Ein Trip nach Marchenghast

For decades, the old Castle Marchenghast had been closed to the public. Now, an investor group had turned it into a theme park that had opened only recently.

Gillian: “Castle Marchenghast has reopened. It’s a reality theme park now. Want to go check it out?”

Jamie: “Great idea. Are we staying overnight in the castle? I’m only asking so I know whether to pack a proper nightgown… or pajamas.”

I booked tickets and an overnight stay by phone. Since horses were welcome at Marchenghast, we rode there via Golden Hills.

Gillian: “So this is it… it’s huge! Let’s keep riding, I’m so excited.”

Jamie: “It’s very impressive. You can get so close to the castle now.”

It truly was breathtaking. This enormous castle — mysterious and beautiful at the same time. It felt like a journey back in time. People were dressed in clothing from another era and behaved accordingly. The park operators had created a perfectly coherent concept. We were incredibly curious about what awaited us. We found a stall selling dragons. Jamie had to take a closer look immediately.

Gillian: “Unbelievable… dragons! Better don’t get too close.”

Jamie: [thought bubble] “There are no dragons, Jamie. But this thing is alive. How did they even do that?”

There was also a horse market.

Gillian: “What kind of strange horses are these? They look like dragons. That’s fake… right?”

Jamie: “The sign says they’re called Fenddraken. Dragon horses. They were used to protect Castle Marchenghast. A very strange breed.”

In an inner courtyard, there was a show-jumping course the guests could try out. Of course, Jamie didn’t miss that opportunity. Epico flew over the obstacles.

Gillian: “Yeah! Amazing, Jamie! You’re the show-jumping king of Marchenghast!”

Jamie: “If I had one of those dragon horses, you’d have to call me the jumping king and savior of Marchenghast.”

We had already explored a large part of Castle Marchenghast. It was fantastic and had exceeded all our expectations. Slowly, we grew tired and wanted to find our accommodation — but couldn’t find it anywhere. The grounds were enormous, so we asked for help. Jamie approached a uniformed lady riding a dragon horse.

Jamie: “My lady, could you tell us where the guest rooms are?”

The lady: “You’ll have to speak to Ernst, our blacksmith, my lord.”

Gillian: [thought bubble] “Why the blacksmith? Does he have to break open the door lock first?”

So we went to the forge.

Ernst: “There are no rooms in the castle. Your room is in the Veiled Village — and whoever wants to go there must first forge a lance with me.”

Gillian: “Forge a lance?! But you’re the blacksmith.”

Jamie: “You’re not serious, Ernst. No? Just kidding… alright then, let’s forge lances.”

When we arrived in the Veiled Village, we were sent to a strange one-room tower building. Standing in front of the door, we were a bit shocked.

Jamie: “And you’re sure we’re sleeping in there?! Then I’m sleeping fully dressed!”

Gillian: “I booked all of this by phone — and the woman over there did say this was our room…”