Advertisement
Published: November 14th 2012
Edit Blog Post
#3 BLOG CONTINUING OUR NORTHERN GERMANY TRAVELS
As we entered Hamburg, we found our MH stellplatz which accommodated 60+ units, within the city limits. By quickly settling in and jumping on the Metro, we were able to observe a study in contrasts within a German city. Alll businesses in Germany are closed on Sunday, giving an impression of a sleeping metropolis. Our MH site was 2 metro stops from the center of Hamburg and so we could easily discover the different tempo of activity between our arrival on Sunday and Monday, when we returned and it became a thriving metropolis.
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany with the huge harbor and warehouse area in it's center. The canal system throughout has earned it the title of "VENICE OF THE NORTH". The city is also alert to the threat of flooding with warnings posted in the warehouse and harbor areas.
Hamburg was almost completely destroyed in a devastating fire in 1842 and then of course damage from extensive bombing during WWII, left much of the city in ruins. Restoration of buildings has been intense, but one ruin has been preserved and created into a memorial to the
"futility of the destruction and death caused by war". The Nickolaiturm, formerly St. Nickolai-kirche (church) has been left as it was destroyed. An elevator to a viewing platform near the top of the tower, provides a spectacular 360 degree view of the city of Hamburg and an even more dramatic picture of Hamburg's place on the North Sea. This is a city of many faiths and the site of five Protestant churches. The Reformation, started by Martin Luther, against the Catholic church, had a great impact on the religious focus of Germany.
We took a 45 min. tour, given in English, of areas of the 627 room palatial Rathaus (town hall) that is the center of the government of Hamburg. The 12 room tour on a Sunday, enabled us to see the areas currently used by the leaders of government. There was no damage to this huge building during the bombing raids during the war. A tourist asked why? The answer given was that "Bombs were dropped but were "duds", thus allowing this gorgeous building to remain intact for all to enjoy.
Nearby, the town of Luneburg was at one time one of the wealthiest in Germany with
it's prosperity founded on the salt mines. There remains a wooden crane on site to represent how salt was moved to transporting ships on the canals. Restaurants, shops and cafes now line the banks of the canals and enabled us to enjoy a wonderful German meal in a picturesque setting. Three gothic churches provided Guy with plenty of areas to photograph, before and after lunch.
One of the quaintest and charming small towns that we have visited is Hitzacker, a town situated between tributaries of the gigantic Elbe river. Floods in 2002 and 2006 flooded the town from 2 directions and pictures and stories about the flooding are posted on many of the houses along with a list of all the inhabitants of these very old 1/2 timbered and brick homes over many years. Their modern flood control structures only add to the charm of this town. We were directed to Wine Hill, a strenuous walk to the highest point in town, for a vision of the extent of the town and surrounding area. On the way we found the huge and carefully supported skeleton of a 350 yr.old Chestnut tree that according to legend had been planted by
a 'witch'. She supposedly planted it upside down, saying that if it grew, that would prove that she was not a witch. It grew, but the story continues that she was still burned as a witch. The panoramic view of the area was amazing and we enjoyed the day in a warm and welcoming town.
As we continue south to Goslar, we were attracted to yet another 'close to town' stellplatz. A charming small city with a history of hundreds of years, is a step back into time. The twisting streets of 1//2 timbered houses and shops is a challenge to negotiate to find the 'best' places and to follow the map. We were surprised to find a Woolworth store, that was much like the ones we remembered. We finally found the Imperial Palace, but late enough in the day that we decided to return the next day to fully enjoy the extensive grounds and beauty. Two treks into town from the stellplatz, were a physical challenge. The next day we drove the MH into the center through those very narrow streets and were able to park near the Imperial Palace. We also heard the legend of the Witches
of Goslar. On April 30th , an annual meeting of all the witches in Germany occurs in the Harz Mountains, to party hearty! One of our photos, guess which one, we had to take as a remembrance of that legend. The Harz Mountains are reputed to be where the Grimm fairy tales were sited. The deep, dark forests, the steep ravines, winding narrow roads, dark caves and mines, provide a picturesque setting for SLEEPING BEAUTY, HANSEL AND GRETEL, AND SNOW WHITE and many others that we read to our kids.
We have been enjoying staying in the stellplatz parking areas throughout Germany. Some are free with minimal services, some are minimally priced with multiple services, but in all we have felt safe and welcomed. We have stayed on active river sides, on harbors, in villages, cities, private businesses and private homes. All with a feeling that MHers are welcome and valued.
We continue on to Leipzig and Dresden before we turn around and head West toward Dusseldorf and thru the Netherlands toward England.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.308s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 13; qc: 50; dbt: 0.063s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb