Beer, bread and tin - Mon 13 June

Today we said goodbye to our first host families and headed to Kulmbach, famous for it's 22 different brews of beer.

So it would only be appropriate that our first stop was the Bavarian Brewery and Bakery Museum, much to Paul's excitement. Beer has been brewed in Kulmbach's Mönchshof ("monastery") for over 600 years. The museum is on the site of the former Mönchshof Brewery. Various information boards and historical machinery, bottles and other equipment give an insight into Bavarian brewing. The museum tour included a glass of museum beer, which makes it a strong contender for museum of the trip!

After enjoying lunch in the Mönchshof Restaurant we headed off to the Plassenburg Castle. It is one of the most impressive castles in Germany and a symbol of the city. It was first mentioned in 1135. We enjoyed a guided tour and mini organ recital before checking out the largest tin soldier museum in the world! Amanda and Bek's inner nerd ran wild when we found a room dedicated to Lord of the Rings.

I enjoyed a wonderful evening with my host family. Next stop Bayreuth.