Coburg / Bamberg

We left Hohenfelden on a damp drizzly day for the drive to Coburg. This would have been a very pleasant and picturesque drive if the weather conditions had been more favourable. Sadly, this was not the case and we had to endure thick mist with very poor visibility as we climbed higher and higher. And then like magic the mist cleared and the sun came out and we were treated to some lovely views and pretty villages on our last leg to Coburg.

We parked on the Stellplatz (this one was free but no facilities) but it was in the centre of the town and very handy. Now for all you history buffs (I know how much you enjoy these lessons) - Coburg is the birth place of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, husband of Queen Victoria and his presence is everywhere. After his death Queen Victoria commissioned this statue of him which is situated in the main square. Everywhere you go in this part of Germany there is amazing architecture and well preserved buildings. A visit to the tourist office to get information on all the local attractions and a quick wander around the town to plan the following day left us needing refreshment - so we decided to rest awhile in the sun to continue our research into local beers!

Back at the van we saw a motor home coming in with a GB sticker - bit of a novelty in these parts. Turned out to be a band of musicians from The Borders called 'Real Time' They were in Glenfinnan only 2 weeks previous visiting friends and were now on tour doing various gigs. A small world indeed.

The next day promised to be busy so we retired for an early night but were soon rudely woken by a lengthy thunderstorm with lots of lightening and torrential rain. It's all happening!

The following morning the rain had cleared and so we set off to explore Coburg. We climbed up to the castle on the hill 'Veste Coburg' home of the Dukes of Coburg for 6 centuries. This was quite a strenuous climb for us oldies so the planned visit to Schloss Ehrenburg in the afternoon was postponed until the next day. Soaking up the atmosphere of Coburg I decided it would be appropriate to watch 'Young Victoria' which is one of the many DVDs that we have with us on tour. The following day on a guided tour of the Schloss, which was visited frequently by Queen Victoria and houses many paintings of Victoria and Albert's children, a member of the party asked how many children they had. The guide apologised and said she didn't know but I was able to confirm that they had 9 children (as stated in the film)! It's difficult to describe the palace and the photos don't do it any justice. One amusing photo is of Queen Victoria's bedroom where she had a water closet installed. Reputedly the first of it's kind in Europe.

So onwards to Bamberg.  Bamberg is a World Heritage Site and we were both looking forward to the visit. Approx 1 hour's drive along quiet roads. We arrived at the camp site and it started to rain!

The next morning we cycled to Bamberg, padlocked our bikes to a tree and set off on foot to explore the town. Too many tourists and guided tours for our liking but we persevered. Some interesting buildings and Churches but to be honest, whether it was the poor weather of the mass of people, we were slightly disappointed and much preferred Coburg and Hann. Munden. So after as long day walking in the rain, we cycled back to camp in the rain. Tomorrow we move on again - hopefully the weather will improve.

Till next time - Bye

Kath and Harry xxx