Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not doubt a miracle town amongst towns in Germany. Partially bombed during World War II, it took an American officer and the German commander of the city at the time to spare this town. The results of which, we are able to enjoy this middle-age town as it appears today, forty percent of which was nevertheless destroyed by allied bombing before it was stopped.
Panorama Tauber river valley – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
It is located in Bavaria and is about one and a half to two hours drive from the Frankfurt area on the A3 and A7, weather permitting of course. There are several parking areas to choose from for visitors, though we found street parking a block or so further out for free.
Pl̦nlein with Kobolzeller Steige and Spitalgasse РRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If it weren’t for it’s strange history at the end of World War II, this town would be easily overlooked. Not necessarily by Germans, but definitely by international tourists always looking for some interesting sidebar or reason to visit. Luckily, even on a Saturday, we did not find it all that busy for a tourist destination. We only hope that it will stay that way.
Patti, Dana, Gabi and Ericka – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Erick – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Dana – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Ericka and Dana – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Ericka – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Marktplatz
The center square hosts various shops and restaurants, as well as the Town Hall and Ratstrinkstube Clock Tower. Saint George’s fountain can also be found here toward the lower part of the square.
Business shields – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Italian Ice place – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Spitalgasse with Spitalturm in distance – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Marktplatz – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rathausturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Apotheke shield – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
St. George fountain – Marktplatz – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Dana – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Towers
Rothenburg has many towers on all sides of the town, especially on the eastern side. The main entrance towers are of course grander, but the little ones are no less impressive.
Gallows Gate – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gallows Gate – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
– Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old unused staircase – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
R̦derturm РCity wall РRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The City Wall
It is one of only three towns in Germany which is still encompassed by a fully intact town wall. The eastern part of the wall, the one which we were actually able to walk on, was mostly repaired after its destruction at the end of the war.
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old unused staircase – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Several parts are boarded up or unreachable, but many people from around the world contributed funds in the effort to reconstruct it, making it possible to enjoy it today. There are several main entry points, Gallows Gate, Thomas Tower and one near Ruckesse Tower, to name a few.
Sterngasse and the city wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tower on city wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Spitaltorturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Stairs at entry point – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Narrow entrance – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gabi, Ericka, Dana and Patti – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gabi, Ericka, Dana and Patti – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Wall with removable roof – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Siebersturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Donation thank you – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old guard tower – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Area by R̦derturm РCity wall РRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
R̦derturm РCity wall РRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Motte РR̦derturm РCity wall РRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
R̦derturm gate РCity wall РRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Thomas tower – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Flowers and grape leaves by City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Restaurants
There are many restaurants to choose from in Rothenburg, many of which are located in or near the town square. Luckily, we failed on locating an Italian restaurant that was open, but it is August and the Italians are notorious for taking the entire month off for vacation. That forced to find the amazing place that we did below.
Reichsküchenmeister – Das Herz von Rothenburg
If you are able to obtain a seat in the garden, one of the go to places in Rothenburg for a weekend lunch or early dinner.
Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The garden is just amazing, a totally relaxed atmosphere where we were fortunate enough to have a very responsive waiter. The menu is varied enough where one should be able to find something to fit their culinary needs.
Erbsensuppe – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Mixed salad – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Mixed salad with Feta – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Caprese salad – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Erick and Patti – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Dana, Gabi and Ericka – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Not having an abundance of time, we decided to stay somewhat local a few times and visit Mainz and Frankfurt, both of which are but a stone’s throw away from Offenbach. Since we have been to both several times, we wanted to show other family members these two cities and will post mostly photographs without a lot of text.
Mainz
Holzturm of the old city wall – Mainz, Germany
The Wine Gate – Mainz, Germany
The Rhine river – Mainz, Germany
Rothaus – Mainz, Germany
Street flowers – Mainz, Germany
Restaurants
While in Mainz, we stopped at one of our favorite restaurants, or in this case a Wine house (Weinhaus), that our friends Karl Heinz and Isolde Seegräber introduced us to in the course of one of our earlier visits.
As a Christmas gift from our children, we recently had a weekend stay at the Carolina Inn in beautiful Chapel Hill, North Carlolina. Celebrating its one hundred year anniversary this year, this old colonial inn is an integral part of the town and the university.
Carolina Inn – Reception – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ideally located within walking distance to almost everything within the town, it is a good home base for those who would rather not get in and out of the car constantly. Within five or ten minutes, you can reach Franklin Street and its restaurants, cafes and shopping, and the college is just a stone’s throw away. Parking is $26/night for either self-park or valet service and the lot is attended overnight.
West Franklin Street – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
West Franklin Street – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The UNC Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill dominates the town and gives Chapel Hill that old university town feel. As one walks through the grounds of the university, it is easy to see the different architectural and building styles that were adopted throughout the years.
UNC Campus – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
UNC – Old Well – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The walkways are appointed with old style colonial lamps in many areas and in some areas it is possible to think of what it might have been like back in those times. The architectural wonders even extend to some of the fraternity houses and other ancillary buildings on the campus. The only other remarkable things of note are the massive and beautiful trees that line most of the streets, many of which probably have been around as long as the university itself.
Fraternity House (Alpha Sigma of Chi Psi) – UNC – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Fraternity House (Alpha Sigma of Chi Psi) – UNC – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Moorehead Planetarium
The Moorehead Planetarium is always a nice place to visit, especially if you have children. For a modest fee, you can enjoy both a planetarium show, as well as the museum, which also provides hands-on learning exhibits for younger visitors.
Moorehead Planetarium – One Sky, Many Eyes Show – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The most enjoyable part however is the planetarium itself. Although they were totally booked on the Saturday and we were unable to see a show with our small party of five, they did have opening for Super Bowl Sunday. So we were able to enjoy their wonderful presentation, “One Sky, Many Eyes”. Though totally automated now with computers and an updated projection system, I do miss the old planetarium projectors.
Ackland Art Museum
If you are ever in the area, I cannot think of a better place to spend a few hours of your afternoon than at the Ackland Museum. Frankly, for me it was a surprise and delight, the free admission making it even more so. Having nothing else to do on our somewhat rainy day and weekend, we decided to go after our quick stroll down Franklin Street (there are signs on the pavement on Franklin, so just follow them if you are not sure).
Ackland Museum – Entrance – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Entrance – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Funerary Stele with Islamic Epigraphy (c. 1209) – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Hindu Bodhisattva, Tang dynasty – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Indian Perforated Screen (c. 1605-27) – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Iranian Balustrade with Arabesque decorations (c. 1106) – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Amphora exhibits – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Untitled, Anibal Villacis – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Meissen Porcelain figure – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Spanish Dancer, Degas – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – African Art Exhibit – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Wind River, Nebraska, Bierstadt, 1830-1902 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Art Exhibit – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Art Exhibit – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The exhibits are eclectic in way and a bit varied, but most somehow unexpectedly go together, perhaps owing to very good planning and the way the building splits into separate areas.
I found the mixed media video of the eyeball and voice over rather well done, strange and quite interesting. Shown on a sphere, it actually had that eyeball look.
Ackland Museum – Splendor and Darkness, Dinh Le, 1998 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Splendor and Darkness, Dinh Le, 1998 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Splendor and Darkness, Dinh Le, 1998 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The museum also has a nice collection of Indian, Southeast Asian and Indonesian Art. Some contemporary and others a bit older. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed it and found it to be a total surprise, not expecting too much when we entered.
Ackland Museum – Buddha (c. 300 CE) – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Buddha (c. 300 CE) – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Indian Dancing Ganesha – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Indian Vishnu Trimurti seated on Garuda – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ackland Museum – Bonsai, Hung Liu, 1992 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Restaurants
Chapel Hill offers a wide variety of restaurants. Most of the ones that populate the small area around Franklin street, cater to the university students, so you will find them somewhat budget friendly and internet centric. The more upscale restaurants, you will find further out of the main town and on the periphery.
TRU Cafe
A small cafe down Henderson Street, it has both inside and outside seating and definitely caters to the university students.
Tru Cafe – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The service is very relaxed and all orders are done via their website, which at the time of this writing, was a nightmare and terrible. However, after only several attempts, we were all able to submit our orders. We were not surprised to learn later, that some of our orders did not come out and we had to re-ordered them; so, bring your patience with you. And no, they do NOT have their own phone application and no, the service people will not take your order.
Tru Cafe – Dana, Tristan and Lindsey – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Osteria Georgi
This small restaurant is situated on the corner of a small strip mall on South Elliot street and Franklin. They have both inside and outside seating and a fairly attentive staff. We sat outside, since it was tolerably warm out and it was packed inside; we didn’t want to catch anything before traveling back to Europe in the next few weeks.
Osteria Georgi – Menu – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Osteria Georgi – Soup – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Osteria Georgi – Pasta Vongole – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Osteria Georgi – Vallana, Gattinara, 2012 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The food was good, I ordered the lasagna which was very tasty and my wife order the Pasta Vongole. The Gattinara was excellent and I would commend it to anyone willing to try something a bit different.
Carolina Coffee Shop
The Carolina Coffee Shop says it is the oldest restaurant in town and is split in two, one side does only coffee and take-out, while the other offers a restaurant experience with full staff. Wanting the sit down experience, we tried the restaurant.
Carolina Coffee Shop – Bar – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Carolina Coffee Shop – Patti – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Carolina Coffee Shop – Erick – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Carolina Coffee Shop – Hot Chocolate – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Carolina Coffee Shop – BLT – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The sandwiches are very good and the service was timely. It can get busy during peak lunch hour, so if you are willing to wait a bit and eat later, the atmosphere is more relaxed and subdued.
IL Palio Restaurant
One of our old-time favorites is the Il Palio in Chapel Hill. Located in the Siena Hotel, this restaurant usually features exceptional service and even a piano player while you order and eat. Unfortunately, we were there on Super Bowl weekend so the service was limited to the outside bar area and there was no music.
Siena Hotel – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Siena Hotel – Il Palio Restaurant – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
However, that did not prevent us from having a good time and enjoying the excellent food that is provided by the kitchen staff. Additionally, compared with other places, the prices no longer look as inflated as perhaps in previous years.
Il Palio Restaurant – Pasta Fagioli – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Il Palio Restaurant – Asparagus and Tenderloin – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Il Palio Restaurant – Chicken and Mushrooms – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Il Palio Restaurant – Cherry Gelato – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Il Palio Restaurant – Chicken and Mushrooms – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Il Palio Restaurant – Broglio, Barolo, 2019 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
We would like to thank our children for the gift, we had a wonderful time. It was a great gift and being the travelers we are, we wouldn’t mind doing it again in a different town in North Carolina, if the occasion were to present itself.
Here are some final thoughts on Budapest, that would not fit in the previous articles.
Budapest Sightseeing
Normally were are not ones for taking sightseeing ventures of most any kind, unless it is very personal and involves a tour guide with a smaller group. However, sometimes you feel you have to try something new, oh well.
Evening by the boat docks – Pest – Budapest, Hungary
Legenda River Cruise
We took this river cruise on other recommendations but were a bit disappointed. Here’s why we would not recommend them:
We felt that though the cruise did show you the city at night, the tour was essentially something you could watch at home on TV, in fact, you actually do watch it on TV on the boat as it cruises, while listening in your headset.
The video and tour were often out of sync, so you could not actually see what they were talking about, boring and unprofessional.
The front is rather closed in and uncomfortable. In the summer the boat has to be adapted to warmer weather, like the rear of the boat.
The waitress tries to remember your free-drink offer and terribly forgets. Multiple times. I wouldn’t mind so much, but some of us didn’t even receive our drinks. So don’t buy the “free drinks” bullshit line!
Aside from the above, here are some photographs.
Legenda River Cruise – Budapest, Hungary
Legenda River Cruise – Budapest, Hungary
Parliament Building – Legenda River Cruise – Budapest, Hungary
Buda Castle – Legenda River Cruise – Budapest, Hungary
The Metro
Budapest has a pretty good metro. Though not terribly extensive, it does not go to the airport, it does however cover a pretty good portion of the city. Each entry point is marked with a stylized ‘M’ and you will have to pay attention to the direction of travel, the end-point or terminal station. Direction of travel on most signs is noted, as well as all of the stops made by the line.
A long way down – M2 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
Platform – M2 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
A Bronze – M2 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
The M1 Metro Line
Clearly the oldest and the noisiest for sure. Luckily this line runs up the old Andrássy ut avenue and fairly close to where our hotel was situated; so we were able to take this line a number of times.
Tickets For Two – The Old M1 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
Mirrors, strange – The Old M1 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
Platform – The Old M1 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
Old wrought iron works – The Old M1 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
The old style cars – The Old M1 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
Our stop – The Old M1 Metro – Budapest, Hungary
The Remainder of Budapest
Here are some left over photographs from our visit to Budapest.
Astoria – Budapest, Hungary
Astoria – Budapest, Hungary
Another typical street – Budapest, Hungary
Another typical street – Budapest, Hungary
Sandor memorial – Budapest, Hungary
Another memorial – Budapest, Hungary
Another monument – Budapest, Hungary
Szabad building – Budapest, Hungary
Szabad Sajto ut – Budapest, Hungary
Szabad Sajto ut – Budapest, Hungary
Kisfius diszkut statue – Budapest, Hungary
Vaci ut – Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian Shopping Market – Budapest, Hungary
Manhole Cover Budapest – Budapest, Hungary
Old building – Budapest, Hungary
Orszagos building – Budapest, Hungary
Restaurants
Here are numerous restaurants, most of which we really liked.
Spinoza Cafe
The Spinoza Cafe was a lark, since we were just walking away from the Jewish quarter back to the hotel. It has a viable menu with very good service.
Entrance – Spinoza Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
It was a bit warm outside, but we ordered something light and made the best of it.
Gabi – Spinoza Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
Patti and Ericka – Spinoza Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
Bestia Restaurant
A fairly good restaurant downtown that has plenty of outside seating. We did make reservations for this one, but not sure they were actually needed. However, making them ahead of time will never hurt.
Bestia Restaurant – Downtown Pest – Budapest, Hungary
Dessert – Bestia Restaurant – Downtown Pest – Budapest, Hungary
Mereng̦ Cabernet Sauvignon РBestia Restaurant РDowntown Pest РBudapest, Hungary
Mazel Tov Restaurant
Surrounding area – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Entrance – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
I have to say I was very surprised and delighted with Mazel Tov. Not only do they have a very good venue, restaurant saying, they also have very good food.
Inside – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Atmosphere – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
I ordered the soup and pastrami sandwich and was pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture, they really know how to slice pastrami, nano-thin.
Ericka entering the restaurant – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Patti and Ericka – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Gabi – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Gabi and Erick – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
A. Gere Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Lentil Soup – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Pastrami Sandwich with sauce – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Lentil, hummus, egg and other stuff – Mazel Tov – Budapest, Hungary
Mystery Hotel Restaurant
The Mystery Hotel has a very good view of Budapest, for those wishing such a thing. We availed ourselves of an evening of drinks here, after a long day of sightseeing and museum visiting. Unfortunately while we were there, they had a music mixer that was definitely one-dimensional, playing the same bum-bum-bum crap that belongs more in a club venue, than a restaurant.
Gabi, Patti and Ericka – Mystery Hotel – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is split into two parts by the Danube River. As a natural obstacle, it offered some amount of protection, or defense, against enemies or in some cases, the population. Buda is such a place. It is where the royal families of Hungary chose to build their fine castle.
The Buda Castle – Buda – Budapest, Hungary
Buda Castle Hill
Buda Castle Hill is mostly wooded and covers only about a third of the entire city of Budapest. Its most prominent feature is the Castle Hill, where the Buda Castle and the Church of Matthias stand.
Unfortunately, you cannot take photographs inside, so inside will have to remain a mystery until one visits. However, a bit of history may peek one’s interest. It started as a system of caves dug out from the hill for storage and then protection. Later, it was confiscated and repurposed as a hospital during the wars. It was also used as an air-raid shelter and later efforts were made to make it into a hospital which could take patients in the event of a nuclear war. Though noble, it will become quite clear to anyone who visits that the approach, space and logistics were oversimplified and in the end – unpractical.
Underhill Hospital Museum – Buda, Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
Underhill Hospital Museum – Buda, Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
Gas masks – Underhill Hospital Museum – Buda, Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
The Matthias Church
One can not help point out the Matthias Church[1]also known as The Church of the Assumption of Buda Castle when they reach the top of the hill. With its one tower and beautifully shiny tiles, it does not show its true age. It actually has a remarkable history which actually makes it tightly woven with all Hungarian history. Two kings had their coronation there and it has had many names in the past and has been rebuilt and reconstructed many times. Definitely worth a visit.
Matthias Church – Buda, Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
Holy Trinity Church – Buda, Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
Holy Trinity Church – Buda, Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
We only ate at one restaurant on the Buda side, since there were only a couple points of interest for us on east side of the river.
Arany Hordo Cafe
The Arany Hordo Cafe might be called the Gold Barrel Restaurant on you map application, not sure why.
Arany Hordo Cafe – Buda Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
It is a small cafe on the corner of Tárnok utca and Anná utca on Buda Castle Hill, not far from the Matthias Church. It has nice open air seating, if you can get a table. The food is decent, as well as the service and the prices are reasonable considering the area.
Menu – Arany Hordo Cafe – Buda Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
Menu – Arany Hordo Cafe – Buda Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
We stuck to simple fare for lunch and enjoyed it immensely.
Mixed Salad with Chicken – Arany Hordo Cafe – Buda Castle Hill – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a very clean city, with a strange, almost quiescent nature to it. For the most part there is a noticeable absence of police, yet there appears to be very little crime, or at least the appearance of no crime, unlike other countries like Italy or France, where the authorities parade around with weapons and make their presence known.
The Parliament Building – Pest – Budapest, Hungary
The Pest side of Budapest has most, if not all, of the hotels and many of the restaurants. It has monuments on every corner and more history than you probably want to consume. Both sides are very active, but the Pest side is the side where all the boats dock, like Viking River Cruises and others, so it can get quite busy after ten o’clock in the morning.
Interesting building balcony – Pest – Budapest, Hungary
Though beautiful, after a while you realize, like so many other cities in Europe, it’s all about the facade. It’s all brick underneath, mortar and stone.
Memorial 1952 – Pest – Budapest, Hungary
It’s just a facade – Pest – Budapest, Hungary
Parliament Tour
For anyone visiting Budapest, the Parliament on the Pest side is an attraction that must be seen. However, be careful when purchasing tickets! There are a few official looking websites out there that purchase them for you at double the price. Check and double check your search engine and map application to ensure you have the official website. It will be quite obvious if you do, since you will receive your tickets immediately, instead of waiting for them to „appear“ in your mailbox.
The front – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Looking at the front of the building from the land side, you enter from the right and below ground. There are also some interesting monuments before you enter worth seeing, so keep your eyes open for them.
From the river side – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
From the land side – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Monument – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Entrance – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
The tour is rather long but very thorough. We were even able to catch a glimpse of their unicameral legislature in-session! We were actually quite impressed with the thoroughness and professionalism of the tour. Though we thought they spoke at length, perhaps too long, about the crown jewels, which of course you were unable to photograph.
Layout – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Entrance – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Stained windows – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Stairwell – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Hallway – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Ornate ceilings – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Beautiful hallways – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Windows, close-up – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Another hallway – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Sentinel figures – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Unicameral session – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
In session – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Ceiling – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Full window – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Ornate wood framing – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Another hallway – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Main stairwell – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Details main stairwell – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Another look, main stairwell – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Ceiling – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
The dome – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Occupations for protection – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Occupations for protection – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Receiving hall – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Receiving hall – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Occupations, close-up – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
More windows – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
The great stag – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Giant porcelain vase – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Occupation close-up – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
More occupations – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Legislature building – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Architecture – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Old heating and air-conditions controls – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Cigar holders and trays – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Anther hallway – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Ericka – Descending the stairway out – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Descending stairway out – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Ancillary hallway – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
The back areas – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Small museum – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Exhibit – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
The history of the building – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Large diorama of the building – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Electric controls for the building – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Statues – The Parliament Building – Budapest, Hungary
Restaurants
Here are a few more restaurants we visited in Budapest, one of which I wish I never went to due to social media idiots.
New York Cafe
There is a term in America and it is quite apropos here, „lipstick on a pig“. My thoughts regarding this cafe were that it was totally over-priced for the quality of food and service received, though the interior was quite impressive
Entrance – The New York Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
Outside lamp – The New York Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
In fact, that can be considered one of the downsides to this cafe; there were so many people mulling around and taking photographs, it was actually quite annoying at times. Especially in this day of social media, where everyone has to take the so called infamous and narcissistic „selfie“ or „influencer“ pose. It makes a person like me almost puke at times.
Inside – The New York Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
Ceiling – The New York Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
Main hall – The New York Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
The food was sub-par for such a restaurant; we had the Pasta Pomodoro and thought although the pasta was done properly, the sauce tasted of nothing. The wine on the other hand was satisfactory in taste, but way over-priced at 50€/bottle. It wouldn’t have been so bad, except the service was just not so great.
Hungarian Goulash Soup – Pick Bistro Deli – Budapest, Hungary
Inside – Pick Bistro Deli – Budapest, Hungary
Inside – Pick Bistro Deli – Budapest, Hungary
They have many great Hungarian lunch items to choose from and the staff and service were excellent for us. They also have plenty of open-air seating, which during a warm day makes the visit all that much more enjoyable.
Yesterday, since the weather was definitely improving, we decided to take a walk or hike to Böckstein, another town along the river that feeds the majestic Gasteiner Falls.
Looking back toward Bad Gastein – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
To get there you can hike the Kaiserin Elisabethe Promenade, which is for the most part paved and relatively flat. It is probably important to remember to bring water, since there is not much wind in the valley and the sun can make it quite hot without any shade or clouds to protect you.
Gasteiner Ache – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Danger – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Beautiful weather – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Pastoral view – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Patti and Gasteiner Ache – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Another waterfall – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Well maintained footpath – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Waterfall and foothills – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Flora – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Kreuzkogel mountain – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Kreuzkogel – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Valley pasture – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Anlauftal – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Sign on bridge – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Böckstein
Located a bit more than three kilometers south of Bad Gastein is Böckstein, a small hamlet of houses at the nexus of the Pallner Bach and the Naßfelder Ache.
Signage for bikers and walkers – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Anlauftal – Kaiserin Elisabeth Promenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
The town center has some historical buildings and items of interest, and of course a museum that was not open. Check the times, because like many other businesses in the area, they are probably only open from 15:00 – 18:00. However, if you do get to visit, definitely stop, I heard the museum is quite interesting and well presented.
Local Music Group РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Memorial, Montan museum РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Ehemalige Goldschlämmanlage – Böckstein – Bad Gastein, Austria
Apartment house for laborers РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Park and Fountain РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Jagdschl̦ssl Czernin РKaiserin Elisabeth Promenade РBad Gastein, Austria
B̦ckstein РKaiserin Elisabeth Promenade РBad Gastein, Austria
Maria, Mutter vom Guten Rat РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Within the park there is an old mining train on display. The Elektrische Grubenlokomotive, or electric mining train, is part of the Montanmuseum of Böckstein and a very interesting find for train enthusiasts.
Electric Grubenzug for a Grubenbahn РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Mannschaftstransportwagen РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Grubenzug РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Grubenzug РB̦ckstein РBad Gastein, Austria
Restaurants
The unfortunate thing about Bad Gastein is the lack of restaurants. There are about a handful of them that are owned by the same entity that owns our hotel, therefore the menu in each becomes rather predictable. Our hotel does have the Ritz restaurant, however it only offers a five-course meal at a fix priced. Which is in and off itself okay, but the quantity of food sometimes is just too much.
Angelo Pizzeria
Located on Karl-Heinrich-Waggerl-Straße, Angelo Pizzeria is actually part of the group that owns the Salzburger Hof hotel. It is usually open from 15:00 to 20:00 and has fairly good pizza. The soup was actually quite good, I had their tomato soup with creme fraiche and it was very tasty.
Their mixed salad is a typical German gemischter Salat, where everything is actually not mixed, but placed next to each other. So all of the grated carrots, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes line the bowl. Moreover, on the bottom of your mixed greens, you will find a surprise of traditional coleslaw or chopped cabbage, beans, sliced beets and German potato salad styled potatoes.
Wirtshaus Jägerhäusl
This restaurant does not belong to the chain mentioned above and offers a happy alternative to the same menu. The decor is appealing and it is also in a quiet area, away from the Silver Bullet Bar that plays loud music.
Front – Wirsthaus Jägerhäusl – Bad Gastein, Austria
Inside – Wirsthaus Jägerhäusl – Bad Gastein, Austria
Here you can actually find a Minestrone soup and other dishes that are well prepared and taste great. We both ordered the soup, I ordered the chicken sandwich and Patti ordered the chicken schnitzel. With a bottle of water it all came to 57€, which we found reasonable for the area.
Minestrone soup – Wirsthaus Jägerhäusl – Bad Gastein, Austria
Chicken Sandwich with fries – Wirsthaus Jägerhäusl – Bad Gastein, Austria
Today it’s off to the top of the Stubnerkogel and a day on the mountain.
We left Turin early in the morning on the 5:50AM train, in order to catch the FrecciaRossa from Turin to Milan. Of course, due to the early hour, we used the Wetaxi Application and ordered a taxi for 12€ to take us to Porta Nuovo, the main train station in this part of the city.
Torino Train Station – Turin, Italy
Torino Train Station – Turin, Italy
Patti on the Freccia Rossa between Turin and Milan – Turin, Italy
Freccia Rossa to Venezia – Milan, Italy
Our connecting FrecciaRossa, took us from Milan to Venice Maestre, where we picked up our Austrian ÖBB train to Villach, Austria. Luckily, all of our connections, and there were four, worked without issue.
M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
An hour train north of Villach, Austria you can find the small health spa town of Bad Gastein. Though a shadow of its former self, when dignitaries and other luminaries used to visit for its waters and mountain air, it is still worth a visit, if not only for the aforementioned reasons.
View from Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
Quiet, spa zone – Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein
The town runs at a slower pace than other mountains towns we have visited. Perhaps it is more difficult to capture tourist monies with a waterfall and health resort as the primary attractions, as opposed to say a very large mountain or a large ski resort complex.
Pfarrkircke and looking toward the town center – Bad Gastein, Austria
There are parts of the town center that appear to be in eternal repair. Though there is work going on here and there, it does not appear to have progressed much in the last few years. The thermal water fountain building and the old Kurhotel of Austria appear permanently closed. Unfortunately, there are no signs posted explaining the reason, so we were just left to ponder what might have happened.
Bismark House – Bad Gastein, Austria
Pfarrkircke – Bad Gastein, Austria
Franz Schubert denkmal – Bad Gastein, Austria
Lower waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Hotels
Hotel Salzburger Hof
We stayed at the Salzburger Hof, a very large hotel close to the train station with all the amenities. It appears to be one of the better kept establishments in Bad Gastein, with two pools, three restaurants and a health spa. Apparently host to Count von Bismark and other dignitaries, including many American personalities.
Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
Hotel Salzburger Hof – Bad Gastein, Austria
Hotel Salzburger Hof – Bad Gastein, Austria
Flowers – Hotel Salzburger Hof – Bad Gastein, Austria
The rooms are very spacious and well appointed. The hotel seems proud of its tradition of important guests, there are photographs of everyone who has visited hung throughout the hotel and in the rooms.
The Ritz restaurant – Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
The Ritz restaurant – Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
Hotel Salzburger Hof – Bad Gastein, Austria
Our room – Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
Our view – Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
The Kaiser was here – Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
Lobby – Hotel Salzburger Hof – Bad Gastein, Austria
Lobby – Hotel Salzburger Hof – Bad Gastein, Austria
Gasteiner Falls
The main attraction in the center of town now are the falls. The great Gasteiner Waterfalls are indeed impressive, especially after the storm that has just passed through this region of Europe. Since a video is worth a thousand words, here are a few.
It is easy enough to get a glimpse of the waterfalls by walking the main road through town and stopping at the bridge.
Town Center – Bad Gastein, Austria
Memorial – Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Garmskarkogel mountain and Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Downstream – Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Downstream waterfall – Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Waterfall way – Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
After taking in their beauty from the bridge, there are also other vantage points from which the falls may be enjoyed. But, that requires a bit of climbing and some hiking, all of which can be done with modern sneakers, not equipment necessary.
Patti – Upper Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Erick – Upper Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Upper Bad Gastein Waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
The history of Gasteine – Bad Gastein, Austria
The waterfall way – Bad Gastein, Austria
Upper waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Looking down from the bridge – Upper waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
Upper waterfall – Bad Gastein, Austria
There is a section above the falls where they were purposely redirected some years ago by a dam that was built by a member of the clergy. This forces all the current water down a single corridor within the rocks.
Hiking Trails
There are numerous trails for walking, hiking and biking around town. For our first day our we chose the one that visited the Upper Gastein Falls and then descended towards lower Bad Gastein.
Looking toward the M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
The M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
Pfarrkircke and looking toward the M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
Pfarrkircke and looking toward the town center – Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein – Bad Gastein, Austria
The M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
Pfarrkircke and looking toward the M̦lltal valley РBad Gastein, Austria
Pfarrkircke clock tower – Bad Gastein, Austria
The Reitlpromenade – Bad Gastein, Austria
Restaurants
La Pizzeria Napoletana
A very small Italian pizzeria stuck in the back of a another building right next to the Gasteiner Falls is the La Pizzeria Napoletana.
La Pizzeria Napoletana – Bad Gastein, Austria
Their tomato and mozzarella pizza is thin and very tasty. This restaurant has a minimal menu of pizza, beer, soft drinks and some wine, there is little else to choose from if you are really hungry.
Pizza Tomato and Mozzerella – La Pizzeria Napoletana – Bad Gastein, Austria
The pizza is authentic, right down to its crust. The prices are very reasonable and emblematic of what you would expect in a small town or city in Italy.
Orania Stueberl Restaurant
A restaurant that is almost always open, it is a good go-to place when you have few if any options. The food is good, but rather predictable, but that could be said for the rest of the cuisine in this small town.
Entrance – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
The Murmeltier – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
A salad and Gulash with Knödeln – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
Ice cream with cream and chocolate sauce – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
The interior is adorned with numerous sacrificial animals that were ostensibly killed locally and now inhabit this restaurant’s walls. I guess I never understood if this practice was supposed to be in honor of the animal that was killed, or in spite of it. In any case, it appears a bit overdone.
The Ritz restaurant – Salzburger Hof Hotel – Bad Gastein, Austria
Inside – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
The bar – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
Dead animals on walls – Orania Stüberl – Bad Gastein, Austria
On a lighter and more promising day, weather-wise that is, we took a day trip from Copenhagen to its sister city across the Øresund, Malmö. This was actually quite easy to arrange using Omio, the phone application, and the cost was very reasonable.
Copenhagen Central Station – Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Central Station Platform 7 – Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Central Station Platform 7 – Copenhagen, Denmark
It should be noted however that the trains between these two cities are quite active and full of passengers going in both directions, so plan accordingly. Off times are usually better than the earlier and later hours of the day, due to their fair share of commuter traffic.
Malm̦ Central Station РMalm̦, Sweden
Malm̦ Central Station РMalm̦, Sweden
Malm̦ Central Station РMalm̦, Sweden
Skeppsbron РMalm̦ Central Station РMalm̦, Sweden
Malmö
Malmö, a large city on the edge of Sweden was actually a Danish possession until the early 1700s. Its name was ostensibly obtained from a maiden that was ground up by a millstone in the town’s square. However, less violent sources have the eponym coming from a gravel pile or sand heap. Since there is a millstone in one of the squares, I am leaning toward the maiden tale.
Gamla Staden and the Södergaten
Puente Mälarbron – Malmö, Sweden
Hamngatan РMalm̦, Sweden
The center of the city, of Gamla Staden, is entered as soon as you walk over the bridge for the canal the separates the Central Train Station from the island. Within two blocks you are in the Stortorget Square and the Charles X Gustav monument, which to our dismay was decorated.
Malm̦ Festival РKarl IX Gustav Statue РMalm̦, Sweden
The main street of town is called Södergaten and is where most of the shopping is done. While we were here they were setting up for another day of the Malmö Festival, which apparently runs for a week in August.
Drug Store with beautiful facade РMalm̦, Sweden
Șdergaten РMalm̦, Sweden
Șdergaten РMalm̦, Sweden
Manhole cover РȘdergaten РMalm̦, Sweden
Many different types of pavement РMalm̦, Sweden
The festival actually caused me to scale back on the number of photographs I took, only because you cannot get a real sense of the city with all the flags, banners and other paraphernalia hanging from monuments and lampposts.
Colorful Candy, Malm̦ Festival РȘdergaten РMalm̦, Sweden
Gustav Adolfs Torg
The Gustav Adolfs Torg or square, is where the end of Södergaten opens up. It is large and contains a few fountains and monuments.
Celestial monument РGustav Adolfs torg РMalm̦, Sweden
Celestial Monument, 1999 РGustav Adolfs torg РMalm̦, Sweden
Gustav Adolfs torg РMalm̦, Sweden
The Rest
The city has some very good examples of the old style timber buildings and some that are a bit more modest. It also has a very old cemetery within its limits and a casino. We were informed that the library would be interesting to check out, but it actually does not compare with others that we have seen, so it might be something to drop from your itinerary.
Timber building at Hjulhamngaten and Larochegaten РMalm̦, Sweden
J̦ns Filsgaten РMalm̦, Sweden
Tiny houses РJ̦ns Filsgaten РMalm̦, Sweden
Casino РMalm̦, Sweden
Gamla Kyrkog̴rden РMalm̦, Sweden
Fersens Bro РMalm̦, Sweden
Malm̦ Library РMalm̦, Sweden
Malm̦ Library РMalm̦, Sweden
Malm̦ Library РMalm̦, Sweden
The following slideshow displays some last interesting shots from other places within the city we visited.
Slottsparken
A very nice park to the west of the center of town. It is sparsely populated with trees, fountains and monuments. It has a canal and other waterways that divide it in many places, making it necessary to use on of the many bridges to navigate its interior.
Slottsparken РMalm̦, Sweden
Liggende Pige РSlottsparken РMalm̦, Sweden
Slottsparken РMalm̦, Sweden
Windmill РSlottsparken РMalm̦, Sweden
Malmö Castle
The Malmö Castle was our destination as we walked through the park. It is surrounded by a huge mote and there is only one point of entry, for those interested in seeing yet another castle on their tour. Fortunately, we just enjoyed the view from outside and continued our journey toward the dock area.
Malm̦ Castle РMalm̦, Sweden
Malm̦ Castle РMalm̦, Sweden
Västra Hamnen and the Docks
As you leave the castle area and head north, you can enjoy what’s left of the city’s old fish market, which still appears to be in operation.
Malm̦ Fish Market РMalm̦, Sweden
Old Fish Market РMalm̦, Sweden
Old Fish Market Pier РMalm̦, Sweden
The island that makes up the Västra Hamnen area contains what was until recently, Sweden’s tallest skyscraper, the Twisted Tower. Again, owing to Swedish architecture, it stands out and is both elegant in its form as it is ugly in the way it fits in with its surrounding.
The Twisted Tower РMalm̦, Sweden
The Twisted Tower РMalm̦, Sweden
The docks do not have much to see, aside from the occasional piece of art. We wander through them on our way back to the train station and Copenhagen.
Spectral Self Container Artwork РAnna Lindhas Plats РMalm̦, Sweden
Anna Lindhas Plats РMalm̦, Sweden
Restaurants
Since we only stayed for the day, we only had time to try one restaurant for lunch, which was chosen out of about three that we researched before leaving. One thing is for sure, the food is not as expensive in Sweden as it was in Denmark and Copenhagen. That is perhaps why most Danes like to visit Malmö on the weekends, if only for a decent inexpensive meal out.
Lilla Torg Steakhouse
We selected the Lilla Torg Steakhouse in Lilla Torg for lunch. Our impressions were, that it tended to serve trendy and fusion types of food. The menu for lunch was rather sparse, but they did have some daily specials.
Steakhouse РLilla torg РMalm̦, Sweden
Steakhouse РLilla torg РMalm̦, Sweden
Steakhouse РLilla torg РMalm̦, Sweden
Steakhouse РLilla torg РMalm̦, Sweden
The food was good, though a bit on the salty side. I also found the pasta to be overcooked and very mushy, which frankly I am not a fan. Patti’s salad also looked overly complicated, but she insisted, aside from the salt, that it was pretty good. Neither of us finished our dish and I guess after twenty minutes of us sitting there not touching our food they got the hint.
Roasted Chicken Salad and Fettuccine and Salmon РSteakhouse РLilla torg РMalm̦, Sweden
Finally, when they collected our dishes, they were interested in what we thought and we honestly told them – back off the salt a bit. We tried to explain, that we were just there for the day and they should probably worry more about what their Swedish and Danish customers say, but she was still apologetic and insisted they cared. Kudos, I guess.
Below are some final meanderings about the city, several other places that we ate and a few places that we saw, that just didn’t fit in any of the former entries.
Copenhagen
Some final thoughts on the city and its location. The weather when we were here was borderline terrible. So if you plan on visiting, you should check the extended forecast prior to packing. It was August and we dealt with temperatures in the 50-60°F range with rain. After the first few days, we just had to ask someone if this what the weather is always like. We were told that the weather is extremely variable and they have even seen snow in the middle of summer! Again, be prepared. We packed both long and short pants and shirts, along with raincoats and glad we did; but only because we knew the forecast had low temperatures and rain.
The Little Mermaid – Copenhagen, Denmark
Ivar Huitfeldt – Copenhagen, Denmark
Princess Marie – Copenhagen, Denmark
Niels Bohr House, Famous Physicist – Copenhagen, Denmark
Hans Christian Andersen’s house – Copenhagen, Denmark
Hans Christian Andersen’s house – Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyhavn on the weekend – Copenhagen, Denmark
Old Timber Building – Strøgets – Copenhagen, Denmark
Strøgets – Copenhagen, Denmark
Strøgets – Copenhagen, Denmark
Our Canal Tour
Touring a city such as Copenhagen, which has plenty of canals and waterways, would not be complete without a canal or boat tour. There are plenty to choose from and you can visit the Information Center to find our more or the city’s website. Make sure you prepare properly for the weather, few boats on the canal tours are covered and those only leave at certain times of the day, so plan accordingly, they do go in the rain.
Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Borse, Stock Exchange – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Under Borsbro – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Blue Diamond Building – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Christian IV Brewhouse – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Art – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Old warehouse – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Cirkelbroen – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Church of our Savior Steeple – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Old Schooner – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Another old renovated warehouse – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Soho House, private club – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
An old three mast sailing ship – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Lille Langebro bridge – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Old Submarine pen renovated into apartments – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Old Speed Boat pens – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Smallest hotel in Denmark – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Smallest hotel in Denmark – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Frigate – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Sky mountain – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Frigate – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Old twenty ton crane, Frigate – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyholm Central Guardhouse – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Royal Family Sailing Ship Waiting Rooms – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Artwork, Maersk Building – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Ending our tour – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
Højbro – Canal Tour – Copenhagen, Denmark
They also go in extraordinary high tides as well. Our tour was modified because the tides had come in extra high, leaving little space under the bridges. Therefore, we could not go down some canals and I think our tour ended up a bit longer that it probably should have been.
Trinitatis Kirke
Trinitatis Kirke, or Trinitatis church, is a church built in the seventeenth century that is connected to The Round Tower. It was initially built to support the university, since it was part of the overall Trinitatis Complex. The Library Hall, which is built over one of the church’s naves dictated the size of the church when it was originally constructed. In any event, the church has a baroque look and feel to it which may be of interest to some and the organ is certainly something you should see.
Inside Trinitatis Church – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Trinitatis Church – Copenhagen, Denmark
Ornate Organ – Trinitatis Church – Copenhagen, Denmark
The Round Tower
The Round Tower is actually an odd building for several reasons. At first I thought it was a shot tower, where they used to make gunshot or ball bearings. It just did not make any sense to me to build such a structure with a central column and a ramp for horses, unless it had some manufacturing purpose. Moreover, the rebus on the building has been loosely interpreted as Lead, God and The Correct Teaching; which also initially reinforced my belief that it had some military purpose; the telescope and Library Hall being repurposed after other ways to make ammunition came into vogue.
Entrance and Inscription – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Side – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
I surprised to find the edifice was built with a ramp inside so that the horses where able to bring the heavy equipment up the tower for the telescope installation. The central column was later intentionally used as a toilet by the staff who found it arduous to walk down the ramp to go to the bathroom.
Internal Ramp – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Internal column, old cesspool – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Patti on her way up – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Internal Ramp – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
The old Library Hall, now Art Exhibit – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Commemoration – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
The telescope installation was built on top of the tower some time after that was completed. The Library Hall was initially used as a library and has now been repurposed as an Art Exhibition hall.
Zodiac Timepiece – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
The Solar System – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
There are also a few astronomical oddities to see, if you look up while you are waiting for the light to change to ascend to the observation lookout. They are a map of the solar system and a zodiac timepiece.
Traffic signal for Observation Deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
View from deck – The Round Tower – Copenhagen, Denmark
Restaurants
Some last insights into food and some places to go or avoid.
Nebbiolo
Essentially a wine bar serving Aperitivo, or charcuterie and other small items to eat while you enjoy their wine. Since we were not particularly hungry one evening, we tried this place which happened to be right next door to the Chinese restaurant we visited.
Nebbiolo Restaurant – Copenhagen, Denmark
Charcuterie and antipasti – Nebbiolo Restaurant – Copenhagen, Denmark
Dong Yuan
A very good Chinese restaurant right around the corner from our hotel. The place is always busy, but it does take reservations. The prices are reasonable, considering the prices in the rest of Copenhagen. They also have half-bottles of wine at a very good price, I would commend a Bordeaux.
Dong Yuan – Copenhagen, Denmark
Inside – Dong Yuan – Copenhagen, Denmark
Inside – Dong Yuan – Copenhagen, Denmark
Very good Bordeaux wine – Dong Yuan – Copenhagen, Denmark
Taste
A lunch establishment with very limited seating, so show up early if you want one. We sat inside, since the weather was intolerable and the outside seating had little, if any cover. The food is good, but a bit oily. The grilled sandwich I ordered could not be picked up, so I had to cut it into pieces using a knife and fork.
Taste Restaurant – Copenhagen, Denmark
Neapolitan Sandwich with mushrooms and salad, Tomato salad with greens – Taste – Copenhagen, Denmark
Bistro Verde
This was a quick find before we left Copenhagen for Turin. This restaurant offers a Sunday Brunch at a decent price, the only problem was, it was a vegan dish. So we just ordered a pair of normal cappuccinos and croissants and enjoyed the beautiful Sunday morning before leaving.
