Regensburg - A Winter Wonderland

Finally, we had a late morning and got to sleep in. When we did wake up, the view was one of the most beautiful winter scenes I've ever seen. Snow had fallen during the night and left a heavy coating on the trees and river bank. I've waited a long time to see snow and this scene was perfect.

Passing through several locks our water level rose as we cruised up the Danube to the Continental Divide. We arrived in Regensburg about noon and docked right at the entrance to the Old City.This Bavarian city of 150,000 was spared destruction by the bombs of WWII and is famous for it's Gothic cathedral and 900-year old stone bridge. Unlike modern bridges, this structure has never been repaired and is still a strong, reliable bridge across the Danube.

We bundled up and headed out to explore the cobblestone streets of this snow-covered Bavarian city. One interesting site was the home where Oskar Schendler rescued over 1200 Jews from being sent to Nazi death camps. Another proud son of Rgensburg is Pope Benedict XVI. My favorite spot was the Thorn and Taxis Palace whose grounds were even lovlier with their winter coat. The center courtyard had a nice, small Christmas Market where I acquired Mug #7! They had fires burning in the market and it was great to sit by them sipping Gluhwein, listening to Christmas music and watching the snow drift down.

I elected to take a leisurely walk back through town to enjoy the Christmas lights that were now on throughout the city. Our guide had told us about a famous small sausage shop right by the old bridge so I decided to stop and sample one. The wurst was grilled right on the spot and with a crusty homemade roll, sauerkraut and their special mustard, it was a special taste treat, especially since I was sitting on a bench beside the Danube River.

Following dinner tonight we had a concert of German Christmas music performed by former members
of the famous boys' choir known as the Regensburger Domspatzen.
This is our last night to cruise on the Danube. Tomorrow we arrive at our last cruise destination, Nurenburg.
Linda