Today we decided to take a trip to Gösting (an area just outside the city limits) to see the ruins of a medieval castle. It was misty and overcast, a perfect day to take a leisurely hike through the mysterious green wood up to the top of the hill where the remains of the castle stand, covered in red ivy. From the top of the hill, you can see the most amazing view. To the southeast is Graz – the Schlossberg is a tiny green bump when seen from the castle walls. To the southwest, the terrain becomes more uneven as the valley is replaced by hills…and far, far in the distance, a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains! It was an incredible morning. I felt like I had stepped back in time, it was so far removed from the bustle of the city.
We had a chance to see inside the tower and the chapel. Behind the main chamber in the tower was a narrow stone corridor. As we walked along, a doorway appeared on the right hand side, and suddenly opened into the dim, cavernous chapel. Shields and crests were arrayed on the walls, and a plain crucifix hung above rows of modern chairs. Could they still celebrate Mass there? The castle is currently owned by the Auer family, famous bakers in the Graz area, so maybe it’s used from time to time.
After exploring, we had something to eat at the tavern in the castle. Käsebrot (bread with cheese), Schinken-Käse Toast (basically a ham and grilled cheese sandwich, but with really good ham and cheese), coffee, and tea. Then, it started to rain, and SNOW! I think. (Tiny is convinced, and it was chilly enough that I can believe it.)
We caught the bus back to Graz, and decided that we weren’t quite ready to go home yet. So we rode our bikes into the Old Town, and walked into the Sacher Café to try the famous Sacher Torte. I believe it will celebrate its 180th anniversary next year, and was originally served to royalty and elite guests in Vienna at the Hotel Sacher. Unfortunately, I can’t say it’s my favourite dessert, but the dark chocolate and apricot combination is pretty spectacular…J
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| First view of the castle wall. |
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| The hike up. |
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| Ivy on the castle walls. |
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| View of Graz (the Schlossberg is that tiny green hill in the distance!) |
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| Towards the mountains... |
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| Snow-caps! |
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| Tea and Kaesebrot. |
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| We were here! ;-) |
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| The Sacher Torte (complete with stamp of authenticity). ;-) |
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