Liberation Hall
(KELHEIM, GERMANY) A spring, summer, or fall jaunt through this German hamlet is nothing short of magnificent. Rich in history, casual and fun (Biergarten anyone?), and full of bucolic splendor, Kelheim is a feast for the senses (beer, brat, pretzel anyone?)
Situated on the Danube River banks and centuries old, Kelheim draws outdoor adventurers for hiking, biking, boating and strolling the grey cobblestone Main Square, where quaint shops and eateries huddle together painted in warm pastels.
Danube River Narrows
A national treasure and environmental wonder are just steps away from Kelheim’s main square. Cruise through the Danube narrows on a ferryboat fully stocked with the libation of your choice, a light meal, or snack. As you snake along the narrows, towering limestone cliffs line the river banks. The view is stunning! Perched atop the highest peak is Liberation Hall, King Ludwig’s circular creation to honor the battlefield victories over Napoleon’s forces in the early 1800’s. Magnificent statues, 18 in all for the number of Germanic tribes that did battle, surround the exterior wall.
Weltenburg Abbey
At the mouth of the scenic Danube Gorge sits the sprawling campus of Weltenburg Abbey, founded in the year 600 by missionary monks and is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. Ferryboat riders can disembark and take a guided tour of the church adorned with spectacular paintings, sculptures and figurines.
There are familiar Christian storylines illustrated through ornate displays of artwork, up to the exquisite stained glass dome depicting the entrance to Heaven’s gate. Hundreds of thousands of tourists a year visit Weltenburg, which has it’s own brewery and outdoor cafe and restaurant.
Our Kelheim visit was just a day trip, but we left with a lifetime of memories of special places and friendly, warm people.
Click on the video below for a tour of Kelheim.
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