The UNESCO World Heritage Site Bamberg, located in the Franconia region of Bavaria seems is a city that feels straight from an old location. Hilly scenes, Middle Age Architecture, Wooden fronts, narrow streets, it is no wonder the 80.000 inhabitant municipality is one of the prettiest in Germany. Good for a pub crawl, however, the famous Smoked Beer still needs to grow on me.
Meissen, the Capital of Porcelain, is an underrated town. Located 25 miles from Dresden, the hilly, 11 centuries old Saxony German settlement proved me wrong, underrated came to mind. Why? I had little expectations for a day trip. With only 30,000 inhabitants, pleasant surprises come from small packages comes to mind, picturesque scenes, wine tasting and a bit of upscale shopping at the Meissen Shop.
Just in case if you are in the area, the Franconia city of Iphofen is having a wine festival this week. The romantic walled city delivers a lot of charm and wine.
Sometimes in life you go to a place that brings back memories. I had train sets a kid, loved playing with them for hours.
Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg brought back those days imaging being the train conductor.
Spread out over three floors the attractions are set up based on a destination of the world, Rio or Rome.
The attention to detail is a marvel with moving street traffic and working lights and of course the trains coming and going from depots.
Flight No. 211 to Abu Dubai or the Millennium Falcon landing from distanced worlds, the model a miniature airport serves many destinations. Passenger terminals, car parks, ground transport, maintenance vehicles landings and take offs are part of the attraction.
Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg advertises itself as the largest model train set in the world.
“What Happens in the Reeperbahn Stays in the Reeperbahn.” The St. Pauli’s Red Light district is known for sin. Historically, sailors staying in the Hamburg would visit the Reeperbahn for “fun”. Today, while hit by the tourist overload, in the evening its true character comes out. I recommend a stroll after 18:00.
I visited Volkach on a late Saturday. Another wine country town situated above the Main River in the Franconia Region of Bavaria. A charming square in the centre, a high tower gate on the main street was picture perfect. I visited the 8.700 habitants municipality on a late Saturday afternoon. Being in the wine growing area, Volkach teems with local wine bars.
More images from the Baltic Hansa City Straslund and the its old city.
