July 06. We go down to the train station ...

... and get on a train heading down through the Alps -- heading south.

There are some spectacular bridges en route.

As the miles pass, the sky clears ...

... and here we are in sunny Italy!

More cobblestone streets, and more old churches (look at that elaborate roof!)

People enjoy wearing regional costume.

A good view of that church roof.

Between trains in Innsbruck.

July 07. After a couple of Mozart museums in (rainy) Salzburg, we head out to Chiemsee, in
Bavaria. Our first hotel is too far out, but we luck out -- and get a great one near the lake.

July 08. During a brief bit of sun, we head out by boat to Herreninsel,
the island where "mad king Ludwig" built his last castle.

Well, near sunshine ...

The palace tour begins.

Even some of the furniture didn't quite get finished -- there would
eventually have been an elaborate scene painted on this piece.

A simple bed.

Another hall of mirrors -- but waltzing not permitted.
(This is Germany; that was France.)

Another simple bed.

A machine for lowering King Ludwig's table from the
dining room above to the (unfinished) kitchen below.

The bath is also unfinished.

The dressing room hides a secret door in its forest of golden trees.

Still a bit of sun!

After a visit to a second island (which had the world's smallest
merry-go-round), we head back -- and it starts to sprinkle.

Back to our comfy hotel -- this is M&K's room, with its scenic balcony.

And the "gasthaus" is located right across from a miniature golf course!

Great apple strudel for dinner ... the real thing!

July 09. The next morning, it's time to say goodbye to Chiemsee.

... to other picturesque "gasthauses" where it might be fun to stay.

We find it's a gala day for the little train that goes to the Prien station.

There's a band aboard!

We settle down in the "first class" car ...

... and watch the crowds outside.

En route to Heidelberg.

In Heidelberg, we head across the river and up a narrow path to Philosophenweg
("Philosopher's walk"), where Georg W.F. Hegel and Max Weber were wont to stroll.

Across the river and below lies the town of Heidelberg ...

... and its castle.

A stop for refreshments.

Of course it's non-alcoholic!

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