. They have chosen this higher place, high up in this cliff, to be able to be close to eternal heavens. The dead chose this place to reast for eternity. The guide mentioned that there are far many more hidden coffins among the cliff tops of the valley, all sacred and undisturbed.
I tought about how they have brought it all up there…
Before the Spaniards came to Philippines, there was no Christianity. No one is Catholic. The old generation worshipped nature and spirits called locally as “Anito”.The locals believed that the spirit of the departed ones can still be reachable even when they are already deceased. That they can asks them for guidance by conducting spiritual “rituals” and prayer.
And nature is their best hiding place…
Just a normal sight in the Echo Valley, Sagada
In the remote areas of Sagada, people are still practicing this burial practice but nowadays since most of the population in the Philippines are Catholic, this kind of culture is discontinued.
Another short story about cultural Heritage, what do you think of the Hanging Coffins?
I guess everyone dreamed of cruising along a river…I’m one of them.
The chance came and I just did! and it was a wonderful ! I remembered how I was enchanted by the beautiful Moselle river and by far, the Danube river has its own charm.This post is really special to me because this is something that I really enjoyed from our last trip. It was also the most exhausting one, but then, as the saying goes “when the going gets tough, the tough get going…”
I wrote many things about the mighty river “Danube” (or Donau)in this Blog. How can’t I?, the river is just 10 minutes away from where I live, I see it everyday, it has become my daily backdrop and a favorite subject for photos. Seeing its different faces through all seasons becomes so normal for me. But then we discovered something else about its charm. We’ve seen another phase of this mighty river in Regensburg. Cruising through its magical waters is different, especially if you are traveling with a hyperactive toddler. Yes, she loved the boat idea, but to keep her calm through the whole boat ride is another innuendo!
The boat is turning around…
And off we go…! Germans adore the sun , lots and lots of sunshine, so they prefer to sit in the open deck for better views and winds, but my daughter wants to jump off the water!
So anyway, last Tuesday, while we are in Regensburg, we decided to take a cruising along the Danube trip to visit one of the most notable off -the-beaten path destination——- the German Parthenon, a replica of the one in Athens, Greece, the Walhalla Temple. Another hidden gem in Bavaria and I think it deserves more recognition because this place is both educational and not for the faint-hearted. It takes guts to be up there, but the views are totally worth it. Bavarian King Ludwig I (reigned 1825-1848) ordered his great Architect Leo von Klenze to build this place to dedicate to all great German speakers and notable persons. Quite extraordinary tribute, right? Aren’t you curious whose on the list?
Walhalla is a temple built high above the mountains, I thought, how are we going to make it there with a 3-year old plus a bulky stroller? Can we climb the hilly terrain plus the 358 steps ?
From the cruising to hiking? Possible? YES!
But first, we relaxed and enjoyed the comfortable cruise ride to go to our main destination.
We have some company in the river, so many ships and barges crossing over.
The Charm of the Danube
The river Danube seen from the Old Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke) in Regensburg looks so calm, graceful and deep. I spent quite sometime just admiring the view in front of me, with all the boats, ships, museum, and cruise ships passing by me, and of course, a mass of people. Everyone just love to lounge in the banks of the river.
Took this photo from above the Walhalla, the route where the ships go crossing the Danube.
Napoleon once referred to the Danube River as the “Queen of Europe’s Rivers,” a fitting title for Europe’s second-longest river. It measures 1,775 miles long and up to nearly 1 mile wide and touches 10 countries — Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine — and four capitals. That alone has made the Danube a vital transportation route for more than 2,000 years. The Danube cycling path is also well-known for cycling enthusiasts and wanderers. It is my dream also to cycle on one of its paths, maybe someday when my toddler can also join this type of adventure.
Today, ships can navigate 87 percent of the waterway’s length, meaning Danube River cruises can sail from the North Sea to the Black Sea. The Main-Danube Canal, which got its major start in the 18th century, was completed in 2002 when the final piece was put in place for the 106 mile, 16-lock waterway.
The cruise experience from Regensburg to Walhalla
We got our ticket from the Regensburger Schifffahrt ( Klinger) and by 10:30 a.m, the boat docked in front of us and off we go.There was quite a crowd already but I am impressed that even strollers, pets, and persons with wheelchair can join this trip. The staffs are both helpful and mindful.
We found a place near the window but we often go to the open deck to have better views and took photos. There is an audio tour both in German and English so that was very handy for me. At the beginning, my daughter was so excited but then after 10 minutes or so, she started to get whiny and cranky. It was time for her midday nap.She crashed into her nap and woke up when we are already in the foot of the temple.
Beautiful nature sights during the trip.
Cruising along the Danube is wonderful , especially for families. If you want to explore from what is beyond the norm then it’s a great break from the claustrophobic and touristy streets in Regensburg . The views along the river is very scenic, enough to put you in a trance. We passed by some notable arches, bridges, and castle ruins in the hills surrounding the Danube. The atmosphere inside the boat is very cozy, the bathrooms are clean and you can order food & drinks as you like.
The trip lasts for more than 45 mins, from which my daughter just sleep through out the whole time. The drop off was easy and the guests are allowed to wander & explore Walhalla for 75 minutes, after this, the boat comes back for the trip going back to Regensburg.
The striking Walhalla Temple
Finally, we’ve reached our destination.We stood on this spot for quite sometime trying to figure out how to navigate this place, pushing the stroller, I thought, how are we going to be on top?
I’ll tell you more about the rest of our adventure in my post about this mighty Walhalla temple.Until then, thank you for reading my friends.
If you are visiting Regensburg, make sure not to miss this. The information about this trip is available in the Tourist Information in the Old Town of Regensburg and the ticket booth is just beside the Old Stone Bridge and the Wurstkuchl. It’s a hotspot location and you won’t miss it!
As we continue our quest to explore and look for fascinating places in Kuwait, we finally get our feet on board of one of the Catamarans from Marina Crescent to bring us to Failaka Island. If you have your own boat then you can freely reach the island. There are only 2 options for visitors to reach Failaka , You can either sail on board the ferry of the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC), which also allows to transport your vehicles on board. This ferry trip usually takes about 90 minutes or a little longer and the ticket costs KD 5 roundtrip per person and about KD 30 per vehicle. A second option is the ferry boats of a private company which sails from the Marina Crescent and costs KD 15 per person. On board of this boat, a passenger can reach Failaka in around 40 minutes. We opt for the 2nd option.
Watching the sun go down in Failaka
Failaka Island is located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, approx. 20 km off the coast of Kuwait City. Don’t get me wrong , Failaka is not the hip island destination. Right now, it mainly attract visitors because of its Historical significance. A visit to this place can give you the traditional past of Kuwait with structures dating back to the Bronze Age Dilmun civilisation with more ‘recent’ events such as the 17th century settlement of the Utubs. If you are a war history buff , then a visit to this place might interest you. Rundown buildings and houses with bullet shots is a common sight . It’s like walking into a ghost town .
Memoirs of war in Failaka
When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Iraqi forces expelled the civilian population and mined the beaches. After Iraq was expelled from Kuwait in 1991, the Kuwaiti government resettled the island’s population on on the mainland of Kuwait and compensated the locals for their property. The island has been cleared of mines, and it has been used for military exercises. Many Kuwaitis fish there and some former residents visit occasionally, but special permits are required.
A Vandalized wall in Failaka Island
Failaka is a floating desert. Once i reached the place i wondered why an oil-rich country like Kuwait afford to let this land goes to waste. If I have a billion KD I want to buy this land and turn it into something else. It’s sad to see that it’s deteriorating. The remaining structures are poorly maintained. If this place indeed have a rich significance in Kuwait’s Heritage, then why they are not treasuring this. Soon, time will steal the charm of this place. Nowadays, this place has become home to most camels . Although this is one of the typical visitor’s destination in Kuwait, still,less effort has been seen in promoting the tourism in this place.
A war tank used during Iraqi invasion
If you step on Failaka island, its for sure that you will take memories with you. Once you see the abandoned town, the hotel lying in ruins , war tanks debris ,and the sprawling barren landscape, you could have an idea how the inhabitants feel whenever they would see their former dwellings. Even their memories are buried there .But wouldn’t it be better if you see hope on this place? War is over , but this place never recover.
Abandoned hotel
The day tour includes sightseeing on key sights such as the Heritage Village, Camel farms, the remnants of war where you can see old debris of tanks used { which best described as a junk yard } and a coaster driven tour of the whole town. You can see the bullet shots from the walls of the bank and other establishment. At midday, a buffet lunch served in a big tent which is quite nice. It brings out the ambiance of traditional Arabic feast inside the tents.
Travel Tip !
If you want to visit Failaka , check out Aware Center’s events & schedule, they often arrange special tours for this. If you live in Kuwait, you can just head on to Marina Crescent and look for the trip itineraries & schedule. Recommended time to go in Winter months where the temperature is nice to stay outside.
Failaka is a total laid back island. Don’t put your expectations high. Bring enough cash if you plan to get some souvenirs or eat in the restaurants.
Delays on the ferry schedules & pick up times oftentimes have a lag so be prepared. We were delayed to embark in our boat last time because it was low tide.
Although this is a family friendly destination but i don’t recommend bringing a baby in Failaka because really, there’s nothing quite new here to entice your baby.
A visit to Failaka is a change from the normal life in the city. If you want a short breather and you have free time to kill, then it’s one of the things you could check out while in K-Town.
One of the best Backpacking adventure I’ve had was exploring Sagada in the region of Mountain Province . Only with a backpack and full adventurous spirit, we set off to a steep journey up north. The narrow road going to Sagada is enough to make you feel sick. All through out the journey I was afraid to look outside the window because I can almost see the cliffs ! Upon reaching our destination, I came to see a different world up there in the mountains.
Let me tell you why Sagada is one of the trips in the north of Philippines that you should’nt miss and share with you reasons why Sagada is amazing, Truly a Backpacker’s paradise .
Take a Postcard with you of the beautiful Mountain Cliffs
A postcard from Echo Valley in Sagada ,Philippines
Do you like the idea of waking up in the morning with a view like this ? Up there in the mountain is a charming cottage house . When I saw this, I said to myself that its my dream house, right at home with these lush greens, with majestic views of the Cordillera mountains.
The Green Forest with stiff limestone mountains
Taking lazy morning treks in the Echo Valley
I showed this photo to my husband and asked him where is this place, He said to me with a smile that its in Europe. He said it looks like the mountains in Austria where He spent his childhood vacations or in the mountains in Germany .
I told him its in the Philippines and he was shocked!
Sagada is famous for its rugged mountain ranges. In earlier times, It was difficult for the Spaniards to conquer this area because of the difficulty of terrains of the Cordillera. The province has many rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and caves. The central and western areas of the province are characterized by rugged mountains and steep cliffs, while the eastern portion has generally sloping terrain.
Learn from the past while visiting the Hanging Coffins
We were touring Sagada and exploring the Echo Valley when we saw this spot in the cliff of the mountain with the Hanging Coffins .When i first saw it, It really looks creepy, at the same time I was curious . I have heard about it before but I never really had an idea why people are doing this thing . We asked locals and find out something really interesting .
One of the most common beliefs behind this practice is that moving the bodies of the dead higher up brings them closer to their ancestral spirits. The elderly feared being buried in the ground. When they died, they did not want to be buried because they knew water would eventually seep into the soil and they would quickly rot. They wanted a place where their corpse would be safe.There are two fears of being buried. The first is that dogs will eat the corpse, so the coffins are placed high up on a cliff, out of their reach. Secondly, years ago, during the headhunting days, savages from different parts of Kalinga and eastern Bontoc province would hunt for their heads, and take them home as a trophy. That’s another reason why the dead were buried high up – so nobody could reach them.
The coffins are either tied or nailed to the sides of cliffs, and most measure only about one metre in length, as the corpse is buried in the foetal position. The Igorots believe that a person should depart the same way he entered the world.
The deceased is then placed on a wooden sangadil, or death chair, and the corpse is tied with rattan and vines, and then covered with a blanket. It is thereafter positioned facing the main door of the house for relatives to pay their respects. The cadaver is smoked to prevent fast decomposition and as a means to conceal its rotting smell. The vigil for the dead is held for a number of days, after which the corpse is removed from the death chair to be carried to the coffin. Before being taken for burial, it is secured in the foetal position, with the legs pushed up towards the chin. It is then wrapped again in a blanket and tied with rattan leaves while a small group of men chip holes into the side of the cliff to hammer in the support for the coffin.This practice is slowly fading away .Nowadays ,the natives opt to bury their dead underground.
When i visit a new place, i try to learn something about the local life of its people. This tradition is one of the distinct culture that struck me up until now.
Spelunking , Survival & Getting lost in the dark caves of Sumaguing
My feet in the glistening cold ice water inside the limestone cave of Sumaguing
Have you ever tried Cave Spelunking? Is the sight of waist-level water and darkness sound appealing to you? I tell you, this is one of the highlights of my travel in Sagada. Its dangerous, exhilarating, nerve-wrecking ,and at the same time exciting . Frankly speaking, this is not for the faint- hearted . If you have Achluophobia or Nyctophobia or { fear of the dark } then you should think twice before you go inside this cave.
You need to get a licensed Guide to go with you to avoid any injuries or worst an accident that could leave you trapped inside. It’s no joke being trapped inside ! The rocks are rugged and sharp edges could really be dangerous. For the first timers, It is advisable to go inside with a guide to go with you through the dark trails inside.
Amazing Rock formations inside Sumaguing cave
Slippery rock formations
We had our guide for this aprrox . 3 hours of spelunking. We had a short jeepney ride going to the site & quick tour of the grounds on the mouth of the cave. We wear shorts & slippers and luckily my phone survived inside the slippery, grimy, dark cave. Inside we were astonished to see various rock formations , stalactites & stalagmites , all glistening in the dark. Like golden sculptures . Being inside is like a labyrinth , you don’t know where is the end of the dark path. You need to hold on tightly on the rope & squeeze yourself to get through a small opening and using ropes to glide you down the cliffs without slipping yourself to the deep iced-cold waters inside the pools. It was so thrilling especially on the descent, and on the hard paths. Take note : You will slip, you will get wet, you might bump into the rocks. But in the end , you can say to yourself “I have survived spelunking in Sagada !”
Inside Sumaguing Cave
Our kerosene lamp inside the cave
As the process gets more challenging, the more the cave reveals impressive rock formations, such as the King’s Curtain, Rice Terraces,The Queen, and the huge hall called the Dancing Hall. The glassy limpid pools are also a sight to behold. Indeed ,spelunking in Sumaguing is a wonderful adventure . The good news is, the dark path has an end and finally we see the ray of light from our way outside.
Having a Feel of the cozy air of a village life
The serene view of rice terraces fields and ardous green landscape that surrounds the villages in Sagada is breathtaking. The smell of pine trees is all over the place that gives you such delight. We spent the afternoon taking a lazy stroll to explore the market, the rice terraces fields and the cottage houses nearby, taking a dip in the Bomod-ok falls, the weaving factory, the pottery sites and just admire the beautifulDanum lake.
Our trek going to the Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces
Green landscape as seen from the rows of Pines trees
A fine day at Lake Danum
Tall Pine Trees on our trek to Kiltepan
During the night, Sagada changes its mood & leaves you feeling relaxed. Its very laid back town and quiet at night since there is a curfew around 9pm. We enjoyed a hearty meal in one of the restaurant nearby and later on we visited the Lemon house pie . The homemade lemon pie was to die for ! I like the quaint design and genuine hospitality of this place .We had coffee with one of the locals and told us stories about the place.
Wonderful Chase of sunrise in Kiltepan Peak
We wake up around 4:30 to get ready to catch the sunrise in Kiltepan Peak. If you visit Sagada, watching the sunrise in Kiltepan peak is a must.There is a langous trek to reach the cliff where you can have a glimpse of the mountains ,villages and the rice terraces . Its worth to be waking up early because the views were amazing! My photos didn’t even do justice on this place.
Fluffy clouds covered the mountains while the sun is rising
We left with our backpack and our glad hearts full of our wonderful memories from our adventures in Sagada . There’s so much things that we’ve seen but i did not write about it, you need to see it & experience it for yourself.
If you want to visit Sagada and looking for a place to stay ,then i highly recommend checking out George Guest House. It’s conveniently located near to the top attractions in Sagada and they are reasonably priced. They are a great host and we had a wonderful stay with them.
How about you ? What was the recent adventure you’ve done?
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My Middle-East experience is complete, I’ve done one dirty job of milking a Camel!
I have also drink its milk. I’m telling you, it is not as bad as you think. They are just like the milk from your prized cows and goats, grazing in green meadows. Only that camels grazed in arid deserts.
Milking a camel is not everyone’s pastime and maybe not your ideal thing to do if you are a tourist, but If you see a camel , what would you wanna do?
Do you wanna try riding it ? stare into it’s big nose, or are you going to be like me, try the not-so-ordinary task of milking a camel ?
If you came from a place that camels are not a common sight, like Germany or Holland or even Philippines, then you would definitely frown at the idea of drinking it’s milk ,let alone grab its breasts to milk. I tell you, it’s a one- of- a kind experience. Just make sure that you are properly guided and supervised by the local caretaker or a professional in handling camels to avoid an injury for yourself. No, you don’t want to be kicked by camel in your face.
Camels in Wafra farms in Kuwait
Living in the middle east, especially in Kuwait, I have seen camels for its touristy purposes. You know those Pay per ride thing . A 5- minutes ride ,series of selfie photos and that’s it. I don’t know why but I even brought so many camel souvenirs to give away to my friends and family when I came home.There is even a camel race that happens there. Camels are not your type of domesticated animal. Aside from the fact that they’re grumpy , dirty, smelly and they could really be Huuuggeee ! Going on in an adventure ride into the desert in Kuwait, camel sighting is also very normal. If in Europe, there are road signs warning of wild animals like deer crossing the road, in Kuwait, occasionally, camels can take their walks in the lane.They are just there walking like nomads, waiting for human encounters. Milking camel is not an easy job , it’s tough, it can be dirty ,and messy, mainly because they don’t like to be milked! Once the flow begins , you need to grab & start the job .
So how does a camel’s milk taste?
Of course, it taste like MILK .
I’ve never even known that its milk is fit for humans until I came to Middle East. I have tried drinking its milk and I find it normal to my taste buds. I did it because I was just curious . I didn’t know of its health benefits .Bedouin’s staple food for ages are camel’s milk and dates so its health benefits are proven since mid 20th century .
Camel’s fresh milk !
Did you know that camel milk has enough nutrients to sustain you through out the whole day? On serious note , Camel milk has a high vitamin and mineral content and immunoglobulin content. Camel milk is 3x higher in vitamin C than cow’s milk and 10 timeshigher in iron. It is also high in unsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins but lower in vitamin A and B2 (than cow’s milk).
Camel milk is lower in lactose than cow’s milk.Cholesterol in camel milk is lower than cow or goat milk. This is good news for those health conscious .
If you are curious and interested about camel milk then you might wanna check out Camelicious , A company based in UAE,the first in the world , who started their Camel milk & Products Industry since 2006 . They are pioneers and world-class maker of camel cheeses , Ghee ,Laban ,ice cream , Mint & Chili Labneh ,Camel milk whey powder and camel milk Butter . Camelicious camel milk beverages comes in Date ,Chocolate , Saffron & Strawberry flavor . Camel milk is like liquid gold so expect their price to be pricey.
As for the chocoholics, you might be interested to know that Al Nassma, a UAE- based chocolatier and maker of pure camel’s milk chocolates opened a shop in Avenues in Kuwait and selling different kinds of chocolates made from finest milk of camel. Some local farms and supermarkets especially in Coops are also selling camel’s milk. Some coffee shops like Costa coffee in Miral ( after Hilton Mangaf ) even serve Camel milk as an alternative to the usual ones.
Now, is camel milk appealing to your taste, or would you take the challenge to milk it ?
Thank you all for reading my friends. Until next time! make sure to follow my Blog for more Expat stories .
P.S. Do you like artworks? If you are in Instagram, follow Justbluedutchart , you can see my personal artwork there.
Visiting Burg Eltz is like stepping into a fairytale . I have never seen a real castle in my whole life and seeing one for the very first time is a dream come true. I was excited and at the same time thinking if going there would be baby-friendly . I’m so glad we went through with it. This is a great family destination !
A scenic setting
We drove from Osann-Monzel through the quaint towns of Münstermaifeld & picturesque Wierschem . The road trip itself is wonderful , the long & winding road with views of scenic countryside . I always wonder ,”Where is the castle ?” The element of surprise is always there.
We arrived around 4 p.m & we decided to take the shuttle bus from the car park which led us to the castle within 5 minutes. From the steep winding road , it was really a magical experience to finally have a glimpse of Burg Eltz .It was erected in a strategic position along the lower Eltz River, which serves as a tributary of the Moselle. This was a popular trade route linking the Moselle with the Eifel River. The castle was built atop a 70 meter high rock giving it a commanding view of the Elzbach Valley and River Eltz, which flowed around the base of the castle on three sides.
Burg Eltz as seen from the footpath.
If you want to have a short hiking adventure, (approx. 15 mins. ) starting from the lower car park , the foot path and the private road will both brought you unforgettable views of the castle. We took this road on our way back to the car park since we want to make the most of this adventure . I strongly recommend to wear your baby in a sling for an enjoyable walk through the woods although this footpath can also allow you to have a push chair for your child.
Best Kept Secret Beautiful Architecture
Burg Eltz is simply gorgeous. It is located in the perfect setting , hidden like a gem in the forest . Even though the weather was a bit gray , Burg Eltz still charmed us with its Tudor style buildings & cone-shaped roofs . It’s so striking between the luscious greens of the forest around it.
A scenic view of the Burg Eltz
This castle is one of the most beautiful castle all through out Germany. Burg Eltz is one of the few Rhenish castles that was never destroyed & preserved. As a result of skillful diplomacy, the castle avoided conflict during the 30 years war when most of the Rhine castles were destroyed by the French.The castle consists of eight towers with living quarters grouped around an inner courtyard.
We took the English tour which lasted of about 45 mins. I was really in awe of the interior of the castle . It’s like you are being transported 850 years back. I felt in awe knowing that Me & my daughter is standing at the same floors were the ancient Eltz family stepped on . With baby in a sling around me , i let myself be absorbed through the wonderful journey inside the castle .
Inner Courtyard
A castle with Legacy
Burg Eltz has a distinctive Medieval siege tower at the top of the hill.This is the Trutz-Eltz ,erected by archbishop Balduin of Luxembourg in the mid-14th century.He was trying to take over the entire region between Trier & the Rhine river but the Eltz family & their local allies refused to give in.This was the beginning of the so-called “Eltz-feud” (1331-36), during which Balduin laid siege to Eltz castle. In the courtyard , the stone balls that his men had lobbed at the castle from Trutz-Eltz (also known as Spite-Eltz ) can still be seen.
It’s a wonderful experience that through the tour , you can have an idea what is the living areas of a wealthy noblemen in the late 15th century look like . What’s amazing is how the features like oak beams and fireplaces stayed in place after all these years . The famous Virgin & a child with grapes painting adorns the Lower Hall . It is such an important piece of art . The castle is filled with murals & the ceiling reflect the oriental influence that spread throughout Europe after the crusades. One interesting feature i saw in the Burg Eltz is the built-in toilet . The toilets were flushed using rainwater collected from the roof , through a sewage duct ,and into the valley below . In the middle ages , they use hay & cabbage leaves as toilet paper.The Rodendorf Kitchen is also worth a look .From this ,you can really see what does a 15th century kitchen looks like ,with its built in oven made of volcanic stone ,the huge chopping board , the replicas of food hung on the ceiling to keep out from the reach of rodents.
I highly recommend for you to take the tour in your preferred language to learn more about this castle because it’s amazing. There is a nice Restaurant that you can grab a drink and eat after the tour or just simply enjoy the views surrounding the castle. Clean bathrooms are also present & they also have a souvenir shop.
Travel Tips !
If you’re travelling with babies , babywearing is much better than carrying them since strollers are not allowed inside .The castle has no ramps and steep stairs during the tour is a high concern.
Take advantage of getting into Burg Eltz through the short hike ,the wonderful nature is also not to be missed.
Wear comfortable shoes as the castle grounds is cobbled and climbing the narrow, steep stairs could be a pain .You also need to watch your head during the tour because the ceiling is low in some passageways.
You can find more helpful information in Here if you plan to visit Burg Eltz.
Have you’ve ever been to Burg Eltz ? How was your experience ? Please feel free to share it in the comments.
