Idar-Oberstein is popular for it's gemstone mining. Just about all the little stores downtown sell gemstones that have been mined from their own mountain area. It was a very interesting city to visit, we loved it! The chapel in the rocks is a sacral landmark that has gained fame all over the world. The castle was built in 1320, and fell prey to flames in 1855. Since then, decated citizens have taken care of rebuilding the impressive construction. It overlooks a picturesque and bizarre landscape. Enjoy!
A very unique Chapel in the rocks, built 1482-1484
Castle Bosselstein, sits off to the side and back from the chapel
I had to take a pic of this old house built in 1420, straight as an arrow!
The decor of this town was really clean and beautiful
An elder german polishing a gemstone during a festival downtown
Downtown looking up at the chapel, georgeous!
I had to have a car in here somewhere!!!! Only three lugnuts!
A pic taken from one of 200 plus steps going up to the chapel....cardio mania!
Behind the red vent to the left houses a bunch of bells!!!
Looking down from the chapel upon Idar-Oberstein Germany!
The bells sounded wonderful, we found out up close, scared the crap out of us all!
The church was awesome inside, I was upstairs praying my pants would dry from the loud bells..LOL
They keep the historical organ covered which was put in 1756, notice the mountain walls!
Stairs leading to the entrance of the chapel cut out of the rocks. Dr. Blake who Trish works with tagged along for our excursion!
We hiked from the chapel up to the castle, the trail was steep!
A glimpse of the city from the trail to the castle
Castle Bosselstein, still haven't made it there yet!!!!
Trish taking a break from the climb!
See the blue tent top...I took the pic looking up at the chapel from there!
The hikers (recognize them) going across the bridge on the way up, not there yet....
Now we made it! The front entrance to the castle.
The sign on the castle next to the entrance, read it for yourself!
A fall shaft built in 1320, as the only access to possibly get into the castle.
Just stepped inside the double doors of the castle
Shot standing right in the middle of the castle
A resturant was built inside, remarkable use of the castle
I love my kegs! Sure would like to have it, too far to carry it down thou!
Only thing I can say is you should of seen her trying to get back off the keg!!!!
Exit out the castle!
Another shot of the castle, it was worth the hike
Once back down in the city, we ate outside at Tina's Pizzeria
Check out the downtown houses and resturants with chapel, neat!
It is not hard finding a place to eat!
Germans doing a street act, is was funny, but they were good!
Somemore street actors, dressed up like fat chefs!
Was here back in 1965 had a bless time
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