Drive Down The Rhine River

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After leaving Amsterdam, our route was to follow the Rhine River across Germany to Munich.  It would involve stops in Koln, Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, Bacharach and a special surprise for Sonja.


Our first stop in Germany was Koln (or Cologne).

Cologne, Germany


Cologne is a stunning city.  Best known for the Kolner Dom, the large cathedral.  We were not able to spend a lot of time in Cologne due to our sleeping accomodations for that night which were over 100 miles away.

However, we did make it to the Dom.





We were astounded at the enormity of this cathedral.  Awestruck by the exterior.  But once we went inside...  well, you can see for yourself.



Koblenz, Germany

Koblenz is one of Germany's oldest and most beautiful cities.  Most famous for Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Mosel river converge.



You can see the very large statue of William I, the first German emperor, erected in 1897.  Of course, we had to go check it out.








I think we were surprised on the Rhine river drive at the number of castles we saw.  I guess that way back when, folks looked at this place like movie stars look at Malibu now.  



And as we drove along, we tried to go into as many small towns as we could and even stopped at a road side vendor to buy some German wine.




The small towns were just magical to drive through.








At one point, we needed to get to the other side of the river and what better way than by ferry.  








Bacharach, Germany

Whoa!  Hang on a second.  You would almost think we were in Leavenworth.  But no, we're in Bacharach.  This is a small town on one of the most scenic stretches of the Rhine river.  It's a medieval town that had about 6,000 people back in the 15th century.



To get into the town, you have to drive through the walls of the city.


Tell me this isn't Leavenworth!

Sonja's always trying to make friends by just walking into their houses unannounced.










Next post...  Sonja's surprise!

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