Bamberg – Nurembourg

Today's Route

Jon was up at 8am this morning (unprecendented) and out on his bike to town to get some Euros and breakfast. He did well – he came back with the money, croissants and raisin bread for 4 and an idea of where we could park the van in town! Marvellous.

We had to take a trip into Bamburg. The Rough Guide reckons it to be one of the most beautiful towns in the world!! How can you not go and see that? And how can it possibly live up to that sort of build up?

We walked through the newish bit of town and out towards the older bit – with the impressive looking houses, an amazing bridge and all manner of churches and that sort of thing.

It was really very attractive looking place, although I think that Ceske Krumlov was nicer looking – well, if it hadn't been for the tourists it would have been. I was out voted though – the other 3 reckoned it was up there in the most lovely looking towns in the world that they had visited, so who was I to argue?

Certainly it's worth a visit if you happen to be passing.

The other thing that was mentioned about the town in the guide book was one of it's beers. Like a lot of the surrounding areas, Bamburg is a brewing town (as well as other things) and produces a particular ale called Rauchbeir – basically, smoked beer! It certainly was an interesting tasting brew – Jon liked it though, I was back on afternoon driving duties :)

The afternoon saw us mainly just driving down the motorway to Nuremburg airport. Did you even know there was an airport there? No, me neither – but there is, and we found it – despite the torrential rain - and safely deposited Tom & Tish there for their flight home. It was nice to see them – thanks for coming guys – and big thanks to Tish for not only bringing me the requested copy of Heat magazine, but also OK and Grazia! Fab. She can come again :)

After that we headed into Nuremberg itself – looking out for a campsite that was in the book and sounded quite nice. After a bit of messing about we did find the site – and it is nice, owned by Knaus which is interesting (they make caravans) but in the woods, very close to the main sites of interest in Nuremberg which are the buildings and general location of the massive Nazi rallies. Once we had set up the van we hopped on our bikes for a scout around.

At the end of the massive road where we had turned off for the campsite was the incredible Congresshall, which we plan to visit tomorrow, and then around the lake from there was the Zepplin Field and incredible 'stage' where Hitler used to stand and give his speeches at these huge rallies.

Jon took a picture of me on the plinth – you can only just about make me out – that's how big this place was! Incredible.

After that, checking out the lie of the land (great place, fantastic cycle/walking paths chock full of walkers and roller bladers and cyclists) when we got back to the van I decided to go for a 30 minute run to try and perk myself up a bit. The last 4 days of visitors & lots of beer seem to have taken their toll!

The run worked!

After that though – an early night. Lovely.