"Our day trip to Idar-Oberstein" Idar-Oberstein by MJCKPIERCE

This is our first trip outside of the town we've moved to recently. We haven't been in Germany much longer than a month so this was a big step for us. Everything is new and a little intimidating.

We first went to the Church in the Rock and followed the trail up to the old castle ruin above and then went a little further to the new castle. What a hike! Wear good walking shoes. It was worth it, though.

To wander through the Felsenkirche "Church in the Rock" costs 1.50 euro/adults and 1euro/kids

Neues und Altes Schloss (new and old castle) ruins are free to explore. There is a restaurant inside a part of the new castle. We didn't eat there so I can't share any info. on that. There is a bathroom downstairs-that came in handy for us. There is currently construction being done on the new castle.

Next to the new castle is a souvenir shop. I thought the prices were very good, especially after pricing them at other places we went to later in the day.

Our family going mining for gems

We also went on a tour through the gem mines. It was great. We all got to wear hard hats and they took a picture of the whole group of us who went in for the tour. I bought it later for 5 euro. The kids had fun even though the tour guide spoke in German and they couldn't have understood much of what he said. I know I didn't. It was fun anyway.

The mine tour costs 4 euro/adults and 2.50 euro/kids.

• Pros:Beautiful views. Friendly people.
• Cons:Aching feet.
• In a nutshell:A great day trip!