If there ever was a good time to spend the extra money for an optional tour, Wurzburg was the place.  As I have mentioned before, Vantage includes more tours in their river cruise price than other companies, and in Wurzburg, we could have taken an included tour that featured just Wurzburg.  Rothenburg ob er Tauber (translation: “Red fortress above the Tauber”) sounded too good to pass up, though, so we opted instead to see the well-preserved medieval town of 12,000 residents.

Located in the middle of the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany, it is well known for its beautiful old town that dates back to the late Middle Ages.

Rothenburg is also noted for its university, alma mater to 13 Nobel Prize winners.  In addition, production of fruity, dry white wine dates back 1,200 years.  The hills surrounding the town are covered with vineyards, and it is very picturesque.

For yogurt fans, the Danon Activia plant is located in Rothenburg, and 70% of the sugar in Germany is produced in the area.  Most of that sugar goes into producing Coca-Cola.

I was pleased to hear that clean energy is a priority in Rothenburg.  Wind and solar power has replaced nuclear energy, and the locks produce the water power energy to round out their clean energy production.

When our bus arrived, all we could see across the street was a massive (very OLD!) stone wall.  I couldn’t wait to see what awaited us on the other side.  All it took was one look, and it was love at first sight!  I had just laid eyes on the most beautiful medieval-period town I had ever seen.

As our guide led us around, I didn’t know which way to look first; it was all so incredibly gorgeous.  Zooming in on the details of the architecture with camera made me appreciate it even more.  I saw beauty my naked eye had missed.  As I sit here right now editing my photos in between writing, my eyes light up all over again.

Rothenburg was easily THE highlight of our journey.

Selecting which pictures to include in this post is too difficult; I want to include them all.  I no longer care if I need to purchase more space on WordPress; I’m not cutting any more corners.  It’s worth it.

My friends, strap in, because I am about to unleash dozens upon dozens of scenes of Rothenberg, as seen behind the lens of my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40.  I hope these inspire you to make the journey to the “Red fortress above the Tauber.”

This wall encircles the old town of Rothenburg.  After our walking tour, we walked 75% of the wall to take in the views from above.  Later, you will see these photos.

Circa 1555!

These stairs lead up to the wall that surrounds the old town.

The views of the town from the wall walkway was spectacular!  We walked most of the wall encircling the city before it was time to meet back up with our group.

More scenes from street level (looking up!):

As we made our way back to the town square, we spotted some passengers dining al fresco and asked if I could take a quick shot of their traditional German lunch.

Cute labels:  “Nice to sweet you!”

This gentleman was making schneeballen– strips of rolled out dough shaped into a ball and deep fried.  A plain one costs 1.50 euro, and a chocolate-covered one was 2.50 euro.

I am not a fan of deep-fried anything, but as they say, “When it Rome, do as the Romans do.”  We were in Germany, so we had to try schneeballen!  I bought a chocolate-covered one (of course!) to eat on the bus ride back, and Bruce opted for a plain one.  Other than the chocolate surrounding my schneeballen, we both agreed we could have taken a pass…

These bottles are from locally-produced wine.

This was a joyous, heart-warming scene that brought a tear to my eyes and a smile on my face!  This touring Japanese choir was hastily organized by their director for an impromptu mini-concert in the town square.  I say “impromptu,” because the singer in front (with the black t-shirt and gray jacket) had just bought an ice cream cone!  She stood there dutifully singing her heart out while the ice cream dripped down her arm.  She broke into unstoppable giggles after their song ended!  How did they sound?  Every bit as phenomenal as the choir I work for, Griffin Choral Arts.  Memorable!

After leaving Rothenburg, we returned to Wurzburg to tour Wurzburg Residenz (Prince Bishop’s Palace).  Photography wasn’t permitted inside, so the following are exterior shots:

Built 1720-1744, Residenz is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites.  It is considered one of Europe’s greatest palaces.

Back at the River Voyager in Wurzburg, these are scenes photographed from the top deck looking across the river:

Wurzburg, in the Bavaria region of Germany, is known for lavis baroque and rococo architecture.  The city is located in the center of the Franconian wine country, and it is surrounded by vineyards.

Reflection

An incredible day we will never forget!

Next up:  Marktheidenfeld