Germany

Having left Krems Australia on our Viking River cruise, our next stop would be Passau Germany.

Founded by the Celts more than 2000 years ago, Passau is one of the Bavaria’s oldest cities known as the “city of Three Rivers”, that join the Inn, Liz and Danube rivers.

Here we took a walking tour and visited the glorious Baroque Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest paper organs.
This magnificent cathedral is located on the highest point of the cities old town. Over the centuries, many churches have been built and rebuilt on the sides of the current cathedral, which itself was nearly destroyed in the 1662 fire that swept through Passau. In addition to its famous pipe organ, the largest in the world outside the United States, the cathedral has eight enormous bells, weighing up to 16,645 pounds.

Regensburg, a Bavarian city on the Danube River in southeast Germany, is known for its well-preserved medieval beginnings. The 12th-century Stone Bridge, over 1,000 feet long, with 16 arches, crosses the river to the old town. Here the Danube meets the Naab and Regen rivers.

Regensburg's 11th to 13th century architecture still defines the character of the town marked by tall buildings, dark and narrow lanes, and strong fortifications.

This being our last full day on the Danube, it was fitting that we stop at an outdoor beer garden on a beautiful plaza to have one of Germany’s famous beers.
Ramona & I, along with two couples we had met on the trip sat down after our walking tour to recover from over 3 miles of walking. That’s ambitious for the three old men who call themselves “The Three Amigos”.