Ramstein, Germany (Wendelinusmarkt)

Had a fun afternoon in Ramstein-Misenbach checking out the local Wendelinus market!  This is one of the larger festivals in Ramstein, with over 140+ vendors and craftsmen presenting their wares.  In addition to all the local vendors, there was also an international arts and crafts area and French market with lots of imported goodies!

Kaiserslautern, Germany (Oktoberkerwe)

We went to Kaiserslautern today to check out their annual Oktoberkerwe (October festival).  It was packed with people, vendors, rides, and FOOD!

Erlenbach, Germany (Berwarstein Castle)

Once everyone loaded back up on the bus in Annweiler, all full from chestnut bratwurst and neuer wein, we headed for the village of Erlenbach for a guided tour of the Berwarstein Castle.  By this point, however, our little ones were about toured out and my daughter was very upset at the fact the castles we were seeing were not the "princess" castles from Walt Disney.  Oiy.

The castle was really interesting though (and I think if we would have gone here first they would have enjoyed it more).  You can read more about the history of it HERE.  

Annweiler, Germany (Chestnut Festival)

After a fun morning touring the Trifel's Castle, we hopped back on our tour bus and headed into downtown Annweiler.

Annweiler is a lovely little village in the Palatinate forest, a perfect setting for their annual chestnut festival!

Annweiler, Germany (Trifels Castle)

Today we went on our first big sightseeing adventure since arriving in Europe!  We had a blast checking out two amazing castles and a nearby chestnut festival through a guided USO tour...a much needed break from the stresses of moving overseas and living in a cramped hotel room for a month with two small children!

Our first stop on the tour was to Trifels Castle in the Palatinate Forest.