Bamberg and Rothenburg

So there was a change of plans. Because the weather was going to be crappy so we didn't want to hike up the mountain in the freezing rain. So instead we got a ride from one of the wonderful teachers that I work with and we went to the train station and decided from there to go to Bamberg and Rothenburg because we could get two done in one day. AND it only cost 16 euros for a two day pass for the two of us total! SO CHEAP!!!!

So we first went to Bamberg. Bamberg is a university town and it was very lively and active. There were a lot of street vendors out and it was a very good atmosphere to be in--even if I was exhausted from such a long week!

The main bridge that took us to the city center 

 What a beautiful view! 

One of the city markets complete with cheese, meats, wine, breads, and sweets!

 Cool Bell Tower

 Yummy Apple Pastry that I had 

 Cool fountain in the town center 

 St. Martin's Church 

 Saw this weird looking statue.. went to explore it. My words, "Well, this is awkward..." You always have to be careful not to say that you are associated with the military. 

 Poseidon's in the city!? 

 "Little Venice" So pretty! 

 The Old Town Hall 

 Beautiful paintings on the side of the building.

 These statues were all over the place. I still have no idea what they represent 

 Statues on the bridge. 

 Bamberg's Dom 

 Under some construction 

 The Residence or Palace area 

 Old time feel 

 They have the funkiest trees

 I love all of the vine covered houses 

 Little Venice again 

 Being artsy with my picture taking 

 Random church that we found 

 They had this cool Labyrinth there that we decided to walk 

 Completed! 

After we finished exploring Bamberg, we got back onto the train and headed for Rothenburg. This is a small city in the county of Ansbach, Germany and about 40 minutes away from my apartment. Rothenburg is a very medieval town and a big tourist destination for many reasons: Some filming was done there for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2. It was also the inspiration for the village in Disney's Pinocchio. And it was the location of filming for the Vulgarian Village in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  

 Well right before the city center of the old town 

 Entry way

 So pretty and charming here. 

 The City Wall 

 Wine! 

 I thought this sign for a carriage crossing was cute! 

 Awesome old steps 

 Knights guarding the streets 

 The Dom in Rothenburg 

 Cool/random tower 

 Beautiful side garden found randomly 

Opening in the wall 

 View from an opening in the wall 

 Hills 

We then stumbled upon this adorable teddy bear store--Teddyland! Apparently they have the biggest collection of teddy bear items in all of Germany (5,000 items!!). The shop was so cute but very pricey. Their signature teddy bear was anywhere from 20-100 euros. 

 Giant Teddy Bear in the window of the store

Me with the Teddy Bear--It was huge!!!

I love that Rothenburg is touristy but still has the most unique shops you can find. For example, we approached this one shop that was selling swords and different medieval items from various movies. 

 The display window

 Sword from Braveheart 

 Sword from Robin Hood 

 Sword from Lord of the Rings 

 Continuing our walking journey during the wonderful sunset 

 Cute little passageways all over 

 I just love the medieval feel to the entire town

 The garden area. I'm sure it looks amazing in the spring/summer

 View of the city from the farthest part of the wall 

 Look at that skyline!

 Memorial Shone for the removal of Jews in the Community in 1298. 

 Random Mushroom Stone??

 Cool vine area. Perfect place for a picnic!

 More amazing views

 Me being artsy again

 More views 

 Our last stop was to this adorable and warm shop run by a man in his 70's-80's. He does personalized wood carvings and they were so beautiful! Also, free engravings! He was such a sweet guy!

Just so picturesque. No wonder it was a setting from so many movies!