Schloss Lichtenstein and the bobbahn

On Sunday we took a trip about an hour out of Stuttgart to Schloss (castle) Lichtenstein. We took a picnic lunch and lazed in the sun beforewe went in to look around,which was very idillic. The forest around the castle is very dense and 'European' compared to the bush in Aus.

Lichtenstein translates to 'light stone'. The castle is over 800 years old, originating in the 12th century. It's been knocked down and rebuilt in various times, like most of these old places, but is still in amazing condition. We got to see old suits of armour, beautiful detailed carvings, historic paintings and the most amazing scenery from the castle down to the valley below.

After the castle, we found a nice cafe and knocked back some coffee, cake and ice cream for the kids. The wheat field beside the cafe was to die for,so I managed to cajole James and Lauren into a quick roadside portrait...

The last stop before heading homewas teh Sonnemuhle Bobbahn (toboggan run). There is one in Merimubula very much the same,but this was better because it was longer, faster and also the one we were at, if you know what I mean...

To wrap up the day we had a traditional Schwäbische dinner made of 'maultaschen' (think large ravioli and you're heading in the right direction).Tehy are traditionally made in large batches and froZen, then cooked in various ways. We had them fried up,and also served in a broth. Both delicious.