Lorraine American Cemetery: Honoring Heroes on Memorial Day

Just outside the quiet town of St. Avold, France, surrounded by fields and forests, lies the Lorraine American Cemetery, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe.

It’s not a place you stumble across by accident. You go there with intention, with a heart ready for reflection. And on Memorial Day, the cemetery becomes more than a resting place. It transforms into a living tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the bonds that stretch across oceans and generations.

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A Sea of White Crosses

The first thing that strikes you is the sheer size. Nearly 10,500 white marble crosses and Stars of David stand in perfect rows across the soft, green hills. Each one marks the final resting place of a young man or woman who crossed the Atlantic to fight in a war that would shape the world’s future and who never made it home.

The scale is humbling, but somehow, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The quiet, open landscape, the distant birdsong, the gentle ripple of flags in the breeze—it all creates a space for reflection rather than sorrow.

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Memorial Day: A Ceremony of Honor and Remembrance

Each year on Memorial Day, the Lorraine Cemetery holds a solemn ceremony to honor these heroes. It’s a deeply moving event that brings together American military personnel, French dignitaries, local citizens, and visitors from around the world.

When we attended, the cemetery was alive with quiet reverence. American and French flags were placed at every headstone, their colors bright against the white marble. Soldiers in dress uniforms stood at attention. Veterans, some now frail with age, came to salute their fallen brothers.

There were speeches, yes—but also moments of profound silence. A 21-gun salute cracked across the hills. A lone bugler played Taps, the mournful notes lingering in the air like a prayer. And when the wreaths were laid at the memorial wall, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

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Stories Behind the Stones

Walking among the graves, you can’t help but wonder about the stories behind each name: young Soldiers from small towns, brave medics, pilots who took to the skies over Europe.

Some graves are marked simply, others have visitors who have left flowers, notes, or small stones to show they were remembered. The Wall of the Missing honors over 400 names, those whose bodies were never recovered, but whose sacrifice is not forgotten.

It’s personal here. And on Memorial Day, that personal connection feels stronger than ever.

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A Place Where Gratitude Bridges Continents

One of the most beautiful parts of Memorial Day at Lorraine is how the French locals participate. Schoolchildren recite poems, families lay flowers, and veterans from both sides stand together in unity.

In a world that sometimes feels divided, here is a place where gratitude bridges continents. Where the legacy of sacrifice is honored by people who still remember what it cost.

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Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit

Visiting the Lorraine American Cemetery, especially on Memorial Day, is not just a history lesson. It’s a reminder of the courage, the loss, and the enduring hope that binds nations together.

It’s a place to say thank you, not just for freedoms won decades ago, but for the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice that still lights the way forward.

If you ever find yourself in northeastern France, make the time to come here. Especially on Memorial Day. You won’t forget it.

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If You Go:

• Lorraine American Cemetery is located near St. Avold, about 30 miles east of Metz.
• The cemetery is open daily except for Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Memorial Day ceremonies are usually held the last Sunday in May to accommodate American and French attendees.
• Entry is free, and visitor centers offer brochures, maps, and the chance to learn about individual Soldiers buried there.

Schloss Starkenburg: Hilltop Views, Medieval Vibes, and Wedding-Worthy Backdrops

Just above the town of Heppenheim in Germany’s wine-rich Bergstraße region sits Schloss Starkenburg, a medieval fortress that checks all the right boxes: historic, panoramic, and picturesque enough that locals bring their wedding photographers here.

We arrived on a sunny morning with no expectations, just a vague tip from someone in a café down in Heppenheim who said, “Go up the hill—trust me.” They were right.

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A Fortress with a View

Schloss Starkenburg was originally built in the 11th century, back when bishops weren’t just church leaders but full-blown regional power players. The castle served as a fortification for the Prince-Bishops of Worms, guarding the southern frontier of their territory. Over time, it evolved—part defensive stronghold, part noble residence, and now part historical treasure.

The road up is a bit steep (you can drive or take a forested walking path), but once you get there, you’ll see why it was built here. The castle towers offer commanding views of Heppenheim, the vineyard-covered hills, and on clear days, all the way across the Rhine Valley.

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Explore, Climb, and Imagine

Today, Schloss Starkenburg is partially restored, partially in romantic ruins—and entirely open to the curious traveler. There’s no ticket booth or turnstiles. You just wander in and let your imagination do the work.

Climb the tower (yes, it’s open!), peek through arrow slits, or sit in the shade of the stone courtyard where knights and nobles once walked. There's even a youth hostel located in one wing of the castle—so yes, you could technically sleep in a medieval fortress if you wanted.

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Picture-Perfect (and Perfect for Pictures)

If the ivy-covered walls, crumbling arches, and ancient stone staircases don’t make your camera twitch, just wait until golden hour. As the sun dips over the hills, the entire castle glows.

It’s no wonder local couples choose this spot for their wedding photos—the contrast of elegant gowns and ancient battlements is pure romance. We even saw a small bridal party while we were there, laughing and posing with the towers behind them. Not a bad place to start your forever.

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A Peaceful Break from the Usual

Unlike more famous castles in Germany, Schloss Starkenburg isn’t packed with tourists or overrun with selfie sticks. It’s peaceful, open, and feels like a secret, just you, the stone walls, the wind in the trees, and a view that hasn’t changed in centuries.

There’s also a small café at the site (seasonal hours), so you can grab a drink and sit under the castle’s shade while soaking it all in. Or bring a picnic, there are grassy spots and benches throughout.

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Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem in the Hills

Schloss Starkenburg might not have glittering ballrooms or guided tours, but it has something better: authenticity. It feels lived-in, storied, and still very much a part of the local community. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a quiet corner with a stunning view, this hilltop castle is a perfect stop.

And if you happen to be getting married nearby? You already know where your photos should be taken.

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If You Go:

• Location: Schloss Starkenburg is in Heppenheim, about a 45–60 minute drive from Frankfurt.
• Entry: Free! The grounds are open to the public year-round.
• Climbing the tower: Open seasonally and usually free or low-cost.
• Parking: Available nearby, with short walking paths leading to the entrance.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and lush scenery; sunset for those dreamy wedding photo vibes.

Schloss Auerbach: A Towering Medieval Gem in Germany’s Bergstrasse

Perched high above the vineyards and rolling hills of Germany’s scenic Bergstrasse sits Schloss Auerbach, a medieval castle that looks like it leapt straight from the pages of a fairy tale.

We stumbled upon it on a crisp spring morning, driving the winding roads south of Frankfurt, and even from a distance, the castle’s crumbling towers and sturdy stone walls called out to us. It's not the biggest or most famous castle in Germany, but somehow, that's exactly what makes it special.

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A Castle with Stories to Tell

Schloss Auerbach dates back to the 13th century, built by Count Diether IV of Katzenelnbogen (try saying that five times fast!) as a fortification to protect the region and no doubt to show off a little wealth and power. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded, fought over, and even partly destroyed during wars, but the bones of it have survived beautifully.

Today, it’s partly restored, partly romantic ruin, and totally open for exploration.

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Climb the Tower for Epic Views

One of the best parts about Schloss Auerbach is that it’s hands-on. You’re encouraged to climb, wander, and imagine.

The main tower is still sturdy, and after a winding stone staircase (watch your step—it’s narrow and medieval!), you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Rheinhessen and Odenwald regions. On a clear day, you can see for miles—vineyards, forests, little villages tucked into the landscape like storybook illustrations.

The wind at the top is brisk, but it somehow makes it even better, you feel a bit like a knight surveying your kingdom.

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Exploring the Ruins

Beyond the tower, there are massive defensive walls, courtyards, and hidden stairways to explore. Ancient stone archways frame the sky, and ivy spills from cracks in the walls. If you listen closely, you might even hear the echoes of medieval festivals, battles, and whispered plots.

One especially fun feature is the giant tree growing right in the middle of the inner courtyard. It’s as if nature itself decided to claim a piece of the castle for its own.

Bring good shoes—some parts of the ruins are uneven—and don’t forget your camera. The light filtering through the broken stone walls is absolutely magical.

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Food, Festivals, and Fun

At the base of the castle, there’s a cozy castle restaurant offering hearty German fare, think sausages, schnitzel, and rich stews. Perfect after a windy afternoon of climbing towers.

Schloss Auerbach also hosts medieval festivals, concerts, and even knight tournaments during the warmer months. If you can time your visit with one of these events, you’ll get a taste of living history (plus lots of great costumes and food!).

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Final Thoughts: A Perfect Castle Adventure

Schloss Auerbach isn’t polished or overly commercial. That’s what we loved about it. It’s a place where kids can pretend they’re knights, adults can soak in the history and views, and everyone can feel just a little bit closer to the past.

Whether you’re making a day trip from Frankfurt, exploring the Bergstrasse wine route, or just looking for a castle adventure that feels personal and real, Schloss Auerbach is absolutely worth the detour.

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If You Go:

• Schloss Auerbach is located in Bensheim-Auerbach, about a 45-minute drive from Frankfurt.
• The castle is open year-round; check local listings for seasonal events.
• Entry is free for the grounds; a small fee may apply for special events or guided tours.
• Wear sturdy shoes and bring layers—the wind on the hilltop can be strong even on sunny days!