Our first stop was Germany to visit my friend Taylor, who is currently studying in Wurzburg. We flew into Frankfurt and spent the day walking around, exploring and trying not to fall asleep. Due to damage from World War II, much of Frankfurt has been rebuilt. However, while walking around, you still discover the old European charm so many people crave when traveling abroad. Some landmarks have been restored and still stand today, providing a beautiful taste of today, with glimpses into the past. My favorite area in Frankfurt was Sachsenhausen, a historical neighborhood that has been partially preserved following the bombings during the war. Sachsenhausen is full of old European architecture, corner cafes perfect for sipping on cappuccinos and enjoying croissants, or visiting classic German taverns like Zum Gemalten Haus for some apfelwein.
The next day we hopped on a train and set off for Wurzburg, a city not known by many, but should be visited by all. The city is beautiful and full of history. During our day there, we walked sixteen miles, covering what felt like every inch of the city. We began our day by taking a walk through the Wurzburg Residence gardens, the grounds that used to be the palace to royalty. Now open to the public, the Residence offers tours to share its story. Walking through the city streets, we found sustenance in a trio of pretzels. We took them to the Alte Mainbrucke, the old bridge, where visitors can buy a glass of wine (or, like us, BYOP- bring your own pretzel) and enjoy it out on the bridge, with views of the river and the city. After crossing the Main River, we climbed up the hill to the Marienberg Fortress, the previous residence of the Bishops of Wurzburg. From the top, we enjoyed postcard worthy views and walked the grounds. We made our way back down, just to climb back up again, this time to the Wallfahrtskirche Maria Heimsuchung church. The walk to the chapel took us through quiet neighborhood streets, up to the gorgeous landmark.
After walking for what felt like days, we sat down to enjoy a GIANT pizza at Locanda, which sits above the river with scenic views. To be honest, my favorite part was the blankets. I am now a firm believer that every restaurant with outdoor seating should provide blankets on each chair in case you get chilly. We grabbed a beer and sat along the river to enjoy the sun before it set. As we started our walk back to the hotel, we stopped along the way at a restaurant with vines climbing the sides, creating a beautiful setting to enjoy a drink and some conversation. The day came to an end after sixteen miles on foot, climbing up hills, and exploring the streets of Wurzburg.
A huge shout out to Taylor! Thank you for showing us around (everyone go visit him because he's a great tour guide).
Next stop: Prague--keep an eye out
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