We awoke feeling relaxed as this is the first day of our cycling journey that we don't have to pack up and get on the road. It is extremely hot and it is tempting to stay at camp as it is a bit cooler here. However, we decided to buy a day ticket on the tram and visit the Palace and the Fortress which dominates the city. Once we got in to town, we opted to devote our time to the Fortress as it is a historic marvel and had escaped significant damage during the war. Its foundations date back to the 8th century and the grounds cover 12 acres. Originally, this was the residence of the Bishop Prince. During these times, church and state were one and the Bishop Prince had tremendous power. During the 30 years war, 1618 to 1648, the Swedish army took it over and it began to serve a military function. As so often happens to us, we signed up for the English tour (free with entry) and Barry and I plus the tour guide were the only participants. Of course, the German tour was quite large. So, we enjoyed a private tour of the grounds and buildings. An informative and fun tour.....and the view - amazing. The temperature hovered at 38 degrees celcius - too hot!! So we happily returned to camp to recover. A cold shower and sitting still in the shade really helped.
We had lunch at a one hundred year old konditori. The cakes were delicious. Our favourite was the Rhubarb cake topped with meringue (the Black Forest was pretty good too).
The tourist office is housed in a beautiful building, "Falkenhuas". It received its ornate stucco facade in 1751. It was right next to where we ate our lunch and cakes.
Mary Ellen standing by the entrance (a recent addition) to the dungeon. In former times, inmates were lowered by a rope through a hole in the floor above. There was no access on this level and only a small slit for air and light.
The lower tower contains the well which is 100 metres deep. The beautiful design of the water tower and the decorative statues show the value of water to the people who lived here. Only the upper class were given clean water - the workers and soldiers were paid in wine and liquor.
