Thursday 22nd October – Burg Harburg, Germany

 A cold but lovely, sunny morning greeted us when we opened the curtains.
We paid and left the campsite just before 11:00. Our next destination was only a short distance away but I plotted a longer route that would take us on roads marked in green on our Michelin map, which indicates a scenic route. We headed south-east to Treuchlingen where we picked up the green route that headed towards Heidenheim. The first part of the journey was very pleasant, roughly following the Altmuhl river, with wide views over the countryside. The green route took us up onto the hills and lived up to its scenic billing, with the sun and clear views adding to the enjoyment.
I had read some of the Altmuhl Nature Park leaflets that we had been given and found an attraction that sounded interesting. The Steinerne Rinne is a natural feature and it was only just off our route. Water filters through limestone, picking up dissolved calcium carbonate. The water percolates down until it hits impermeable clay when it is forced out in springs. In the same way that stalactites and stalagmites are formed, the water evaporates and lays down the calcium carbonate. In this area it has resulted in raised channels that run down the hill. There are a number of the features in the area but the one near Wolfsbronn is especially impressive. We parked up and walked up the hill following the channel until we got to the point where the spring emerged from the rock.
We headed to Burg Harburg, a castle set on a hill above the town of Harburg. They have created a stellplatz close to the castle and we were lucky to get the last of the six positions that were supplied with electricity. The cost was €10 for 24 hours and it included the electricity and a view of the castle.
We set off for the castle and just made the 15:00 guided tour. Although it is possible to view the buildings from the courtyard, the guided tour is the only way to see the interiors. We knew that the tours were only in German, we were given a leaflet in English that gave us brief details of each building and the guide told us that we were welcome to ask questions.
The castle is one of the best preserved in Southern Germany, suffering very little damage since it was built in the late 11^th century. The most recent skirmish was a French attack in 1800 but the Austrian forces that occupied the castle, surrendered quickly.
The family who owned the castle passed it over to a not-for-profit trust in 2000. That was probably a very good move as I am sure that the cost of upkeep must have been crippling.
Photos: A countryside view from near the Steinerne Rinne; The Steinerne Rinne; Another lovely view from the road towards Harburg; Approaching Burg Harburg – note the Halloween ghost on the bastion; The courtyard of the castle taken from the inner wall walk; A view of Harburg town and the Altmuhl River taken from the castle; In a castle outbuilding there was a display of model soldiers and dolls houses – this was my favourite!