Bavaria, Germany
2018-09-08
Work no.49
Bavaria, Germany
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This is it - the moment we have been waiting for - BAVARIA. Along Southeastern Germany there are a string of small Bavarian villages that jumped right off the postcard. Dinkelsbuhl, Rothenburg, Bad Mergentheim and BAMBERG! These are the destinations we've been dreaming of since we first heard about them. Home of das original Rauchbier, "smoked beer".
Dinkelsbuhl
The highway leading North out of Munich was bordered by several hops and barley farms. The hops were climbing the wires reaching over 10 feet tall as far as we could see. Our first stop was Dinkelsbuhl, a town that dates back to the Roman Empire. The church was built in the 11th century and most of the buildings in the center of town are 13th or 14th century exposed wooden beam timber tudor. Words can not explain the beauty we found in this town. We drove our car through the city gate which was once part of the fortified city wall, and we found a parking space one block from the cathedral. We walked along the cobble streets and tried a few beers while sitting at sidewalk cafes. HB is by far the main offering across Germany. We had a Spatan but not one IPA was to be found anywhere. The town was in such perfect condition it felt more like we were in EPCOT. Every invading force since the 30 year war in 1618 through WWII admired the beauty so much they always spared the town from destruction. To this day a 10 day celebration over July commemorates the staying power of such a beautiful lucky little town.
Rothenburg
About one hour down the country lane from Dinkelsbuhl we arrived at Rothenburg. As we got close we pulled over on a hillside and took a few pictures of this ancient kingdom.
Bad Mergentheim
Bad Mergentheim is a small village surrounded by a more modern neighborhood town. It's origins date back to 1058 and the castle was constructed in 1219. At the center is the cobblestone main square surrounded by 15th century exposed beam buildings and the cathedral. We lucked into a parking space right on the main square. Don't bet on being able to do that during Oktoberfest. We sat outside at a cafe in the main square and enjoyed the night air and a dunkle (dark) beer. Those German purity laws don't allow for much creativity or range in the beers but they do guarantee consistent reliability. A cold beer in a tall glass while sitting in a Bavarian square - what could be better? After all, if you've read any of my other reviews, you've heard me say the venue and atmosphere are 50% of what makes a good beer experience.
Another claim to fame for the town, in 1826 Franz Gehring discovered natural springs in the area of Mergentheim which became the first natural healing spa in Europe. The first bottled spring water also came from this region.
Bamberg