2005

voll

Full Programme Full Information Full Overview

This booklet was put together by Andreas Kläger, Peter Diehl, Peter Staab, Pit Kallmeyer Guide and Translation by Johanna Kershaw Scout Castle Your own personal castle... Diverse and helpful

Castle Rieneck in miniature (1:160) Tourist Information Centres

Rieneck 09354-9733-0 Fax –973333 www.rieneck.de Gemünden 09351-3830 www.stadt-gemuenden.de This very detailed card kit consists of c. 220 parts, on 26 sheets of A4, 09352-848-460 Fax -70295 www.lohr.de printed in four colours. Karlstadt 09353-981347 Fax -981346 www.karlstadt.de Assembled the model measures c. 120 x 40 x25 cm (L,B,H) Würzburg 0931-372335 Fax -373652 www.wuerzburg.de Fulda 0661-102-1813 Fax -102-2811 www.fulda.de Rothenburg 09861-404-92 Fax -86807 www.rothenburg.de Buy the model: 06021-395-800 Fax -395-802 www.aschaffenburg.de for € 10 at the castle - Informationszentrale für Touristik for € 13 from Marktplatz 8 97753 Karlstadt 09353-793-234 Fax.–79385234 www.burg-rieneck.de www.mainspessart.de by bank transfer Rhön-Info-Zentrum Wasserkuppe 1 36129 Gersfeld 06654-91834-0 Fax–91834-20 www.rhoen.de

47 Diverse and helpful Foreword

Bowling Dear Guest, Rieneck Stadtverwaltung 97794 Rieneck 09354-9733-0 Gemünden Scherenberghalle 97737 Gemünden 09351-60 44 12 Taking a group away to an unknown area is always exciting - but for the Mini golf leaders the preparation can often mean a lot of work, with lots of telephone Campsite Fam. Vierling 97737 Gemünden 09351-3380 od.-2058 calls and lots of time online. The big question: what can I do with my group

Canoe hire there, who do I have to get in touch with?We hope that the new edition of Campsite Fam. Vierling 97737 Gemünden 09351-3380 od.-2058 our Programme Booklet 2005 will offer you the best possible support in planning your stay at Castle Rieneck.Of course, the Castle has not turned Fishing Municipal fishing lake Stadtverwaltung 97794 Rieneck 09354-9733-0 into a summer camp, and we would ask you to remember the following:

Some of the castle's own activities, described below, are seasonal: we have Tennis indicated where this is the case. As our activities are mainly run by unpaid Vouchers allowing use the Rieneck courts available from Quelle Agentur 97794 Rieneck 09354-759 Guide and Scout helpers, it can happen that we are unable to offer certain activities, especially outside the summer. All the activities are a voluntary Cinemas provision on our part and no legal claim to them exists. That said, it is important that our services be understood as ”helping you to Burg-Lichtspiele 97753 Karlstadt 09353-6717 help yourself"! That means that the help of the group's leader is always re- Kino Lohr 97816 Lohr 09352-2363 od. -80206 Würzburg http://www.wuerzburg.de/aktuelles/kino/ quired!

Please inquire as to whether we can fulfil your wishes for the programme Public Transport before you arrive. - We do not always have the required number of staff to run the Programme Office. When this happens, the Vogtey (our reservations Train und bus office) takes over responsibility for answering your questions. Deutsche Service Store 97737 Gemünden 09351-602453 OVF (local busses) 97737 Gemünden 09351-9757-0 Fax -9757-29 The Guide and Scout Castle Rieneck looks forward to your visit! Coach hire Brasch Hauptstr. 3 97773 Aura 09356-9880-0 Fax -5538 OVF Wernfelderster. 30 97737 Gemünden 09351-9757-0 Fax -9757-29

Main Spessart Boat trips A.Ammersbach 97737 Gemünden 09351-1770 0172-9701756

Restaurants / Cafés

Gasthaus Löwen Hauptstr. 8 97794 Rieneck 09354-635 closed Thursdays

Pizzeria La Taverna Hauptstr. 60 97794 Rieneck 09354-902363 closed Mundays

Café Hohenroth Hohenroth 97794 Rieneck 09354-9099-20 closed Mon+Tue

Country Hotel Gut Dürnhof (restaurant) Burgsinner Str. 3 97794 Rieneck 09354-1001 Prices are for young people, unless otherwise stated. Where two prices are given, the higher of Gaststätte Hanikel (pub) the two applies to adults. While every care has been taken to ensure information contained in this Hauptstr. 2 97794 Rieneck 09354-496 closed Tuesdays booklet is correct, we can accept no liability for any errors.

46 3 Contents Diverse and helpful Inhalt The Cultural Landscape of • page 6 Sightseeing and Day Trips Emergency Contact Details

• page 6 Würzburg Rescue centre 97737 Gemünden 19222 • page 8 Lohr Emergency services 97737 Gemünden 110 • page 9 The Tower Tour Experience Fire brigade 112

Research and Discover GP: Dentist: Hospital: • page 10 The Gallery in the Forest • page 11 Hohenroth Forest Path, Excursions into the forest Dr. med. Hubert Grüning Dr. U. und Dr. B. Gubik Kreiskrankenhaus Lohr Hauptstraße 53 Walter-Bloem-Ring 6 Grafen-von-Rieneck-Str. • page 12 Beaver Walk, Visit to the Beekeeper, Testing the Water 97794 Rieneck 97794 Rieneck 97816 Lohr Expeditions in the Spessart and Rhön Tel. 09354-4 09 Tel. 09354-644 Tel. 09352-505–0

• page 13 Hikes and Walkes, Schönau Abbey Pharmacists/Chmists • page 14 Bayerische Schanz, 1000 year old oaks, Zollberg Rathaus-Apotheke Hauptstr. 31 97775 09356-9924-0 • page 15 Circular Walk: Rabental- Forest Path - Hohenroth, Homburg Ruins Alte Apotheke Bahnhofstr. 3 97737 Gemünden 09351-3131 • page 16 Sinn Valley, Night Hike Markt-Apotheke Scherenberg 7 97737 Gemünden 09351-2787 • page 17 Guided Walkes, Cycle Tours Stadt-Apotheke Obertor 23 97737 Gemünden 09351-8666

Solidarity • page 18 Visit the SOS Kinderdorf Hohenroth Museums • page 19 Team-Box, • page 20 Voluntary Work at the Guide and Scout Castle Rieneck Spessartmuseum Schlossplatz 97816 Lohr 09352-2061 Fax: -1409 Using your hands School Museum • page 21 Medieval Cookery Sandelbacherstr. 21 97816 Lohr 09359-317 od.-4960 • page 22 Tafl, Badges, Tie Dye Main-Franconian Museum • page 23 Soapstone, Friendship Bracelets + Hairwraps, Knight‘s Helmet Festung Marienberg 97082 Würzburg 0931-20594-0 Fax -20594-56 • page 24 Marbling, Papermaking, Screen Printing Residence Würzburg 0931-355170 Fun, Sport and Games Criminological Museum Rothenburg ob der Tauber 09861-5359 • page 25 Games for inside and out Museum of Transport Gemünden 09351-3830

• page 26 Castle Trail, Town Trail

• page 27 Knight´s Tournament, Catapult Leisure • page 28 Let´s go swimming, Canoe tours • page 30 Climbing wall, Abseiling Swimming halls and open air pools

• page 31 The Submarine—the Castle Disco, Bowling, Minigolf Burgsinn Open Air Pool Badstraße 6 97775 Burgsinn 09356-1287 Gemünden Open Air Pool Duivenallee 6 97737 Gemünden 09351-800147 Swimming Pool Hofweg 4 97737 Gemünden 09351-3409 Romanticism and Reflectiveness Pool Am Gänsrain 2 97769 Bad Brückenau 09741-911255 • page 32 The Knights´Hall, the Arched Cellar Riding / Carriage rides page 33 The Castle Chapel, Path of Light • Reit- und Fahrverein Gut Dürnhof 97794 Rieneck 09354-1001 • page 34 The Lion´s Den Fireplace Kutschenf. Fam. Keller Griesbergstr. 11 97737 Gemünden 09351-8200 4 4 „Open4 offer“ • page 35 Fairy Tale Hour, Crafts or Games 4

4 45 Diverse and helpful Contents

The rubbish bins are over flowing. What do I do with them? Campsite • page 36 Campsite Speak to one of the castle staff, and make an appointment for the following morning • page 38 Shopping in Rieneck at 9:30. Bring all the rubbish containers, bottles and cans to the big bins in front of the castle. They will show you what should be put where. It's advisable to do this bit Diverse and Helpful of 'rubbish containment' regularly, but at any rate on the day of departure at the lat- • page 39 Food, Packed Lunches, Barbecues, Communication est. • page 40 Media Equipment, Musical Instruments We're staying at the castle until after lunch, so do we really have to clear our • page 41 Transport, Train, Bus, Ships rooms by ten? • page 42 Culture • page 43 FAQ Yes, as a rule. Quite simply because we have to get the rooms clean for the next in- page 45 Adresses habitants. Please store your luggage in or near your day room, or perhaps put them • straight into your vehicle. An exception is mostly possible -as long as we're told in ad- vance! - for families with small children who can't do without a room of their own.

What have you got against me using my sleeping bag? You're Scouts, aren't you?

The point is, every guest must find a clean, unobjectionable bed, and for that reason the mattress, pillow and duvet have to be covered by three-part bedlinen. There is no alternative. What you can do to save money, is to bring your own, or you can hire a set from us. The main thing is, you use them!

As leader of a group, I'd like a single en-suite room.

Of course, we want to accommodate you as comfortably as possible, and meet your wants. Unfortunately, we can guarantee neither a single room nor a shower and toi- let. In the classic case of a school class with one male, one female teacher, however, there are almost automatically two single rooms, as we don't mix different groups up. However, as far as the outfitting of the rooms goes, while they practically all have their own wash-hand-basin, only a few have toilets and showers. This type of accom- modation can only be booked for the whole group, or none, as such rooms are all in the same part of the building. Of course, you could be lucky - your group might be put into just that part, when we do the final division of rooms (about 3 days before The Castle Office (the Vogtey) is Burg Rieneck you arrive). Unfortunately we can't promise that in advance. Sorry! open: Schlossberg 1 D-97794 Rieneck Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM– 12:30 PM Sat, Son, hols: 9:00 - 10:30 AM Fon: ++49 9354-902317 (Office) ++49 9354-902326 The Programme Office is generally (Programme Office) opened straight after meals, Fax: ++49 9354-902319 for the giving out of equipment etc.

Mail: [email protected] On working days we are usually tele- [email protected] (Office) phonically available from 9:00 AM - [email protected] 5 6:00 PM for booking enquiries and (Programme Office) discussion of activities. Web: www.burg-rieneck.de 5 44 The Cultural Landscape of Lower Franconia Diverse and helpful Sightseeing and Day Trips Frequently Asked Questions

The Castle offers its guests a wide range of useful information about interesting destinations in lower Franconia. Whether you want Can I drive my vehicle into the courtyard to load and unload? to go by car, bus, train or boat, we offer guests the chance to inform As a rule, no. We don't want the medieval character of the castle spoiled for our themselves about the region, and help them plan visits to towns, guests by a constant stream of traffic, so we only allow it in exceptional cases - usu- museums and old ruins. We can highly recommend ally when very large, heavy objects are delivered. Then, too, the vehicle may only be left in the courtyard for a short periods of time. We're happy to help you find a parking space. • Lohr am Main (old town, Schools museum, Spessart museum)

• Würzburg (old town, fortress, residence) I've got ten crates of water, pop and beer in my car. Can I chill them some- • Karlstadt (old town, Thüngersheim vineyard) where - and have you got glasses? • The Ruins at Schönrain and the Homburg • Gemünden (old town, Museum of Transport) and Schönau Abbey We emphatically ask that our guests don't bring any drinks with them. We've got a reasonably priced range in our Kiosk. The small price rise allows us to pay for cooling • Fulda (old town, Rhön thermal spa)´ them, putting them out, and washing the glasses afterwards! • Rothenburg ob der Taube. (old town, Museum of Criminology) I'd like to do a bit of craft work with my group, scissors, paste, felt tips and We have put together tourist information for most of these places, and are happy to so on. Definitely won't make a mess. That's OK, isn't it? send you them. The only charge for this is to cover the costs of duplication and post- age. Almost all of these places have websites, the addresses are at the end of this In theory, yes, we always thought. Sadly, experience has taught us, that craft activi- booklet. In our online version, you can reach the page by clicking on the place-name. ties often damage the furnishings. Lumps of glue we can't get off, felt pens that write Below, we list some of the most interesting. through on to the tables and the floor that won't scrub off... The damage has been so great that we have to insist that all that sort of thing is carried out in our workshops.

We want to have a party. Can we prepare a few things in the kitchen our- Würzburg Würzburg is the next big town, and is easily reached by train from Rie- selves? neck (under 40 mins, € 6.60 adult, € 3.30 child, single). The town offers many tour- ist attractions. Find out more from www.wuerzburg.de/international/englisch/ Sadly, Health and Safety rules mean we legally aren't allowed to let guests in the tourismus/sights/ kitchen. However, we do have a small pantry, and from Autumn 2003 a self-catering

kitchen, which can be used for this purpose. Marienburg Fortress: The fortress, sit- ting majestically on the hill, is the symbol of Würzburg, and a walk up to it through Can we have more dayrooms for our group? the state garden festival park is always worthwhile. The mighty fortress grew We guarantee one room per group. We try to share out any that are left over fairly over the centuries from an ancient de- and practically among the guests. That's why it's important to register your wishes fensive refuge with church, and was the for rooms in advance, and to discuss this. That way, everyone gets a shot of the residence of the prince until Knight's Hall, the disco, the Arched Cellar etc... 1719. The gigantic fortress, with its sev- eral courtyards, a well with a depth of There's no bin in my room. Surely some mistake? over 100m, and a beautiful view over the city is fascinating, and not just for history No. Because we have to sort rubbish by type, giving everyone their own bin would buffs. The Main-Franconian Museum is mean filling the castle with them! But there are bins on every corridor and in, or in sited in part of the fortress. front of, every day room, one for each type of rubbish (paper, Grüner Punkt/ Green Dot recyclable plastics, other).

43 6 Diverse and helpful The Cultural Landscape of Lower Franconia

We have developed a guide with a walk round the Fortress, with an- Culture ecdotes and historical details, on loan at the castle for trips to Würz- burg from spring 2005. Scherenburg Drama Festival Gemünden

The Scherenburg drama festival takes place every summer between the middle of

July and the middle of August. In the open air, in front of the backdrop of the ruined Mainfranken Theatre: a stroll behind the scenes. On the last Saturday of the castle, very good theatre takes place. A classic and a children's play are given every month (except in December) the Mainfranken Theatre in Würzburg offers a chance to year. More information from: www.scherenburgfestspiele.de experience theatre from a different angle. The stage and its technology is presented

on a tour behind the scenes. Tours begin at 3:00. Large groups are asked to contact Spessartgrotte Langenprozelten the theatre management in advance. Entrance costs € 3 per person. Contact ad-

This charming small theatre, a converted inn, offers an excellent theatrical experi- dress and telephone no.: Theaterstr. 21, 97070 Würzburg, tel. 0931 39 08 ext. 0 or ence. The audience sits at tables, can eat and drink, and enjoys a play or cabaret of a 137, ask for Frau Wattendorf. very high standard. Each season various different plays are given, one of them al- ways a children's play. Special performances by arrangement. Information on the programme etc from: www.spessartgrotte.de The Residence: The former residence of the prince bishops, built between 1720 and 1744, is as a whole the most beauti- ful palace in South German Baroque style. Tours begin at Events in Rieneck the foot of the imposing staircase, which with its vaulted ceil- Regular, yearly events worth a visit: ing covered in brilliant Tiepolo frescoes is a true master- piece. Both the centrepiece of the building, the Imperial Sa- Shrove Tuesday Carnival Procession (the biggest in the Spessart!) lon and the Hall of Mirrors, only restored after it was badly Ascension Day Music Festival (brass band festival) damaged in the war in 1987, are a must-see. The Residence Last weekend in July Rock am Tunnel open air rock festival was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982. Second weekend in August Kirb (Rieneck parish folk festival) Opening times Mid April to Mid October: 9:00 - 6:00, Thurs- First Sunday in Advent Christmas Market in Hohenroth (one of the best) days until 8:00. Mid October to Mid April, 10- 4:00. Admis- sion includes tour. Adults € 4.50, groups of more than 15 € 3.50.

As well as sightseeing, Würzburg offers a good range of shops, and entertainment facilities from cinemas to a leisure pool. More about the town in general from www.wuerzburg.de.

Scherenburg

42 7 The Cultural Landscape of Lower Franconia Diverse and helpful

Transport Lohr am Main Lohr possesses a lovely Old Town, as well as Train two noteworthy museums. It is 20 mins by rail (€ 3,20 adult, € 1.60 child, single). The Deutsche Bahn has a new discount system. We've given the normal prices for a single station is roughly 1.5 km (just under a mile) for an adult (ie. over 14s) and for a child (6-14, under 6s free). he child price is al- from the town centre. ways half that of the adult.Using these standard prices, it's possible to calculate the group rates. Old Town: You can take a guided tour of the Basic rule: you will get at least 50% rate. Booking a week in advance gets you 60% town for € 30.00. Alternatively, there is a off, while if you do so 14 days before you travel, you will get a sensational 70% dis- well signposted walk round the town. Brief in- count. Tickets are for specific trains. It's important to travel off-peak (i.e. not in the formation about the various sights is avail- rush hour, etc). Sometimes the 'Bayernticket' or the 'Wochenendticket' (both offer able from the programme Office. unlimited travel on local trains for a flat price) are cheaper. At any rate, it is now usu- ally cheaper to take the train than to hire a coach. More information from http://www.bahn.de/pv/view/int_guest/subhome/new_prices_august.shtml However, the weather often plays a role in day trips, meaning you want to put deci- School Museum: sions off as long as possible. Unfortunately the station in Rieneck is unmanned, but it is still possible to get group tickets. You ring Gemünden station, order your tickets, Alongside 3000 exhibits from the 17th to 20th century, you will find say what time you are arriving in Gemünden at, and collect the tickets there when two fully reconstructed school rooms, and an old teacher's flat. On an you change. 'experience tour', staff act out a school lesson from the days of the Kaiser with the children. Opened Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00 - 4:00 Gemünden station opening hours: pm. Groups by arrangement. Admission € 1.50, School classes and Mon- Fri 6:15 - 12:10 and 13:10-16:00; Sat 8:00 - 12:00, youth groups under adult supervision free. The School Museum is Sun + holidays closed. about 1 km from the town centre and 2.5 km from the station. Booking office: Gemünden 09351-602453

Bus

To make sure that there will be enough space for everyone, we recommend that Spessartmuseum: The Spessart Museum isn't just your average local museum: it has groups of 20 or more should contact the bus company by phone the day before. much more to offer. It's located in the heart of the old town, in a castle (which, inci- Please speak to us in the office, we will be happy to help. dentally, was built by the Rieneckers). Exhibits and countless reconstructed rooms al- low you to experience the world of the little people and the great lords. In addition to various crafts, the Spessart Robbers and the glass industry are major themes. There Ships are as series of special tours for school classes (for example, 'On the road in the old days', 'from the work bench to the production line', 'no forest - no glass', A family business offers a limited timetable service on the River Main. In the summer 'knights, castles and noble ladies' etc. Full list from Programme Office.) Tours you can get to Lohr or even Würzburg by boat (includes trip through lock). Prices for must be arranged with the museum in advance. When a tour isn't possible, a single trip: Gemünden- Lohr € 6.00 /€ 3.00, Gemünden - Würzburg € 13.00 / € there's a museum quiz sheet. Opening times: Tues - Sat: 10:00 - 4:00; 6.00. Charter trips, e.g. for school parties, by arrangement. Tel: 09351- 1770 or Sundays, holidays 10:00 - 5:00. Admission: € 2.50/ 1.50. Lohr also 0172-9701756 has a cinema and both a covered and open-air pool. A ferry travels between Lohr and Gemünden. More information: www.lohr.de

8 41 Diverse and helpful The Cultural Landscape of Lower Franconia

Internet The Tower Tour Experience * As we couldn't find room for an internet cafe, we had to find another solution to the problem. Scouts are renowned for their resourcefulness, and so a disused toilet was Rieneck Castle can look back on 800 years of eventful history. In evening in the "Thick rebuilt. WC.net, which is probably the first internet enabled toilet in the world allows Tower" keep, which is almost in its original condition, stories and legends are told by our guests access to the net. You can buy prepaid cards for it in the kiosk. candle light. The stress is not on dates and dry facts, but rather on experiencing and imagining another period with different day-to-day problems.Naturally "Kunigünde", the castle ghost doesn't go unmentioned, but don't worry: she gave up being a bad ghost sometime ago and is now definitely friendly.The activity really shouldn't be missed. More than 2,500 people take part in it every year, and it's the most popular activity at the castle by a long way.

Season: all year round Group size: 25 people Age: from 10 years (during daytime even younger) Cost: free Duration: 1- 1 1/2 hours. Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand.

Media Equipment, Musical Instruments

The media equipment and musical instruments listed below can be borrowed by groups. When more than one group wants the same thing, we'll try to find a solution with both groups. Please tell us what you'd like to use well in advance.

• 8-mm film projector • Whiteboard

• 16-mm film projector (with sound) Flip-charts: € 0.50 per sheet of • • Slide projector paper • CD/ Cassette player • Presentation kit hire: € 5.00 per • TV/ Video recorder day • Keyboard Chapel organ • DVD player (also suitable for MP3 and (practised organists only!) S-VCD) Over-head projector • Guitars • Projection screen Photocopies can be made in the of- • Movable partitions fice for € 0.10 per side. Copying onto OHP transparencies € 1.00

* Evening activity: we try to guarantee every group the chance to have one evening 40 9 Research and Discover Diverse and helpful Research and Discover Diverse and helpful

The Christian Guide and Scout Association (VCP) regards the discov- Some things just can't be fitted into a tidy category. Here are some ery and development of the individual's abilities as one of the central bits of information which you might find useful when planning your aims of its youth work. The Scout and Guide Castle Rieneck attempts stay at the Castle. to meet this objective by offering the young people the opportunity to Food/ Packed Lunches/ Barbecues work together and gather new experiences. The castle's guests book on a full-board basis. That means, you get a full breakfast at 8:30, a warm dinner/ lunch at 12:30 (12:00 Sundays and holidays) and tea/ dinner at 6:30 (cold buffet). If you plan a day-trip, it's possible to order packed lunches (at least one working day beforehand). Then you can make up sandwiches yourself, after breakfast. Also included is a piece of fruit and a soft drink. On weekdays you will then get your warm meal in the evening, instead of the buffet. Unfortunately it is not pos- sible to offer a warm evening meal at weekends or on holidays. If you want, you can have a barbecue instead of a cold tea/ dinner. Here, too, you should book this one working day in advance. The castle provides the equipment. Instead of the buffet, you get two sausages, a roll, as well as a salad and bread. If your barbecue is a re- placement warm meal' (packed lunches!) there will normally be a second salad. For a supplement, you can have steaks or fresh trout, as well as additional salads.

Communication

Post

Any post which arrives for your group can be collected from the office in the late morning (the address should contain the name of recipient and group). Outgoing, stamped post can be left in the castle's post office, emptied at 4 pm – stamps can be bought at our kiosk. There's also a sub-post office in the village, open half-days.

The Art Gallery in the Forest Telephone This activity is based on the idea that children should be encouraged to observe con- sciously and to make them attentive to individual details in the wild. Just this once, the There is a card pay-phone (Deutsche Telekom) in the castle, and you can get the ap- forest should be looked at from an unexpected angle. The kids make picture frames propriate cards from the kiosk. Mobile phone reception is usually pretty good. out of twigs, and find themselves a picture in the forest, which they look closely at. At the end, they make a guided tour through the art gallery they've discovered in the for- est. A detailed description of the activity, and lots of ideas for follow-ups can be ob- tained from the Programme office.

Season: all year Cost: free Duration: approx. 2 hours Age: from 10 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand

10 39 Campsite Research and Discover

Hohenroth Forest Path Shopping in Rieneck Children can experience the forest with all their senses, and learn interesting things Kaufhaus Welzenbach: Groceries, bread; cheese- through play on the Hohenroth forest path. counter and meat-counter In 2003 the SOS Village community Hohen- roth and the forestry authority Gemünden Opening times: Mon-Fri: 8:00-12:00 AM got together to create a 1.5 km (just under a and 2:00-6:00 PM; mile) long walk which allows visitors to both Sat: 8:00-12:00 AM experience and learn about woodland. Whether in pine-cone throwing, long jump in Metzgerei Uhl: Butchers (you can place comparison to the forest's inhabitants, or by orders through the Castle.) building a tower with irregular blocks of wood - some of the activities challenge the Opening times: Mon-Fri: 6:30-12:30 AM whole family or class to compete. Other ac- and 2:00-6:00 PM tivities require the use of the senses. Who Sat: 6:00-12:00 AM can find the most animal silhouettes on the Hunter's Path? The Barefoot Path lets you discover things by touch, and the tree tele- Metzgerei Konrad Butchers phone allows experiments with the accoustic qualities of a 20m tree trunk.The path is particularly suitable for families and infant class/ Beaver age children. However, some Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM -6:00 PM of the activites will prove a great challenge to young people. This activity can be very Wednesdays half day; suitably combined with a walk through the SOS Village Community Hohenroth. More Sat: 7:00-12:00 AM information about the Forest path can be found in the Programme Office.

Bäckerei Ruppert: Bakers (you can place orders through the Castle) Season: all year round Cost: free Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7:00-12:30 AM and 2:00-6:00 PM; Duration: half day (activities and walk there and back) Wednesdays half day; Age: 8-12 years/ families Sat: 7:00-1:00.

In Gemünden, about 7 km/ 3 1/2 miles from Rieneck, there are larger supermar- kets, such as Lidl, Aldi or Tegut, as well as chemists, a DIY (hardware) store etc. Here some shops are open until 8.00 PM on weekdays and until 4.00 PM on Saturday. Excursions into the forest

The Spessart is an area of woodland which stretches from Rieneck to Aschaffenburg Groups, lead by a trained na- ture guide, can get to know the forest and its plants and animals.

Season: April - October Cost: recommended expenses € 30 per group, pay guide directly. Group size: max. 25 Age: will be adapted according to age group Duration: 2 hours, evenings and weekends Preparation: contact the Programme Office at least a week beforehand

38 11 Research and Discover Campsite

Beaver Walk

The Sinn valley is now home to beavers again. Under the experienced leadership of our nature guide, groups have the chance to look for the traces of this shy animal. Group must have own transport (Cars or minibus)

Season: November to April (dependent on vegetation) Price: recommended expenses € 30 per group, pay guide directly Group size: max 25 Age: from 10 years Duration: about two hours, evenings or weekends Preparation: contact the Programme Office at least a week beforehand

Visit to the Beekeeper

Our beekeeper keeps her hives just outside Burgsinn, you reach then after a three-quarter of an hour by foot through the Sinn valley nature reserve. Frau Bechold is a trained guide, and explains thoroughly, but understandably, every- thing you want to know about the Sinn valley and about bees. You can also try the fresh honey. You can get to Burgsinn by bus or train (€ 1,60 adult, € 0.80 child, single) This activity can be easily combined with a trip to the Burgsinn open air pool, followed by a small walk back to Rieneck.

Season: April - August Price: recommended expenses: min. € 30.00 per group, to be paid directly to Fr Bechold Group size: max. 25 Age: 8-12 years/ families Duration: about 3 hours Preparation: contact the Programme Office at least a week beforehand

Testing the Water

How good is the local water, and how can we find out? Test the quality of 'our' river, the Sinn, by counting little life-forms – so-called 'indicator species' with the help of ta- bles and magnifying jars. A simple arithmetical calculation allows you to discover how good the water is. As well as the scientific aspect, children should just keep their eyes open and develop a better relationship with nature by playing by the stream.

Season: all year round Price: € 5.00 per group Age: 10-16 years Duration: approx. 2 hours Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly before hand

12 37 Campsite Research and Discover

Campsite Expeditions in Spessart and Rhön

General

The Castle's campsite may be small, but it's very special. It is divided into two main sites and a few smaller areas. As is well known, they used to build castles on hills – and ours is over 800 years old – which means that the space is somewhat limited. You may have to pitch the tents a bit closer together than you would normally do for once: but where else can you camp directly below a keep? Because the site is relatively small, we give priority to Scout and Guide groups. Only Scout and Guides can make longer term bookings for the months of July and August, in other months the site is open to all. Normally campsite groups are self catering, but it is usually possible Whether you do it on foot, by canoe or by bike, the best way to dis- to make exceptions or to arrange a combination cover the Spessart and the Rhön nature parks is under your own of self-catering and meals from the castle if this is steam. The Scout and Guide Castle offers a wide range of possibilities discussed with us well in advance. from providing information so you can design your own, to 'off the

peg' routes, to guided tours. Prices and Conditions

A stay on the campsite costs EUR 4.00 per person per night for Scouts and Guides; EUR 5.00 per person per night for others. This price includes the following services: Hikes and Walks use of an area of the site for camping and activities; and use of the infrastructure, The landscape of Lower Franconia is well worth walking through, whether you under- such as a modern wash-house (with shower/ toilets/ wash-hand-basins, larder, take a stroll through Rieneck or a several day expedition to the highest point of the fridge, sinks etc), a fire-place with large campfire circle. We can also provide free use Rhön. We have prepared maps, route descriptions, suggestions for places to sleep and of tent-poles for yurts and Kohte-type tents, pioneering-type poles for building, and a for interesting goals, so that every group can put together its individual route. Our vol- suitable number of trestle tables and benches for the group size. All the programme unteers are pleased to help you with the planning! activities can be booked under the conditions described in this booklet – that is, many of them are free. We also have 2 fire altars which we can lend out if required. In ex- ceptional circumstances the Castle's rooms (e.g.. the Knight's Hall) may be used by The Nuns' Path to Schönau Abbey campsite groups, but here the house guests have priority. The walk climbs gently over the Schönauer Berg and then drops down to Schönau. There is an old Franciscan Abbey, and a church which well repays visiting. The monks Renting Equipment will show you round if you ask in advance (tel 09351-3301). The nearest stations are in Wolfsmünster or Gemünden (both about 5 km away). In summer there is an occa- As well as the free equipment, the following can be rented from the castle (please sional bus which stops in Schönau itself. Train check availability well before your stay.) Gemünden - Rieneck: € 1.70 adult, € 0.85 child, sin- gle. Kitchen tent (4x4m) per night EUR 5.00 Yurt per night EUR 10.00 Duration: half day Large yurt per night EUR 15.00 Distance: about 8 km/ 5 miles (plus 5 km/ Kohte (patrol-size) per night EUR 5.00 3 miles) Gas stove per night EUR 2.50 Height gained/ lost: + 240 m, - 280 m Gas used per kilo EUR 2.50

36 13 Expeditions in Spessart and Rhön "Open Offer"

Bayrische Schanz "Open Offer" The Bayrische Schanz is a charming country pub, with biergarten. The romantic building was origi- The 'open offer' is a new item in our 2005 programme. Its aim is to nally a customs post. A pleasant forest path provide something which all the groups, or individuals from them, (mildly strenuous to begin with) leads to it through the Spessart. The nearest bus stop is can take part in. Doing something together should, we hope encour- about 3 km away, in Ruppertshütten. The walk age contact between them. The open offers can't be booked for one can be combined with a trip to the little bathing group exclusively, but we'd nevertheless be pleased if groups could lake on the way between Ruppertshütten and register interest in advance, so that we can make the necessary Langenprozelten. preparations. As a rule 'open offer evenings' take place on Tuesday Duration: half day evenings (fairy tale hour) and Thursday afternoons (crafts or Distance: about. 12 km/ 7.5 miles (plus 3 km/ 2 miles) games). Height gained/ lost: + 320m, - 140m

Fairy Tale Hour: Circular Walk: Witch's Spring and the 1000 year old oaks

This circular walk is mostly through woodland, and therefore very pleasant in high There's room for every sort of story here, from the classic fairy tale, to exotic legends summer. The goal is the ancient oaks (the 'Witch's Spring' is now a fishpond in pri- or funny short stories. It's planned to take account of the age of the participants, and vate hands.) to pick a theme for each evening. Precisely for that reason, it's essential that groups register for this before they arrive (that doesn't mean that the whole group has to Duration: half day take part, though). Input from individuals who bring their own contributions along is Distance: about 8 km/ 5 miles not just allowed but encouraged! Height gained/ lost: + 200m, - 200m Crafts or Games

Circular Walk: Rabental – Zollberg – Schaippach A craft or games activity is planned for Thursday afternoon, in which individual mem-

The path follows a hollow way up through the Rabental valley on to the wooded hill. bers of various groups can take part. It is not intended that school classes as a whole The route continues through the wood along a fairly flat plateau to the Zollberg. This take part (that's what our workshop programme is there for!) The craft activities are was formerly a customs post, and a stone with several differently sized hole bears in part seasonal, and will change. As we would like offer activities which suit and in- witness to this. This was used to measure the hubs of wagon wheels and so deter- terest the groups present, an advance booking is very helpful. That way we can meet mine how much duty its owner had to pay. From the Zollberg the route goes down particular needs. On games afternoons one game may be run as a tournament, or al- towards Schaippach and then back ternatively a variety of board games may be offered. For those who want it, the op- through the Sinn meadows to Rieneck. portunity to play many unusual games from all over the world is available. "Tournaments" will consist of games like Tafl or card games. Again, it helps our plan- Duration: half day ning if you register your interest in advance. Please remember that as a rule either Distance: ca. 11 km/ crafts or games will be on offer, not both. We also reserve the right to cancel a ses- 7 miles sion if no-one has registered an interest in it. Height gained/ lost +300m, - 300m

35 14 Romanticism and Reflectiveness Expeditions in Spessart and Rhön

The Lion’s Den Fireplace Circular Walk: Rabental- Forest Path - Hohenroth

At the foot of the Thick Tower lies the Lion’s Den fireplace. Here you can sit together The walk begins by climbing gently halfway up the high ground south of Rieneck, then in the mild summer nights and talk, sing or reflect. Firewood can be provided by the contours along the hillside and up a small ridge to Hohenroth. Just before Hohenroth Castle, or gather your own. And if you want to experience something a bit different, is reached, the Forest Path (see p 11) appears on the right. This is itself a circular you can borrow the 'popcorn maker' and try to make your own popcorn over the walk of about 2 km/ 1.2 miles (no included in the distances given below). In Hohen- campfire. Dough for dampers can be supplied on request. And for the very brave, roth itself the cafe can be visited by those in need of sustenance. From there it is an- there's a waffle iron.... other 1.5 km/ 1 mile to the castle. Those who wish a longer walk could go a) via the Fliesenbachtal to Hohenroth or b) detour from Hohenroth to Schaippach before re- Season: all year round turning to Rieneck. Price: dependant on how much wood used Preparation: contact the Programme Office at least a week in advance Duration: half day (with forest path) Distance: c. 5.5 km/ 3.5 miles Height gained and lost: +200m, - 200m / 655 ft.

Variation a) with Fleisenbachtal

Duration: half day (with forest path)

Distance: c. 9.5 km/ 6 miles

Height gained and lost: +250m, - 250m/ 820 ft

Variation b) via Schaippach:

Duration: half day (with forest path) Distance: c. 8 km/ 5 miles Height gained and lost: +230 m/ - 230 m/ 755 ft.

Homburg Ruins

The ruins of the Homburg are situated high above Gössenheim, and are among the biggest ruin complexes in . The landscape, however, is every bit as impres- sive. The vegetation growing on the limestone is reminiscent of Northern Spain. The nearest station is Gössenheim, about 2 km away, the journey to Rieneck lasts about 45 mins. The Homburg is also well worth visiting when you don't want to walk so far, shorter walks from nearer starting points are perfectly possible. The Programme Office will be happy to help you further. (Return Gössenheim - Rieneck € 2.85/ € 1.45)

Duration: whole day Distance: about 18 km/ 11 miles (plus 2 km/ 1.5 miles) Height gained/ lost: + 490m, - 380m (plus - 130m)

34 15 Expeditions in Spessart and Rhön Romanticism and Reflectiveness

Sinn Valley The Castle Chapel

Long stretches along the banks of the River Sinn have been put under legal protection Our main chapel has room for 60-70 people. A because of their unspoiled nature. Here the beaver and the kingfisher have returned. service is held here by the Protestant parish of The nature area is very good for walking. It’s about 7 km/ 4 miles from Rieneck to Rieneck on the first Sunday of the month, and in Burgsinn (or Gemünden), with minimal height gain/ loss. A walk can be well com- addition our guests can use it for their own peri- bined with a visit to the open air pool. Our suggestion for a day’s walk: go to Mit- ods of reflection or worship. It has all the neces- telsinn by bus or train, walk about 45 minutes to Burgsinn, then a visit to the bee- sary vessels, hymnbooks, and an organ. keeper, see Burgsinn, o for a swim (lunch), returning to Rieneck later. Season: all year round Duration: variable Price: free Height gained/ lost: minimal Duration: up to group Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand

Path of Light

Calming down, thinking about various different issues – that's another aspect of the Scout move- ment. Candles are set up to mark the way along a path. In between stand lanterns or boards lit by burning torches, showing pictures or ideas relat- ing to a particular theme. The participants follow the path alone or in twos, and think about what they see. One possible end to the activity is to meet round a fire to discuss the theme, or by telling a story.

Season: all year round Cost: € 5.00 (to cover cost of materials) Age: from 12 years Night Hike* Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand Through the Rieneck forest in the dark of night. We offer youth groups a small test of their courage, in the form of a guided walk. With a bit of luck, you will be able to ob- serve the nocturnal animals of the area. The idea’s not to scare the youngsters (it’s not a ghost walk), but to give them an intensive experience of the night.

Season: all year Price: free Group size: 25 people Age: 8-16 years Duration: approx. 1 hour Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand

* Evening activity: we try to guarantee every group the chance to have one evening activity. More are only possible where staffing levels allow. 33 16 Romanticism and Reflectiveness Expeditions in Spessart and Rhön

Guided Walks Romanticism and Reflectiveness Helmut Spahn, a nature and countryside guide, offers guided walks around Rieneck, Campfires and Minnesang are as much a part of castle as towers and on themes such as "the Birkenrainer Way" (old merchants' route), the Executioner's Oak, the Nun's Path to Schönau, etc. Costs and dates by arrangement with Helmut battlements. At the Guide and Scout Castle Rieneck, some take up Spahn, Hergottsberg 19, 97794 Rieneck, tel. +49 9354 242. the opportunity to prove themselves as bards and minstrels, while others use our Chapel for periods of meditation or for services.

The forest: manmade landscape. The nature guide Gabi Bechold will lead a 12 km/ 7mile walk from Burgsinn over the wooded hill to Rieneck, showing the traces The Knights‘ Hall humans have left on the forest. That doesn't just mean the marks of forestry, but

The Knights’ Hall, with its open fire, offers also, among other things, the traces of charcoal burning from previous centuries. groups a medieval atmosphere. Comfortable Costs and dates by arrangement with Gabi Bechold, Mäusebergstr. 7, 97775 leather chairs by the hearth, a long table to Burgsinn, tel. +49 9356 2349 quaff on, and our knights Egbert and Walter make sure that everyone will become a fan of this epoch. The Rittersaal is especially suitable for groups of up to 15 people who want to Cycle Tours spend a cosy evening round the fire, but for a The valleys of the Sinn, the Saale and the Main are also highly suitable for exploring sit-down meal it holds up to 40. We can pro- by bicycle. The Castle has a small stock of mostly old fashioned bikes (about 10), vide firewood, drinks and light midnight which we lend out to groups. Further bicycles can be hired in Gemünden, but this is snacks (if ordered in time!). not particularly convenient and ideally you should bring your own. We are also happy to help groups put their own individual tour together. Season: all year round Price: firewood € 10.00 per evening Season: all year food and drink (prices on re quest). Cost: the Castle’s bikes are free Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand Duration: up to group from approx. 1 hour Preparation: Reserve the bikes from the Programme Office

The Arched Cellar

It can get lively in the Arched Cellar, too. Here bigger groups can spend a cosy evening and learn the meaning of ‘Gemütlichkeit’. The bar is equipped to serve beer on tap, while a steak from the castle’s own barbecue takes care of the needs of the stomach - meat can be ordered through us. And perhaps a few Scouts and Guides will turn up to keep you company and sing some cheerful songs...

Season: all year round Price: price of food and drink on request Duration: up to the group Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly be forehand Beer on tap must be ordered 3 days in advance 32 17 Solidarity Fun, Games and Sport

The Submarine - the Castle Disco Solidarity The Guide and Scout Castle Rieneck - party central. Groups have access to Giving and accepting help, breaking down prejudices and working a fully equipped disco, with music and for change are other important principles of the VCP. In order to put light systems and room for 50 people. these into practice, we offer groups various opportunities to get an There are a few rather spartan seats. insight into charitable work, or to do something practical them- The music system consists of two DVD players and a mixing desk. An selves. external socket (CINCH) allowing an MP3 device to be plugged in. Please bring own CDs. Discos are popular Visit the SOS Kinderdorf Hohenroth with many kids, and if you add in a few other things like games, juice bar In the SOS Kinderdorf Hohenroth, 150 mentally handicapped young people are given etc. even those who aren’t really the opportunity to live in a family and to do regulated work in the village community. disco types will have a good time. They live, together with 250 carers, in the village of Hohenroth, 2 km from Rieneck. The development is designed to be self-supporting, and it has, as well as facilities for producing and processing agricultural goods (animal rearing, wood, feed, fruit and Season: all year round vegetables), workshops and a cafe (closed Mon, Tues). Guests of the Guide and Scout Price: € 10.00 per group per night Castle are able to take part in a tour of Hohenroth, and get to know the village and Duration: until 10.30 PM at the latest the methods used there. Preparation: contact Programme Office shortly beforehand

Season: all year round Price: free Duration: approx. three hours Bowling Preparation: contact the Programme Office well beforehand Rieneck: 2 lanes in the community centre, contact the town authorities on 09354-9733-0; € 4,00 per hour and lane Gemünden: 4 lanes in the ‘Scherenberghalle’, 10:00 AM -11:00 PM. Advance boo king required on 09351-604412; ca. EUR 5.00 per hour and lane.

Minigolf

On Gemünden Campsite from April - September, Mon - Fri 2:00 - 7:00 PM, Sat - Sun 10:00- 7:00 PM, groups also outside these times. Book with Fam. Vierling on 093513380 or 2058.

31 18 Fun, Games and Sport Solidarity

Climbing Wall Team-box

In the Saale valley (parallel to the Sinn Valley) a huge stone pillar stands in the middle of a meadow. It was originally put there to be used as a motorway bridge, but the mo- The box contains various material for simple group activities on team-buildings, which torway never came. Now it’s used as a climbing wall, and you can find routes of vari- can be carried out independently by the group. Since school classes are far too big ous grades from ‘ easy’ to ‘very difficult’. An experienced climber from Rieneck makes for some of the activities, the most practical approach is to send small teams round it possible for you to test yourself on the cliff. Equipment provided, various activities, in a series of bases. It is vital that the activities are carefully super- but you must organise your own transport (bus or car). It’s also vised by leaders if the teams are to be successful. possible to walk (8-9 km). Season: all year round Season: spring to autumn Cost: € 1.00 p.p. Price: € 95.00 per group (€ 10.00 of which is flat Duration: depends on group rate for use of equipment) Age: from 14 years Duration: half day (3 hours) Preparation: contact the Programme Office; short familiarisation with the Group size: 10 people! activities before they are carried out necessary. Age: from 16 years Preparation: contact the programme Office, if possible 2-3 weeks in advance

Abseiling on the Thick Tower

With an experienced alpinist from Rieneck, we offer groups the chance to abseil off the top of the Thick Tower (20 m). The tower offers a special kick, because you have to go over the edge from the highest point a real adrenaline rush! This activity is recommended from children of 14 and up, for younger children abseiling from the Knight’s Lawn (7 m) would be more suitable. The group size is really limited to 10 (2 hours), but on enquiry it’s possible to take more. However, that does mean it will take longer and cost more (€ 25.00 per hour be- gun). No prior experience necessary; equipment provided.

Season: spring- autumn Price: € 60.00 per group (€ 10.00 of which is flat rate for use of equipment) Duration: 2 hours Group size: 10 people Age: from 13 years Preparation: contact the programme Office, if possible 2-3 weeks in advance

Abseiling from the Knights' Lawn

If 20m seem a bit too high after all, then there is the possibility of abseiling down the Knights' Lawn wall (about 7m) under the supervision of castle staff. The price given is for the first 2 hours (10-15 people), every further hour costs an extra € 10. The activ- ity is only recommended for over 10s.

Season: spring- autumn Cost: € 30 per group (€ 10 of which is flat rate for use of equipment) Duration: 2 hours Group size: 10-15 people Age: from 10 years Preparation: contact the programme Office, if possible 2-3 weeks in advance

30 19 Solidarity Fun, Games and Sport

A year at Castle Rieneck? Gemünden Indoor Pool /Sauna

We offer young people over the age of 18 the opportunity to live and work at the cas- (Groups of 10 or more please book) tle for a longer period of time – whether they're on a gap year or as a short term staff member. There is a new opportunity for young people living in the European Pool Winter: Mon – Fri 3:00 – 10:00 PM (Thu 3 – 4.30 PM women only) Union: through the European Voluntary Service, they can spend six months to a year Sat 9:00 – 12:00; 2:00 – 7:00 PM working with us. Sun 9:00 – 6:00 PM Just look at the job offers on our internet pages and apply directly to the Castle man- agement. Sauna Winter: Mon and Wed 3:00 – 10:00 PM mixed sauna Tue and Thu 3:00 – 10:00 PM women Fri 3:00 – 10:00 PM men Sat 2:00 – 7:00 PM mixed sauna Sun 1:00 – 6:00 PM mixed sauna

Sinnflut Leisure Pool Bad Brückenau

Sinnflut in Bad Brückenau is a leisure pool with a lot to offer. It’s 40 km away from Rieneck, and is best reached with your own transport. However, you can get there by bus and train in about an hour. This costs about € 5.50 for an adult, € 2.25 child (single). More information from www.bad-brueckenau.de

Open: daily 10:00 am- 11:00 pm Entry: Pool, no time limit, € 5.00/ € 3.50 Pool and Sauna, no time limit, € 12.00/ € 8.00

Bathing Pool

There is a small, attractive bathing pool between Ruppertshütten and Langenprozelten. From Rieneck you can get to it through the woods (about 7 km, +200m, -200m). There is a public transport link between Rieneck and Langenprozelten. Suggestion: Turn the walk to the Bayrische Schanz into a full day walk by adding swim in the pool. (See the route description for the "Bayerische Schanz")

29 20 Fun, Games and Sport Using your hands

The Catapult Using your hands The castle's new mediaeval activity! First you learn the required knots, and then you can begin. Following a Activities which release your creative side are amongst the favour- construction plan, groups will turn two- and three-metre ites here. We offer many possibilities, have material and tools ready long poles, lots of rope and a few small parts into a catapult, which should be robust and of course have as to hand, and can sometimes help with their use. Two workrooms are long a range as possible. At the end of the activity a available for the use of the groups. shhoting contest can be held on the sports field.Despite We feel it makes sense to encourage children and young people in the plan, the activity requires a certain amount of crea- this area, and welcome groups who want to carry out their own tivity and technical know-how. Team-work is also criti- cal, both in building and shooting the catapult. There ideas. However, we do ask that they don’t paint or do crafts in the are three sets of parts, the group size should be be- day rooms. There are two workshops available for this purpose. tween 5 and 10 people (depending on age and ability). Please speak to us if you want to use them. The activity takes place outdoors and is therefore de- pendant on the weather.

Season: spring to autumn Cost: € 10.00 per session Medieval Cookery Duration: 2-3 hours A medieval castle goes with medieval meals! Our staff will cook a three course meal Group size: up tp 30 people with the groups, over an open fire and based on medieval recipes. Together groups Age: from 12 years experience how much work it is to find enough firewood, bake bread and, for exam- Preparation: contact the Programme Office at least a week in advance ple, prepare vegetables. As the activity is carried out on an open fire, it can only run in good weather, and it is advisable to wear old clothes.

Let's go swimming. Price: as replacement meal: € 3.00 p.p. (full board castle guests) campers: € 4.50 p.p. In Rieneck itself there is an unofficial bathing place on the river. Here you can go and Duration: an afternoon cool off quite spontaneously. A current on one side adds to the fun, but is no danger Group size: 15-25 people to experienced swimmers. As it’s a normal river, it’s not a bad idea to wear flip lops Age: from 8 years or old sandals, to protect your feet from possible bits of wire or fragments of glass. Preparation: contact the Programme Office at least a week in advance

Gemünden and Burgsinn Open Air Pools

Burgsinn pool is a very attractive one, and locals are fighting hard to save this, the only open air pool in the valley, from closure. Give your group the pleasure of a visit and help save the pool.

Open: May - September, daily 9:00 - 20:00 (depends on weather: details from newspaper in Office)

Nautiland Leisure Pool Würzburg

Not quite as much here as at Bad Brückenau, but it does have the advantage that it’s in Würzburg, and so can be combined with many other activities in the town. More information and exact prices from www.erlebnisbad-nautiland.de

Open: Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sat - Sun: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM 28 21 Using your hands Fun, Games and Sport

Tafl Knights’ Tournament

If you’re staying in a castle, it’s natural to spend Hnefetalf, also called Tafl, was the most popular strategy game some time on the theme of knights. And of course, a in northern Europe until into the 12th century. The Vikings' car- knights' tournament is a must! That's undoubtedly ried the game throughout early medieval Europe on their wars of one reason why this is one of our most booked ac- conquest, but it gradually fell out of fashion after the crusaders tivities. At different bases in and around the castle, brought chess home.Tafl is fascinating because although the groups have to complete different activities, ranging rules are quite simple, they allow very complex game-play, de- from archery to building a tower, from bowling to pending on the skills of the players. The two players have differ- sack fights. The activities require different skills: ent goals: one attacks an imaginary castle and can win by cap- from athleticism to dexterity to the ability to esti- turing the king; the other is trying to defend against the attack, mate your own capabilities. This makes the tourna- to protect the king, and to win by helping the king escape. Par- ment a very well-balanced activity. Our ideas are ticipants will make their own 'board', which can also be used as a bag for the explained to the groups leaders, and the group de- pieces. cides what they want to do. Most of the ideas can After cutting out and painting the playing surface, things can really get started; the be adapted for bad weather. The whole tournament rules are easy to learn, and then the game begins... is designed on a ‘building block’ principle, so is possi- ble to have many variations (for example, one or Cost: € 2.00 p.p. two disciplines a day, making props like shield or Duration: about 2 hours helmets beforehand, adding in your on ideas, etc) Age: from 8 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office a week in advance. Price: € 5.00 for the whole group to cover cost of materials Duration: varies according to group size, from 2 hours to a half day Age: from 8 years Badges Preparation: contact Programme Office at least a week beforehand. Bases run by own leaders! Still trendy after all these years... The pin badges (diameter 5 cm) can be custom- ised by cutting, gluing, drawing painting etc. There’s no limit to your imagination and creativity! Canoe Tours Price: € 1.50 for three badges During the summer months the rivers Sinn, Wern and Saale Duration: approx. 1 hour may be navigated by canoe, and are ideal for trips lasting Age: from 6 years from 3 hours to several days. All three rivers are suitable for Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand beginners, but due to the occasional weir and the natural

beauty of the valleys, they are also great fun for more experi-

enced canoeists. The Castle can lend 6 two to three-man canoes Tie Dye and a trailer to transport them. Groups must provide their own

”Let the sunshine in”. Tie-dye is always in, which car and tow bar. In addition, we are happy to help with the route is why groups get the chance to give there t- planning and offer instruction in the use of the equipment. shirts some of that Seventies style. This activity works well with larger groups, too, and even to- Season: Sinn only from July 1 to the end of February, day, it’s really cool when the whole class turns up Saale all year at school in their ‘group look’.... Price: € 15.00 per day/ canoe (VCP members € 10.00) Duration: depends on group, but from 3 hours Price: € 2.00 p.p. Preparation: contact Programme office (information available there) Duration: about 2 hours Please provide your own vehicle with tow bar! Age: from 8 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand, bring own T-shirts

22 27 Fun, Games and Sport Using your hands

Castle Trail Soapstone

This offers children and young people the chance The experience of shaping a stone with a normal knife and sandpaper is a special to explore the castle: they're given a card which one. So as to get a good result in a short period of time, we generally use small shows a series of close-ups which they have to pieces of stone, for key rings and the like. find. There are words hidden at the locations of the picture: in each case there are two words, Price: € 2.00 p.p. suitable for different age groups. The first set of Duration: about 2 hours words are simple ones which the children can Group size: max. 20 people use to make up a story or a skit; the second set Age: from 10 years are technical terms which can be used as solu- Preparation: contact the Programme Office tions for a crossword puzzle. Participants should shortly beforehand. be divided into small teams.

Season: all year round Friendship Bracelets and Hair Wraps Cost: free Duration: 1-2 hours (depending A classic which can still inspire enthusiasm! We have on age and stamina) some instructions, and with a bit of imagination, sud- Group size: max. 60-80 people denly new creations appear... Age: from 8 years/ families Preparation: Contact the Programme Price: € 1.50 p.p. Office shortly beforehand. Duration: about 2 hours Group size: 10 people Age: from 10 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand Town Trail

Go off without map or route description, and still find the way? That's exactly what Make a Knight's Helmet the town trail makes possible. Using a series of photos, participants find their way Using a pattern, it's possible to make a helmet out of from one picture to the next. In between they have to keep their eyes open and look cardboard and paint! Draw - cut out - glue -staple - for little details, because finding them earns the team points. As Rieneck, for all the paint - done! The helmets are of course brilliant props fact that it has a town charter, is a small place, there's no problem in sending over- for a tournament, a courtly festival and many other 10s out in small unsupervised groups. he castle can be seen from almost every- activities. where, so even if the children fail to spot all the pictures, they'll still find the way

back. It's a good idea to divide the participants into small teams and not to send Group size: Max. 20 people them all off at once; there are two different routes, so two groups can start together Price: € 3.00 p.p. every time. The trail is roughly 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long and is also suitable for fami- Duration: about two hours lies who want to get to know Rieneck. Unfortunately there is a long stair which makes Group size: tools for roughly 10 - 15 people it rather less good for prams. Age: 6-12 years

Preparation: contact the Programme Office, at Season: all year least a week in advance . Cost: free Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: up to about 90 Age: from 10 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand

26 23 Using your hands Fun, Games and Sport

Marbling Fun, Games and Sport In these days of e-mail and texting, just writing a letter is already pretty special. But naturally, it's even more so on personal note paper. Marbling makes it simple to cre- A stay at Castle Rieneck should be full of variety. We offer many ate unique writing or wrapping paper. different possibilities to fill your free time with sports and games.

Cost: € 1.50 p.p. Duration: about 2 hours Age: from 8 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand.

Papermaking

In this workshop you can experience a traditional craft skill. Waste paper is torn up and soaked over- night. Next day the papier-mâché is pureed and new paper is made from it.

Cost: € 2.00 p.p. Duration: about 2 hours. Group size: max. 15 people Age: from 10 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly beforehand.

Games for inside and out

Behind the Castle there is a multi-purpose pitch for football, volleyball, etc. It’s not possible to play with hard or big balls in the courtyard. Instead, you can play Screen Printing badminton (please bring your own shuttlecocks!) and soft ball (can be borrowed). There is also a table tennis court (some bats can be borrowed, please bring addi- Designing and printing your own t-shirt design is an exciting tional; balls can be bought). Beside the Kiosk is a table football machine and on matter. First the design is drafted out on paper, then cut out the Knights’ Lawn there is a giant chessboard (5m x 5m). carefully and finally printed. (Please not: the technique is not suitable for designing a single logo for a whole class, each T- In addition, we have many different balls and toys available to borrow). For the day shirt will be unique) rooms, we have a set of board games.

Cost: € 1.50 p.p. In the valley (about 7 minutes by foot) there is a large, well-maintained public foot- Duration: about 3 hours ball field which our guests can use. Group size: max. 20 people Age: from 12 years Preparation: contact the Programme Office shortly before hand.

24 25