We were moored at Kelheim under the Befeiungshalle or Hall of Liberation built by Ludwig 1 to commemorate the soldiers lost in the war against Napoleon in 1815. We set sail on the Scenic Emerald for Regensburg as we had now past the flooded portion of the Danube. Regensburg on the northern point of the Danube was an important Roman city and was in the middle ages at the hub of German affairs with the Imperial Diet (Reichstag) often meeting here. From 1663 to 1806 it was the seat of the Permanent Diet.
As we made our way to Regensburg we enjoyed a Bavarian Fruhshoppen (or German feast with sausage and beer before 12am) on the sun deck. This was an activity enjoyed by all involved even the crew.
On arriving at Regensburg we began our town tour visiting St Peter's Cathedral, a lovely Gothic church built between 1250 and 1275 with its sculpture, stained-glass windows and monumental high altar completed in 1785.
We then saw the Steinerne Bucke (or Stone Bridge) which is one of Europe's earliest intact bridges. It was constructed between 1135 and 1146 and has 16 beautiful stone arches.
Just east of the Stone bridge we saw the historic Wurskuche or sausage house which serves locally made fried sausages with sweet mustard and sauerkraut. We also visited the old city hall and saw the golden tower situated nearby. Before we continued our tour, we enjoyed a beer at a local beer house in the al fresco area overlooking the Danube.
In the late afternoon we visited a former Benedictine abbey on the eastern edge of the old city which is at the core of the castle owned by the Turn and Taxis family. This castle was again unbelievably opulent.
After dinner we enjoyed a lively evening of fun on board the Scenic Emerald with a group of Bavarian Brass Musicians providing some typically German music.
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