The river cruise ship I am momentarily on visited a small SPA town in Bavaria with the name Riedenburg. Located in the Altmühl- Valley it is a place right out of a fairytale. On a quiet early morning or evening you may be in luck and you can spot a beaver munching on some tree brunches at river banks. 

High above the town towers the fully restored castle - The Rosenburg. It was built in the 12th century and is open for public. On the compound of castle ground is a falconer station. Daily at 11:00 A.M. & 3:00 P.M. show with a large variaty of Birds of Prey takes place. You as a visitor will be part of this show, as the birds will fly by or right over your head. You will see and experienceEagles, Vultures & Kites.

The afternoon was dedicated to Art Architecture & the art of brewing beer.

The KUCHLBAUER Brewery in Abensberg. We enjoyed a wonderfully guided tour through the brewery & we dove into the secrets of how to make a great beer & we learned how the world famous

painter Hundertwasser got involved. Join us…. & CHEERS oder PROST.  

The LIBERATION HALL Kelheim

Another gem of German history and Bavarian beauty is Kelheim and its landmark - The Liberation Hall. After a leisure stroll through the little lanes and alleys with an outstanding true Bavarian guide, who told us wonderful ” once upon a time”- stories about the history of beer & the noble family of Wittelsbach we were ready for more.

The Liberation Hall is defiantly a must see. Up there the view point towards the Danube George is very impressive.

As one highlight goes the next one is just waiting for us. It is Nuremberg one of Germanys famous city throughout the centuries. A city of emperors and the birth place of Albrecht Dürer.

Also the oldest Christmas market takes place here.

Our cruise went on. We continued on Europe‘s highest waterway the MAIN- DANUBE-CANAL.

&

Bamberg the in- official capital city of beer. Whenever you come to visit this place- don’t miss The Smoked Beer.

Meanwhile we are on the river Main. Tranquility and relaxation are now in charge. There is no stress, as the time goes with flow of the river - very, very slow. Every turn on this meandering river opens another beautiful view into medieval villages and small towns with lovely restored half- timbered houses.

Truly gemstones are Aschaffenburg & Würzburg on our journey towards the river Rhine. For those of you who need the sensation of being one with the nature, see the grey heron. This bird was sooo close and took off just the moment you could literally touch it.

At Mainz we are reaching the confluence of Main & Rhine. The city of Mainz is located on the left bank for the river Rhine. From here a revolution for the distribution of information in Europe started.

The printing with moveable letters was invented here by Johannes Gutenberg.

A cruise to the Danube Delta

It’s been a while since I had time to post some new images and thoughts. At the moment I am on a river cruise ship sailing from Passau to the Danube Delta and back. Wonderful destinations are located along the way like a string of pearls. On this journey you’re traveling back to the further & towards the past too.

Our first stop was Vienna. The Capital city of Austria and a place were words such as “most”  & “beautiful” or ” breathtaking” used in every sentence. It is indeed a city which truly deserves to be described in superlative. It served a the capital city for an empire which shaped the history not just of Europe, but also of classic music. Vienna became famous for the Wiener Walzer - the Viennese Waltz from the Strauss- brothers or the genius of Mozart. Or Sacher Cake and Café house culture and most certainly not to forget the above the plate protruding “Viennese Schnitzel”. 

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and unique architecture. Often referred to as “Little Paris” in the early 20th century, Bucharest boasts a blend of classical and modern influences that reflect its evolution over the years.

Historically, Bucharest emerged as a significant trade and cultural center. Its strategic location at the crossroads of various routes contributed to its growth, especially during the reign of Prince Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula legend. The city showcases a mix of architectural styles, from neoclassical buildings like the Romanian Athenaeum to the imposing Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. 

If you visit a country you have to taste it too, so Romanian cuisine is also known for its rich soups, such as ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup) and ciorbă de perişoare (meatball soup), which are typically sour and packed with flavor. Overall, Romanian cuisine reflects a warm hospitality and a connection to the earth, making it a truly comforting and memorable dining experience.One of the most popular traditional dishes is mămăligă, a creamy cornmeal porridge similar to polenta, often served as a side dish. Another classic is sarmale, which are cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices, usually cooked in a savoury tomato sauce.

Welcome to the Danube Delta, nature’s answer to a wacky water park where the slides are made of reeds, and the lazy rivers are filled with more wildlife than a nature documentary! This UNESCO World Heritage site is Europe’s second-largest delta and boasts over 300 species of birds—so good luck staying quiet during your morning coffee! It’s where the Danube River takes a leisurely detour, branching out into a labyrinth of channels, lakes, and marshes, making it a paradise for anyone who loves the great outdoors… or just wants to perfect their duck call. Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the Danube Delta has something for everyone—just watch out for the mosquitoes, who might be more interested in you than the birds!