Bamberg

Bamberg was listed as a cruising day as we were dropped off at 9:30am took a 4-hour tour of the town and then joined the ship upriver at the next lock.

Bamberg was founded in 902 and under Henry II of the Holy Roman Empire and his wife, Cunigunde it was greatly expanded and for a while was the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. It expanded greatly in the 12th and 13th centuries.

One of the disputes that arose was where to build the town hall (Rathaus). The Prince Bishop refused to donate any of the land for it, so the city fathers built it on a rock outcropping in the middle of the river.

There were lots of buildings dating back 7-900 yeas ago. With narrow winding streets with lots of pedestrian only access. Our guide was from Belarus, came to Germany to study at the University in Bamberg several years ago,

One drawback on it being Good Friday was that aside from some bars and restaurants and an occasional souvenir shop everything else was closed. We broke for an hour of free time at 11:15 so Kate and I walked back to the souvenir shop which was across the street from Schlenkerla while Kate shopped, I got to try some Smoked Beer or Rauchbier.

The Rauchbier had a very distinctive taste, not too unpleasant (although Kate would disagree). They recommend getting three samples to be sure but I think I will pass.

After the beer we walked back to the pick-up point and got back on the bus for a half hour or so ride to the next set of locks where we got back on board.