Konigstein Fortress

Thursday morning we took our Hertz rental on the Autobahn.  Jason's lead foot had no problems keeping up with the traffic flow, new German rules and funny looking signs.  I was truly impressed. 

Our next 2 nights will be in Bamberg which is a 5 1/2 hour drive from Berlin (including stops). 

Along the way, we stopped at the Konigstein Fortress.  This castle is built into a huge rock and has a history which can be tracked back 750 years.  It originally was owned by Bohemian and then Saxony families.  Over the years starting back as early as 1563 the castle was used as a Saxony fortress, Wine cask, prison and was used to hold prisoners of war in WWI and WWII as well as a military hospital towards the end of WWII.  It has been a museum since 1952.  

We enjoyed the hike, the scenery and as always the sweets.  This beautiful area is a clear reminder that we're a long way from home.