A historic walled city in northern Bavaria. This is one of the most picturesque places we have ever been
The Criminal Museum was unsettling. Those medieval Germans really knew how to torture people. The ranges of punishments and execution methods were disturbing
Alison and Matt were here to go to a wedding and we tagged along. The newlyweds were nice enough to invite us all to the reception. The Macarena was still a dance craze
Bamberg is another pretty city in northern Bavaria sitting on the Regnitz river. We stayed in a "Brewery Hotel" which we thought would have direct access to the kegs, but instead was merely associated with one of the many Bamberg breweries.
We asked at the hotel front desk if the brewery gave tours, and the receptionist seemed a little taken aback as if this was something strange. She told us they didn't offer tours but if we showed up somebody might be able to show us around. The Brew Master himself gave us a tour with the help of an interpreter
We took a tour boat along the canal which started out with scenic views of the city, but soon gave way to an industrial area where the guide (in German) gave us hours of facts about the quantites and types of products shipped out of Bamberg
Rose garden at the New Residenz
This was the palace of the Prince-Bishop, a Baroque masterpiece
Bamberg Cathedral
We took a day trip to Wurzburg known for 'lavish baroque and rococo architecture'. The Old Main bridge crosses the Main river and features statues of saints.
Wurzburg Residence, a Baroque/Rococo gem in the German style
We took a day trip to Heidelberg on our way to our final destination. The ruins of Heidelberg castle is a very prominent feature rising over the city. It was destroyed in the 1600s but is still very impressive. The view from the ruins was also very impressive.
From our final stop in Wiesbaden we took a day trip to the wine region. The town of Rudesheim am Rhein (on the Rhein) is known for Riesling. From the river we took a cable car up the slopes over vineyards to the Niederwald monument. A vision of Germania erected to celebrate the unification of Germany built in the late 1800s.
Siegfried's Mechanical Music Machines was fun but loud. Many self playing insturments from simple player pianos to ones with a full orchestra.
Since we were in the Rhein valley of course we had to try the local Riesling in the 'wine alley' a narrow Rudesheim street full of wine shops and beer gardens
We had a full day in Wiesbaden before flying out the next morning. We went up the Neroberg hill which offers a great view over the city as well as the dome the Russian Orthodox church. The rest of the day we just wandered around the city enjoying the Neoclassical architecture
