July 18

Wertheim

Entering Wertheim on the Main River

The town was left untouched in WW II despite the fact that the main Nazi air base for Euro bombings was here. Why? When the Allies came to take it out the valley was enshrouded in fog and they couldn't find the town! They moved on to Wurzburg (where we were yesterday) and the result of that left 3 buildings (THREE) without a roof! Then as the war came to an end Wertheim was in the US Zone, with the Soviet Red Army just 80 miles away. Until the 1990s the people of Wertheim were constantly in fear of being invaded by the Soviets; so much so that the mountain below the castle was a three-level shelter with room for 4,000 people - beds, food, etc!

The narrowest home in Wertheim (left): note, like most houses in town, each floor has a SINGLE room! Can you imagine living like that? The "Leaning Tower of Wertheim" on the right

Entertainment In Medieval Times
Everyone wanted to be or have a view of the town square to find out what was going on! This is the Baker's shop with his apartment above. Note the small window on the left - this allowed the baker's wife to watch everyone and everything and not be seen!

Climbing To The Castle

You can't even imagine how steep and high it was :) But on the left you see Kim climbing the first half, which was at least had steps; on the right you see me "huffing & puffing" up the steep incline, but the view is well worth it.

The panoramic view from the castle entrance

We made it!

The castle up close

Afterwards Kim went for a run - here she poses for a selfie as she crosses the bridge back from Bavaria to Wertheim with our ship, The Lif in the background

 

NOTE:  This afternoon (Saturday) we enter the Rhine River Valley with deep valleys, steep cliffs - with many castles.....but with spotty if any Internet connection.  We'll keep in touch as best as possible!