In the morning I hopped on the bus that took the most circuitous route to the train station around the Sankt Ingbert area. I saw signs for hiking trails and a "Nordic Walking Park" whatever that is. Today I took the train in the other direction to Homburg. I almost want the train rides to be longer so I have more time to see the countryside glide by. There was so much to look at on the bus ride earlier, I didn't mind that it took longer than walking. I was half tempted to just hop on the train the following day and just go somewhere far. Just to enjoy the trip and scenery.
My goal today was to make it to the cave system in Homburg. Since we've been finding and visiting so many caves this past year, I've started actively searching for caves to visit anywhere new we go. These particular caves are Europe's largest man made caves. The caves were built between the 11th and 16th centuries and there are over 5km of corridors. And the rock of this region is a vibrant red sandstone with striking striations. These were carved out to act as escape routes from the castle that once resided on the mountaintop. A few remains of stone walls is all that was left of the castle.
I walked through the town, took photos of some of the many bronze statues that were sprinkled throughout the streets. I stopped at their
Nikolausmarkt in the
marktplatz for lunch. I couldn't resist a sign for "Homburgers!" This was such a tasty odd sandwich, I wish Mark was there for one, it was that good. It involved a white sausage, breaded and fried on a soft roll topped with onions, pickles and ketchup. Yum!
Properly fueled I set off the million stairs that climbed the mountainside in steep switch backs to the entrance of the caves. I had seen on a website (on my phone) that they were open for the first week of December before closing over the winter. Can you imagine my disappointment when I reached the caves to find they were closed for all of December and January!
I hiked it back down the hill and had my third crepe in as many days to lift my spirits. I hadn't been able to find other places to visit in this tiny town. I strolled along the meandering streets for a while before deciding to hop on the train and back to the hotel. If we are ever near Homburg in the future (and not during December and January) I would seriously revisit just to go to the caves.
I get back to the hotel and Mark calls me, saying dinner is going to be in Homburg at a Brewery after visiting some Roman ruins along the way. I make my way back to the train station and after the fifteen minute train ride, I make a second visit to Homburg in one day.