Timber-frame (half-timbered) houses: Idstein, Germany

Idstein, Germany — Timber-frame or “half-timbered” buildings dating from about 1600 at König-Adolf-Platz (“King Adolf Place”).

At left is the Gasthaus zur Pfeif, a cozy restaurant and pub. The house was built in 1615 and originally housed a leather tannery.

At center-right is the Taunushof Idstein, a restaurant and small hotel with country-style rooms. It was built in 1607.

Because of its well-preserved, historic Altstadt, Idstein is part of the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (“German Timber-Frame Road“), which connects towns with fine timber-frame buildings and houses.