Breisach and Freiburg

This morning, we are going by bus to Frieburg. A German town at the foot of the Black Forest. This city of around 250 000 is newer than others we've visited. It began around the late 9th C and continued to grow during the European population explosion that ended in the 13thC.

This is the warmest area of Grtmany, with summer highs of over 40c. It is attractive to retirees, and many move here for the weather and the lifestyle.

The Church here was started in 1200 and was built by the same architects and builders as Strasbourg Cathedral, although it is much smaller. The church was finished byv1500, earlier than other larger churches, because the locals were willing to undertake the cost.

There is history of the Hapsburgs from Austria ruling the area at one time. It e perceived the back and forth between France and Germany that other areas in this region had.

An interesting fact was that prior to Napoleon, home addresses were known by names such as Black Cat. Napoleon named streets and had house numbers assigned to make it easier to find where someone lived.

We had Black Forest ham, a delicious bread, and Black Forest Cake at a lovely restaurant by the Cathedral.

There was also a market around the Cathedral where vendors were selling various sausages in a bun, fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, cheese, and wooden toys.

A lovely day. We set sail for Badil, where our cruise will end, and the next adventure begins.Read more