On my way to Ritzen Castle (Schloss Ritzen) in Saalfelden, I came across this lovely lake named Ritzensee. It is an artificial lake built in a former moor landscape. At the castle, I visited the local history museum.
Trompe l’oeil in Füssen
The High Palace (Hohes Schloss) in the Bavarian city of Füssen is known for its illusionist architectural paintings. I was impressed by the illusionistic oriel windows. They give the building a surreal touch.
Huts of Hallstatt culture
Long before the Romans established their province of Noricum on the grounds of today’s Styria, people of the Hallstatt culture lived here. Near the Styrian place of Großklein, you find a reconstruction of farmhouses dating back to the Hallstatt period.
Glockenspiel in Goslar
The Glockenspiel at the Kaiserringhaus in Goslar shows miners at work four times a day. In addition, the carillon bells play tunes like the Steigerlied. That way, the Glockenspiel call attention to the nearby Rammelsberg Mine.
Ambras Castle in Innsbruck
Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras) in Innsbruck offers an intriguing Chamber of Art and Wonders. One exhibit is a portrait of Count Vlad III Dracul Tzepesch. He is considered the inspiration for Dracula, a novel by Bram Stoker. [German]
Fireless steam locomotive
At the Chemnitz Museum of Industry, I came across a fireless steam locomotive. This kind of locomotives used to work in industrial facilities where no open fire was allowed.
The “Silberzeile” in Schärding
A main attraction of the Austrian city of Schärding is the “Silberzeile“. It is a row of coloured houses in the style of the late Baroque period. In earlier times, each colour symbolised a particular guild.
Diesel rail car FS ALn 663
While I waited for my connection train in Udine, a classic diesel rail car stopped nearby. It was one of the Class FS ALn 663. Fiat Ferroviaria built these cars in the years 1983 – 1993. The depicted rail car ran for the line Udine – Cividale del Friuli.
Gorch Fock I (1933) in Stralsund
The Gorch Fock I dates back to 1933. Before WWII, it served as a school ship for the German Reichsmarine. Today, it is a museum ship in Stralsund. Its name refers to the author Johann Wilhelm Kinau, who used the pseudonym Gorch Fock for his works.
Beethovenhaus in Baden bei Wien
Ludwig van Beethoven stayed in Baden bei Wien several times. For example, he composed parts of his famous 9th symphony in this house. Today, this building accommodates a museum with the name Beethovenhaus Baden.
Ebbelwei-Expreß in Frankfurt/Main
There are many ways to explore the German city of Frankfurt am Main. One of them is by riding the Ebbelwei-Expreß. This tram tours the most impressive sights and provides info via an audio guide. In addition, the passengers enjoy a glass of Ebbelwei.
ÖBB Locomotive Branding
The Federal Austrian Railways (OBB) offers locomotive branding for companies and organisations. A fun example is this loco branded with the colours of the Austrian police (Polizei).