Bamberg Germany

September 10, 2012

 

The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal begins near Bamberg. With the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, uninterrupted water transport was again made possible between the North Sea and the Black Sea.

Walking tour again! Bamberg prides itself with being on seven hills, as it symbolizes similarity to Rome. One of the hills, Cathedral Hill, houses the tombs of emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II. We strolled through town and saw the Old Town Hall which is built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River accessible by 2 bridges.

Town Hall View 2
Town Hall View 1
Town Hall View 2
Town Hall View 2

We visited the Neue Residence or New Palace where the bishops after the 17th century have lived.  We ended the afternoon in the magnificent Rose Garden having wine and beer, Rauchbier (a smokey, bacon tasting beer).  The garden provided excellent views of the city.

View from the Rose Garden
View from the Rose Garden
The local bacon flavored beer.
The local bacon flavored beer.
Art in the Cathedral.
Art in the Cathedral.
Town Square
Town Square
Tombs.
Tombs.

 

Late this evening we leave the Rhine and traverse the boat to the Main Danube canal…..these canals are many and varied.  Some are over a hundred years Old and some are relatively new.  Some were created to move goods because it was cheaper than driving miles yet time has found that these rivers and canals are used regularly by tourist more that for moving goods. Most of the route there are bike paths and roads on the side of the canal. Some canals so narrow we barely fit and others hold multiple boats docked side busy side. You can rise up or down 3 feet or 80 feet depending on where you are in the canal system.

Traversing an eighty foot deep  canal at night!
Traversing an eighty foot deep canal at night!

 

Würzburg and Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Germany

September 9, 2012

We really enjoyed the long sail morning….the scenery on the river is just majestic and the sailing so peaceful. We will have at journeys end traversed a series of 68 locks and canals which depending on other river  traffic means that one gets there when the river allows.  Here in Würzberg, the Würzberg Residence dominates the hillside and offers wine tastings.

Würzberg Residence
Würzberg Residence

 

However, we opt for a short bus ride to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg  or the “Red Fortress above the Tauber”. Here we walked and shopped the entire city on the ground and in the air by climbing to the top of the city walls and taking the catwalk around.  The city which has around 3000 residents was hosting one of their medieval festivals so everyone was dressed in costume. While we were each given 15 Euros for lunch we found a local place and had the most delicious meal for 5 Euros each!  Rothenburg has a wonderful Christmas Museum and shop where one could spend hours!

Beautiful brass and gold signs adorn the shops.
Beautiful brass and gold signs adorn the shops.
Quaint streets!
Quaint streets!
Grape vines growing on the side of a building.
Grape vines growing on the side of a building.
Town Hall
Town Hall
Town Square
Town Square
Cranking the Pipe Organ
Cranking the Pipe Organ
Renaissance Camp
Renaissance Camp
Renaissance Festival Characcters
Renaissance Festival Characters

 

 

Heidelberg and Frankfurt, Germany

September 7, 2012

Here we took a short bus ride from Frankfurt to Heidelberg to visit the 15th century Heidelberg castle, an imposing Gothic Renaissance ruin of red stone. It is a massive castle. Heidelberg also houses the oldest college in Germany, Heidelberg University. While at the castle we rode the first of many funiculars down the side of the mountain into the cobblestone pedestrian down town.  We ate at a local restaurant having the traditional pork and sauerkraut meal at Hotel Georg zum Ritter dating back to 1592 before returning to Frankfurt.

Walls of Heidelburg Castle
Walls of Heidelburg Castle
Heidelburg Castle
Heidelburg Castle

 

Wine Cask in the Castle
Wine Cask in the Castle

 

Funicular down to town.
Funicular down to town.

 

Town Center
Town Center

 

River Cruise 2012 f 316

Then after dinner since we were having a late sail, we strolled into Frankfurt and partook of the local scenery and beer.

Frankfurt Town Center
Frankfurt Town Center
Town Clock
Town Clock

 

The river at Frankfurt at night.
The river at Frankfurt at night.

 

Wertheim Germany

September8, 2012

Burg Wertheim

Wertheim is a small walk able city of old cobblestone streets; a step back in time. We sailed all morning admiring the river scenery and then had a glassblower jump abroad at one of the canals.  He treated us to a glass blowing demonstration and invited us to see his wares when we arrived later in the day in the town. But before strolling the town we hiked up to the ruins of Burg Wertheim (castle) and the major landmark of the area.  Wertheim has a medieval town center with half-timbered houses, small streets and lots of little outdoor cafes.  A great place to drink a cold beer after hiking up to the Burg.

River Cruise 2012 e 008
Coming round the Burg!
River Cruise 2012 e 011
River from the top of the Burg.
River Cruise 2012 b 014
Inside the Burg.
River Cruise 2012 e 028 2
Time for a beer!