Bamberg, Germany

By Glen Bruels
This is part of a series called Viking Grand European Tour
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We have been cruising up the Danube some days now, but water levels became too low, so we had to leave our boat in Regensburg and bus up to catch another boat in Bamberg. This marks our entrance to the Main River. Bamberg itself is lovely. It’s complete old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly thanks to the fact that the Allies largely left this area alone during WWII. It’s one of the largest cities in Franconia (part of Bavaria) and it is laid out across seven hills (much like Rome). The architecture is lovely and cuts across multiple styles. Bamberg is known for its beer (especially Rauchbier — “smoke beer,” made by cooking the malt over open fires. It actually tastes like bacon!). The local cathedral can boast having a pope (Clement II) and a Holy Roman Emperor and Empress (Henry II and Cunigunde of Luxembourg — more on them later) buried there. We had a very pleasant visit here and are now heading north again.

As you walk into the Old City, you come upon their open air market. This week they are having a Blues and Jazz Fest there.
As you walk into the Old City, you come upon their open air market. This week they are having a Blues and Jazz Fest there.
Lots of fruit and veg can be found there.
Lots of fruit and veg can be found there.
This is a bit odd. The centerpiece of the market area is a statue of Trident. Why would you have a statue of Trident so far from the sea?? Nobody seems to know. In any regard, if you ask directions to Trident, people will look at you funny. Here he is known as "Fork Man!"
This is a bit odd. The centerpiece of the market area is a statue of Trident. Why would you have a statue of Trident so far from the sea?? Nobody seems to know. In any regard, if you ask directions to Trident, people will look at you funny. Here he is known as “Fork Man!”
Lots of beautiful alleyways -- and combat bicyclists. They will run you down!
Lots of beautiful alleyways — and combat bicyclists. They will run you down!
A view of the Old City Hall, dating back from the late 1300s. The frescoes are truly beautiful.
A view of the Old City Hall, dating back from the late 1300s. The frescoes are truly beautiful.
Here is a statue of St. Cunigunde, over the Regnitz River.
Here is a statue of St. Cunigunde, over the Regnitz River.
Some people call Bamberg the "Venice of Germany." Venice should start licensing their name -- we have been to so many "Venice's of," it's getting ridiculous. IN any regard, this is a very fashionable district today, but in the past, housed fishermen, and the building on the right was the slaughterhouse.
Some people call Bamberg the “Venice of Germany.” Venice should start licensing their name — we have been to so many “Venice’s of,” it’s getting ridiculous. IN any regard, this is a very fashionable district today, but in the past, housed fishermen, and the building on the right was the slaughterhouse.
The front of the oldest brewery in the area. The original owner is in the middle and there are some interesting theories about why he is squatting that way. BTW, the symbol on the left is not a Star of David. In fact, it is the Brewmeister's creed/seal -- a six pointed star made up of two triangles, representing fire, water, air, and earth that come together to create beer.
The front of the oldest brewery in the area. The original owner is in the middle and there are some interesting theories about why he is squatting that way. BTW, the symbol on the left is not a Star of David. In fact, it is the Brewmeister’s creed/seal — a six pointed star made up of two triangles, representing fire, water, air, and earth that come together to create beer.
This is the front of the brewery. We decided to go in and try a sample of the smoke beer, even though it was only 10:30 am
This is the front of the brewery. We decided to go in and try a sample of the smoke beer, even though it was only 10:30 am
Yum! Tastes like bacon!
Yum! Tastes like bacon!
They weren't big on numbering back in the day. Many houses used symbols as directions. Okay, so why a lobster so far from the sea? Who knows? It probably has to do with Triton!
They weren’t big on numbering back in the day. Many houses used symbols as directions. Okay, so why a lobster so far from the sea? Who knows? It probably has to do with Triton!
The cathedral.
The cathedral.
Here is the tomb of Sts. Henry and Cunigunde. Apparently, Cunigunde was quite political. She was shrewd in who she chose to marry. Henry was was an up-and-comer -- initially he was the Duke of Bavaria, then the King of Germany, and finally the Holy Roman Emperor. When he wasn't around, she was empowered to call the shots. The more interesting point was how they were canonized. Remember that there has to be evidence of miracles to achieve this status. For Henry, he survived surgery to remove gall stones (at the time, that probably was a miracle!). Cunigunde's path was a bit more thorny -- she had been accused of adultery and, to prove her innocence and saintliness, she walked across flaming irons with no injury!
Here is the tomb of Sts. Henry and Cunigunde. Apparently, Cunigunde was quite political. She was shrewd in who she chose to marry. Henry was was an up-and-comer — initially he was the Duke of Bavaria, then the King of Germany, and finally the Holy Roman Emperor. When he wasn’t around, she was empowered to call the shots. The more interesting point was how they were canonized. Remember that there has to be evidence of miracles to achieve this status. For Henry, he survived surgery to remove gall stones (at the time, that probably was a miracle!). Cunigunde’s path was a bit more thorny — she had been accused of adultery and, to prove her innocence and saintliness, she walked across flaming irons with no injury!
This is the Old Palace. It is a beautiful facade and was actually in the last movie iteration of The Three Musketeers in 2011. Nice set drop, but the movie was a real snoozer.
This is the Old Palace. It is a beautiful facade and was actually in the last movie iteration of The Three Musketeers in 2011. Nice set drop, but the movie was a real snoozer.
The rose garden.
The rose garden.
... with really great views of the former Michaelsberg Abbey -- now a museum and Italian restaurant...
… with really great views of the former Michaelsberg Abbey — now a museum and Italian restaurant…
... and downtown.
… and downtown.
Another view of the Old City Hall (Rathaus)
Another view of the Old City Hall (Rathaus)
Clowning around in Bamberg!
Clowning around in Bamberg!
The River Regnitz. It flows through the Old City and has a kayaking slalom course.
The River Regnitz. It flows through the Old City and has a kayaking slalom course.
Returning to our new boat -- the Modi. You might notice that all the upper railings, lounges, etc. are gone. We are getting ready to go under some really low bridges! Even the pilot house lowers and the captain just has his head above deck!
Returning to our new boat — the Modi. You might notice that all the upper railings, lounges, etc. are gone. We are getting ready to go under some really low bridges! Even the pilot house lowers and the captain just has his head above deck!

 

This entry was posted in Cruising, Germany, Travel
Glen Bruels

I am a traveler and sometimes clay sculptor, following a long career working in consulting. My work allowed me to travel the world extensively and I was hooked. Today, I travel with my wife/best friend to explore new places, meet new people, and learn new things.

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