Ozbrecht 2017 - Europe's Rhine & Danube Rivers
Regensburg, Germany
Day 12 - July 4
The Danube countryside. Yes, we are now on the Danube. Overnight, we completed the Main Canal lock system and entered the Danube River. It is Europe’s second longest river (Volga), emptying into the Black Sea. It flows through 10 countries - more than any other in the world.
It’s morning - we arrived at our next stop, Regensburg, in the afternoon. Dawn, our Modi Program Director, gave us a brief talk on the life and music of Mozart. I love Mozart, and haven’t listened to his music in a long time - I will when I get home - thanks, Dawn!
Now that’s a cliff-side manor…
Friendly neighbors waving “hi.” Can I have this backyard?
Regensburg panorama.
Regensburg is the 4th largest city in Bavaria (Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg). It is the capital of the region of Bavaria known as Upper Palatinate. It’s a wonderful example of medieval life and architecture.
In World War II, although Regensburg held an aircraft factory and oil refinery (both of which were bombed by the Allies), the city itself suffered little damage, and so is well-preserved.
Regensburg and the Danube
Steinerne Brücke, or Stone Bridge, which crosses the Danube
The Danube breaks up into three parts as it courses through Regensburg. This is the “little” part
I just loved these street musicians
The Stone Bridge Tower, on the city side of the bridge
Lots of tall, skinny towers in Regenburg
See?
Love the colors and patterns
The Goliath Hotel
Self - infliction?
Narrow; my Prius wouldn’t fit
St. Peter’s Cathedral. A marvelous example of Gothic architecture
Smaller church
This tall tower is interesting. It’s one of the oldest structures in town. What’s it used for now? It’s a dorm for university students. There is only one bathroom, on the bottom floor. Only a young person could live on the top floor…
Germany is a country known for its cuckoo clocks; Regensburg especially so. We were given a presentation of cuckoo clocks at this store. These clocks are made by many regional artisans
Wurstkuche, or Sausage Kitchen, a famous German sausage house
[Internet picture]
Wurstkuche - let’s have lunch!
Regensburg in the evening
The Modi - a small lounge area in the center of the ship. Our room was on this floor, as well as the main lounge. The Sun Deck was one floor up; the lobby and dining area one deck below
It was the 4th of July and our amazing Viking Modi crew had a celebration for us Americans! On July 1, they had done the same for the Canadians!
Our evening onboard entertainment was called “From the Danube to the Adriatic Sea.” These are local Nuremberg and Regensburg musicians performing works from Mozart, Lehar and others - composers that call the Danube their home
Well, they called for audience participation, and Kathy helped lead us all in a rousing rendition of Edleweiss. For those of you who know Kathy well and are wondering - no, she did not volunteer
Day 12 - July 4
Regensburg, Germany
When we awoke, we were at the very eastern end of the Main Canal, and watched as we entered the Danube. You know the famous waltz, The Blue Danube? Well, the Danube is not blue; it’s green. Once more, a morning on the ship as we made our way to our next stop, Regensburg. The Danube countryside (we were still in Bavaria) was magnificent – rolling hills, vineyards, cute little homes and farms.
To set the tone, Dawn gave us a presentation on the life and music of Mozart. It’s been awhile – I need to add some Mozart to my playlist!
Regensburg – it is the 4th largest city in Bavaria, and the capital of the region called Upper Palatinate. The city center escaped damage from World War II, and is one of the most beautifully-preserved medieval towns in Europe, including the Roman gates built in 179 AD.
Our walking tour took us across the Steinerne Brücke, or Stone Bridge, which crosses the Danube. Built in the 1200s, it is a masterwork of the medieval period. We walked through narrow lanes with many tall, skinny buildings and half-timbered gable houses.
St. Peter’s Cathedral (still not my favorite, but close) is a wonderful example of 8th century Gothic architecture. It is a tall cathedral; the twin towers are 350 feet high, and can be seen throughout the town. On the exterior, it has many statues representing biblical themes. The interior is filled with sculptures depicting Peter, Paul, the Virgin Mary and the famous Smiling Angel. The most famous Regensburger is Pope Benedict XVI, who was pope from 2005 to 2013 and resigned for health reasons.
Our free time took us to a cuckoo clock store, where we were given a history lesson in the Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Across the street and we are at Wurstküche, or Sausage Kitchen, world famous for its German sausages. Delicious!
Back on the Modi – it’s the 4th of July, and the crew made a large American flag cake! After dinner, we were entertained by Nuremberg and Regensburg musicians with Mozart and other composers who make the Danube their home. Kathy was called up to join the group in leading all the travelers in singing Edelweiss. Well, Sound of Music is her favorite movie!