Our first German train ride adventure was to Bamberg and our second was to Würzberg. The cities are both about half an hour away but in different directions. I have concluded that Bamberg has more immediate charm but Würzberg is larger and has more to offer overall. It also became obvious that Bamberg is where you go for beer, especially smoked beer, and Würzberg is the destination for wine. I felt very smart after coming up with that alliterative connection. Of course, I prefer wine so I see lots of trips to Würzberg in my future– which brings me to my first delightful thing.
- Having wine on the Alte Mainbrucke.
Mr. Meena and I usually avoid the ridiculously tourist-filled spots when we visit a city, but this was one venue that I just couldn’t pass by. If you walk towards the Old Main Bridge from the direction of the Marktplatz or the Town Hall, then the wine bar will be on the right as you walk onto the bridge. You probably won’t be able to miss it because of the long line. My wine was €3.50 and the glass was €5, which is a deposit that you get back when you return the wine glass. I decided to keep my glass because it’s gorgeous with the rendering of the bridge on it and because I don’t have one here (the horror!). I carried that thing all over the city and on the train home to safety in my cabinet.
When I was researching Würzberg I read this description about the spot on Travel Addicts, “On a fine summer day, locals will purchase a glass of wine from the bar and stand on the bridge taking in views…”, which I think paints a nice, romantic scene. Let me tell you what we experienced, “On a cold winter evening, gobs of tourists will block any effort of walking on the bridge and leave several empty wine bottles on the sidewalks”.
Even so, we had a great time. The bridge does have a great view and we even got to watch a large boat go through the lock system as we waited. It was lovely.
- Finding the Capri Blaue Grotte Italian Restaurant. Update: Sadly, this restaurant closed in June 2016.
We had to wander around for a bit but it was so worth it! I read on Wikipedia that the place is the oldest pizzeria in Germany and their website confirms that it opened in 1952.
I’m never sure if German restaurants are open or not. They are definitely not as inviting as American restaurants.
This is a lovely area outside with a fountain that I’m sure is used in nicer weather.
I was so enthralled with the Christmas decorations here. The whole interior was breathtaking to me.
We had the Pizza Caprese, which was made fresh by the waitress as we watched from our table. It might have been the best pizza I’ve ever had; and that’s saying a lot because it had anchovies on it. Mr. Meena had a Würzberger Hofbräu beer (which was almost cheaper than my water – I’m still not used to that) and he liked it so much he’s drinking it at home now. I was also pleased that it was open on Sunday for lunch since so many places over here close on Sundays. I can’t wait to go back!
- The vineyards on the steep hills going up to the Marienberg Fortress.
I feel for the workers when it’s time to harvest those grapes.
The Fortress is very intimidating to look at and you get to see it from many different angles as you tour Würzberg. The massive walls you see are surrounding the Marienberg castle and church. We didn’t make it there on our first trip but it’s on the top of our list for the next one.
They’re just perfect. There’s even a Fortress Wine Trail, although I haven’t been able to find any information about where the entrance is (yet).
If I was in a fortress and surrounded by something, I wouldn’t mind being surrounded by vineyards.
- This lovely hidden park.
We were finishing up our day when we found a strange looking diversion from the main path. We ended up in this small, private park with a fountain, flowers, and paths underneath the bridge. Little things like this are what make me fall in love with a city.
After looking on Google Maps it doesn’t appear that the park has a name, but it’s located just after the Sparkasse bank at Mergentheimer Str. 4 in case you want to check it out.
- The Royal Residenz and Court Gardens.
How can something that is a UNESCO World Heritage site not be delightful? Mr. Meena really enjoyed the numerous intricate statues while I enjoyed the large and expansive garden area.
These geometric hedges made me so happy.
And I found my favorite tree on the grounds! This fan shaped leaf is from the Ginkgo tree (also called maidenhair tree). It was the first time I saw one in Europe. I always loved these when I took horticulture classes in college because they were so unusual (read: easy to identify).
- The Käppele Church.
Okay, so this is just a teaser because I loved this church SO MUCH that I’ve decided it deserves its own post. That’s right. I’m going to make you wait for it.
This is the trail. Everything about this destination was beautiful. Don’t you just want to go there right now? Me too!
We only spent a couple of hours there before the sun set way too early and we still managed to enjoy some really beautiful sites. I can only imagine what delightful things we’ll see next time. On this trip we also saw some strange sights, so be sure to check back because I’ll be posting about that soon!
