Marburg - hillside town

We headed out to find one of the many German castles in this area.  Marburg is about two hours away...although with traffic and construction it took us longer than that.  I think next time we're going to try downloading an audio book to listen to while we're driving.  We're getting tired of the CDs that I brought:)

The drive was busy and had a few moments of excitement.  At one point, we were driving along the tree-lined Autobahn and a gray Audi sedan pulled in front of us.  An LED computerized sign popped up in their back window saying "Polizei folgen".  I was busy reading the tour book but Greg said that they had been sitting on the side of the road.  After we passed, they pulled up next to us and the passenger was intently looking in our vehicle.  They then pulled in front of us.  I searched for the German English dictionary that I always have along to know what fulgen meant.  We figured they wanted us to follow them so when they turned into a rest area Greg followed. 

Two large street-clothed German men got out of the car and immediately showed their holstered gun as they walked towards our van....rather unnerving.  (I have been reading lots of things about scams while traveling so I was skeptical if they were legit or if we were being carjacked or something.  Greg felt sure that they were police as I guess only the military and police can lawfully carry hand guns.)  One guy walked toward my side and the other towards Greg's.  They were definitely looking past us and inside the vehicle.  The guy started talking to Greg in German.  He asked if they spoke English and the officer said "A little bit".  The officer then said something to his partner in German and told Greg "It's okay, drive on." 

And with that they returned to their car, the sign went down and they were off.  The boys of course had lots of questions:), although I'm not sure they saw their guns or there would've been even more questions!:)  The only thing we can figure is that they saw our van, not speeding, with a rental car sticker in the back, me reading the book, and thought we were tourists.  The boys had the sun shades drawn (even though it was drizzling) so you couldn't easily see in.  So, maybe they were checking to be sure that they were all buckled in lawfully.  The officers never asked for identification or anything.  Rather unnerving, the adrenaline was flowing, and we still don't know why we got stopped, but chalk it up to another experience!:) 

After further driving, we came around a bend on the Autobahn and saw the castle in the distance.  It sits on the top of a large hill.  They certainly chose a strategic spot.  Marburg is a town that rises steeply from the Lahn River to the castle.  Jacob Grimm (one of the Brothers Grimm) described it as "I think there are more steps in the streets then in the houses."  The "streets" are narrow, winding, crooked, steep, and cobblestoned.  Some of the houses have back doors five stories above the front door!  Many of the streets are closed to traffic.  There is a university in Marburg which does influence some of the town.  This is also where Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and others held their famous "Colloquy of Marburg" in 1529 for you history buffs.  Pretty amazing!  1529...and now we were walking these streets!

As you climb, you end up above the trees.  Here we are looking up from where we parked.

 We found parking down by the Botanical Garden.  There was a gated lot that was full when we arrived.  There was a stop light at the gate that when one car left it would allow another to enter.  So we waited in a short line for the green light so we could get our ticket and enter the parking lot...won't let more cars in than there are spots.  Those Germans, they do everything so regimented!:)

There were lots of these half-timbered houses...all different colors.

We walked up the inclined street to the Elisabethkirche (St. Elizabeth Church) which is said to be the first Gothic church on Germany, built in the 13th century.  The boys were impressed.  Elizabeth married at 14, her husband died in the Crusades so she moved to Marburg and gave all of her worldly possessions to start a hospital and served the poor and sick until she died at 24.  Because of her selflessness she was made a saint only four years after her death.

Walking up to the church

Sorry, thought I got this flipped, but can't get it to stay:)  This is the doorway to the church.

Through the doors

Ruins of the hospital St. Elizabeth started

And this is our goal...the castle at the top!

Then we started the "exhausting climb with delightful rest stops and rewards" as one book quoted the trek.  At the top of one set of stairs I found someone resting and reading the same tour book I had!:) 

One of the winding streets...yes, we had to walk down at one point before walking back up.

 
Around another bend was a little square with a water fountain and ancient clock tower.  It was a steep climb but worth it.  The boys had lots of energy so were running ahead.  I could hear them saying to Greg, who was a little behind them and in front of me, that they should wait for mama.  They were always checking on how I was doing:).

Liam, Carter, and Alex waiting for me.

Not sure what this says from Brother Grimm.  These two photos was actually one of the many sections of steps.

 There were several fresh water fountains on the side of the road as we went up.  This was the favorite...push the button on the pig's snout and water comes out.

We made it to the top without any complaining of being tired...just lots of "I'm hungry."  But, I came prepared and had lots of snacks.  A full belly is a happy boy!  I got lots of smiles from the people passing when they saw sweet Kaleb strapped to the front of me.  He's quite the ambassador.  I rarely go anywhere without someone smiling and commenting on the klein baby:)

Part of the castle

The walkways coming up to the courtyard.

Looking down on the church from above.

 We enjoyed walking around and exploring the castle.  The boys are very excited about castles now.  There were beautiful views and a colorful garden.  Then we got to walk back down....

Carter, Liam, Alex, me and Kaleb:)