I’ve been kind of absent from my blog this week – it’s just been far too hot to spend any unnecessary time on the computer! But I have a little time now and nothing else to do, so I thought I’d better get back to it before it starts feeling like too much of a chore 😉
Last Saturday we were invited to a birthday celebration in Königsbach, which is not far from Karlsruhe. Since we were planning on spending the night and had to change trains in Karlsruhe anyway, I asked some friends whether they would like to meet up on Sunday afternoon. A few people had time, so we arranged to meet at Marktplatz and, since it was a lovely day (or too hot if you ask me!), we ended up wandering around for a while. Karlsruhe is currently celebrating its 300th birthday – I know, so young! I’m sure its neighbours are laughing at it – there are various things going on throughout the town. For instance, you may have caught a news item about an art installation that was given a parking ticket. It actually made international news! I didn’t see that particular piece of art, but we did stop to admire a random house that was hanging above the construction site formerly known as Marktplatz:
There was a large stage in the Schlosspark and dozens of stalls with things to do an information about various companies in Karlsruhe. We ignored all of them in favour of heading for one that was selling cold drinks, but I did stop to photograph some plastic elephants who appeared to be plotting something in front of one stall…
I didn’t bother to figure out what the point was though 😉
Sadly, our train home left before it got dark so we didn’t get to see the castle all lit up in pretty colours (a spectacle worth seeing, I’m told), but it does manage to look quite impressive even in daylight:
Karlsruhe is celebrating its birthday until 27 September, which is the date that the town’s charter was published (the celebrations began on 17 June, which marked the 300th anniversary of the laying of the founding stone for the castle and is considered to be the town’s actual birthday). There are various events and exhibitions going on, so if you find yourself in Karlsruhe this summer I’m sure you’ll find something to do.
Happy Birthday Karlsruhe, and may you have many more!
Confuzzledom 
It took me a moment to realise that the house was another art installation – I think it was the roots that did it! I can’t think what the elephants were doing – just waiting for their friend to join them perhaps?
The single elephant was walking away from the group. I bet the others were gossiping about him behind his back!
That house is hilarious!!! The elephants are up to something sinister, I can feel it in my bones! Carry sugar cubes and leaves as a way to placate them should you encounter their furtive ministrations!
I saw your feed to the right- you swam in the Rhine!!!!!??!?! Tres envious, I want to do that!x
I love the flying house!
Aw, Karlsruhe is just a young’un. 🙂 Looks like a fun weekend though… that hanging house is crazy!
Yep, just an ickle baby city!
Wow – that flying house is different! Happy birthday Karlsuhe 🙂
It certainly is different!
I like these random works of art that you keep photographing! I wonder what the elephants were plotting – definitely up to no good! The castle is impressive – looks very modern!
This is near where I hopefully end up next. I have heard its a beautiful city with so much to do. The hanging house… how cool is that though?!
I lived in Karlsruhe for over 8 years so if you ever want any tips just let me know 🙂
Yes, I will totally need them! I will only be about 1.5 hours outside of the city.