Posts Tagged With: Rhine River

A walk to Germany and back in half a day

A view of the Rhine River from a pedestrian bridge connecting France and Germany, with a Viking cruise ship docked next to the German bank.

We head for a suspension bridge, our path to Germany.

If you are a traveler, there is a lot to like about the European Union. The euro makes managing currency so easy as you go from country to country. Then there is the seamless movement across borders.

So, today, we walked to Germany. No passport necessary. Easier than going from Oregon to California (no stopping at the border to confirm you don't have fruit).

We are staying in Strasbourg, part of the Alsace region of France tucked against the Rhine River, the border with Germany.

We took a city electric tram to the end of the line, then walked about a mile to Jardin des Deux Rives, the Garden of Two Banks, where we found a spectacular suspension bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. It led to the other bank, in Germany.

After climbing a viewing tower for a distant look at the Black Forest, we had a relaxing riverside picnic before heading back to our home in France.

What's not to like about Europe!

 

Two hundred steps to views of two nations.

Look closely to the left for the Strasbourg Cathedral spire. The Rhine and the pedestrian suspension bridge are in the foreground.

 

Looking out for wildlife in Germany.

 

I have to admit, it was fun to have a picnic in Germany.

 

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Strasbourg: World Heritage site is welcoming

This spot next to a canal is on our list for a happy hour some evening.

Flowers compete with food for your sensory attention.

Strasbourg, France greeted us Monday as we arrived via fast train from Paris. A city of about 370,000, it has been under French and German rule, including four years of Nazi occupation, 1940-1944.

It has France's second-highest university student population and, after two days of exploring, we conclude that it must be one of Europe's premier tourist destinations. Many come on Rhine River cruise tours.

It is also home to the European Union Parliament.

We resisted the mini-train with an audio guide in eight languages, but got a Strasbourg pass for 19€ that includes a canal boat tour.

The old central city, a World Heritage site, has a bit of a Venice, Italy feel. Narrow, winding alleys and streets.

It is a walkable city, but if your feet get tired, there is a modern electric tram system that crisscrosses Strasbourg and is popular among locals and tourists. It took us a while to figure out the ticketing system, but once we did, other tourists sought us out for help. Be sure to get your ticket validated in the machines at all stops.

 

Tour boats go through locks as they negotiate the canals.

Towers once linked covered bridges in the Petite-France neighborhood in Strasbourg.

Cobblestone streets are free of traffic most of the day in the central city.

 

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