After visiting Würzburg in 2021, I wrote: “The Nuremberg Residenz is too groß and grand, Bamburg Residenz too small and simple, but Würzburg Residenz is just right.” I enjoyed my visit to the city’s highlights then and I look forward to revisiting and experiencing the city once more.
Once again, Martha and I have traveled by efficient German regional trains. In spite of light, persistent rain and cold wind, we meet our connection to arrive at Würzburg’s Hbf. From there a short 10-minute walk takes us into the old city and to our lodging at the Vier Jahreszeiten.
The walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a dream come true for lovers of medieval architecture—and for anyone who ever wanted to pretend they were on castle patrol. Stretching nearly 2.5 miles, these 14th- and 15th-century fortifications wrap around the old town like a stone embrace. Over 40 towers, gates, and bastions complete the fortifications.
Rothenburg is a Bavarian village often included on river cruises. It’s located on the Tauber River, which flows into the Main River, and the Main River connects to the Danube through the Main-Danube Canal. Cruise the Main-Danube Canal and you will reach one of the finest cities in Franconia Bavaria.
Rothenburg also represents one of traveler-guru Rick Steves’ favorite places to visit. “…Germany’s best-preserved walled town…the king of medieval German cuteness. Even with crowds, overpriced souvenirs, and a nearly inedible pastry specialty… (a fried ball of pie crust called a Schneeball – “snowball”), Rothenburg is still the best.”
Good enough recommendation for me. Rothenburg attracted me with “best-preserved walled town.” So, making sure I traveled to the correct Rothenburg, the one on the Tauber, I happily added this city to my itinerary.
I fell in love with Nürnberg when I visited in 2021. I forever love a walled city with turrets and moats.
Actually, I fell in love with Nürnberg artist, Albrecht Dürer. Or maybe it was the city’s connection to the efforts of the Monuments Men after WW2. Could be the wonderful Frauekirche dominating the main square of Hauptmarkt with its gothic facade, bell tower, and functioning mechanical clock. I fondly recall that Johann Pachebel was an organist at St. Sebaldus.
Hard to decide what was best about Nürnberg. I know this city will be a wonderful repeat visit with Martha.
Regensburg proves to be a wonderful old city filled with beautiful architecture, a grand cathedral, historic plazas and cafes. The Danube weaves through the city as church bells toll from soaring towers. Boats cruise the waters passing under historic bridges. We spend our day casually cruising pedestrian streets and along the river.
Departing Munich’s Hbf, with a train leaving about every hour, we travel about an hour and a half to the city of Regensburg. We settle into a 6-person compartment to zip through green countryside intermittently broken by large solar farms.
Green Banner “Want to go” destinations.
Why Regensburg? First, it was a convenient stopping point while traveling north. My goal? To see a couple of my “Green Banner” cities. My extensively starred and “Want to Go” Google Map indicates additional places (Green Banners) I want to visit in Nuremberg and a desire to explore Rothenburg for the first time. When looking for a city of interest in their northerly direction, Regensburg caught my attention.
Using the DB Navigator App, we purchase tickets on a EuroCity train south to the lakeside resort of Prien am Chiemsee. Prien seems like stepping into a picturesque postcard with beautiful lake views with the Bavarian Alps as a backdrop. It’s not just scenery, though. Prien offers a perfect blend of nature and history in a relatively peaceful setting.
Within less than an hour, we arrive at the Prien train station. From the station, it seems the narrow-gauge, steam-powered train isn’t chugging today, so we board Bus 481 for the mile ride to the Prien/Stock Harbor. From there, we walk the short distance to our lodgings at the Garden-Hotel Reinhart.
