A formerly moated Castle and the Dutch Mountains

Sonja: We had spent a long weekend in in the Rhineland, for Roland to visit a concert in Cologne, and for both of us to spend some time with our friends and family.

Not far from were my mom lives lies castle Lüntenbeck. The castle can be dated back to the early 13th century, and is a former residence of the knights of Berg.

In past times the castle had been moated but the area got drained later, and only a small pond behind the building remained. The manor is in private hands today, and has been carefully restored by the owners.

Main building

Parts on the premises are rented out. Naturally the picturesque venue attracts artists and wellness providers. Also, a restaurant can be found in the main building, offering an eclectic choice of (mostly) vegetarian dishes.

Mill

During Christmas time a handcraft Christmas Market is held in the yard. The market is known for its authenticity and atmosphere, especially since the artisans will be traditionally dressed up in costumes from the middle ages.

The temperatures were mild and we saw definite signs of spring.

Saturday we ventured out towards Aachen to visit friends in the area. We were a bit early and decided to take a detour to the city of Vaals in Holland. The Vaalser Mountain (323m or 1,059 ft) belongs to the foothills of the Ardennes, and marks not only the highest (!) point in the Netherlands, but also the border triangle of Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.

We climbed the watch tower to admire the panorama.

A view towards Germany.

 Now overlooking Belgium.

And a panoramic shot of the famous Dutch "mountain range".

So, we have learned today, that the Netherlands are not completely flat.

Sunday noon we left after a brunch celebration of a family member's birthday and drove 400km south again. It was warm and sunny… and would have been a good day for a ride, too...

72F

A Refuge between Borders

Het Zien is the name of a nature reserve situated at the mouth of Westschelde between Cadzand Bad, Netherlands (right side) and Knokke-Heist, Belgium (on the left).

In past times a tidal channel served as access for Bruges port but over centuries the waterway silted, and it came to a definite end as a shipping route.

The salt marsh area, the dunes and sand plains then became a refuge for birds and salt-loving plant life, and was made a natural reserve in order to protect wildlife.

The flow of the low tide water left ephemeral ripples in the sand. 

Again we were blessed with mild temperatures and a blasting blue sky. What a beautiful winter day! One could walk for hours if it weren't for the fresh gale which was tiring us out after a while.

The poles serve as cutwater and protect the shore. We guessed that those might be buried three meters (10 feet) deep in the sand to be able to endure the tidal waves.

Aside from the practicality the barriers also make for a picturesque scenery.

Roland and mom goofing around.

It was early afternoon but we were already casting long shadows, and after a couple of hours walk in the sand we were ready again for a warming cup of tea.

An Unguided Tour of Brugge

The historic center of Brugge can be entered through a variety of gates. By doing so a time machine will catapult you back into the middle ages.

Smooth tarmac turns into cobble stone streets, and one is suddenly surrounded by old red brick buildings and churches.

Houses get too small for their owners. We would have to duck if we were to enter.

And the roads are getting too small for cars.

 Bicycles are taking over where four-wheelers can't go.

Churches are omnipresent in the cityscape.

The town is criss-crossed by a canal system, which adds to its charm. The water is muddy, and the depth unknown.

 Another picturesque alley view.

 A flea market along the canal.

Is there a wrong time for fries and beer(s)?

 Built in bricks and stones, lasting forever and a day.

 Town Hall, build in the 14th century.

 Belfry Tower

 Grote Markt

 A Vespa car? It has got the Logo.

Leaving through another gate.

 And a walk in the park.

Brugge is definitely worth a visit.

Pigs might fly before we visit Belgium

Belgium... the unknown country. Little did we know about our neighbours, their culture or history. Belgium was merely the transit land, that boring (but illuminated) stretch of highway that that got in the way when traveling to France.

Belgium is actually a fairly young country, and only got its independence from the Netherlands through the Treaty of London in 1839. Due to their colourful history most people are fluent in at least two languages, Flemish or French, but often speak German and English, too.

Belgium, the mother country of fries and beer, waffles and pralines, and homeland to the Smurfs has actually a pretty country side, and some lovely historic architecture, which in the past we blatantly ignored. We wouldn't let that happen this time and hit the road to visit Brugge.

Another borderless border, gotta love Europe!

 Harleys in formation.

Brugge (Bruges), is a UNESCO world heritage. Its first mentioning was recorded in the 10th century, and in the Middle Ages it was a member of the trade union Hanseatic League. The canal system in the historic part of the town gave the city the nickname 'Venice of the North'.

So, pigs do fly, eh?!

We had the fries.

And the waffles, too.

And bought some stevia chocolate and marzipan for Sonja.

We also spotted tons of two-wheelers, and although illegally parked, they were tolerated.

 In your face, Vancouver!

Belgians have humour, too!

The weather was cloudy with occasional blue spots but again way too cold for this time of the year. (More sightseeing coming up with the next installment.)