Day 3 – Regensburg
Today we were able to get a slower start to our day which was nice after our busy excursions in Nurnberg the day before. We had a seated breakfast in the restaurant with attentive table service. The menu covered the needs of those who enjoyed sweet – with a beautiful crispy Belgian waffle, and the savoury – perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise for a classic eggs benny. I chose the latter and it was perfection.
Our tour started a bit later around 1pm today. The port for our ship was right in the heart of Regensburg. Beside us a busy boardwalk that led straight into the heart of town. Bundled up in scarves and mittens, we met our tour guide Katia outside the boat and readied ourselves for an informative walking tour that would end at a very unique Christkindl Market.
The city of Regensburg is full of rich history. It is one of Germany’s oldest cities. Founded in 90AD by Romans, we were taken to see some of the ruins including the Porta Praetoria and parts of the original fortress walls. What is so eye-catching is the mix of these historic ruins now surrounded by the hustling and bustling streets of new Regensburg. These are full of unique shoppes boasting curios and souvenirs, as well hidden entries to inviting and warm cafes with the most incredible pastries and desserts. We saw shops with classic Bavarian dress, beautiful hand-crafted chocolates, and of course the day-to-day like the pharmacy – which are called Apothekary here in Germany.
We arrived at our Christmas Market as the sun was going down. The Thurn and Taxis Romantic Christmas Market is located on the grounds and in the courtyard of a palace that belonged to the noble and important German family of the same name. It runs through the Advent season and boasts handicrafts from the region, recitals, readings, and children’s entertainment square. It also offers many culinary delights to choose from and sample- so many sausages! The market had a very different feel from our visit to the Christkindl Market in Nurnberg. This felt more rustic and ambient at the same time. The stalls were a bit less ‘kitschy’ and offered handmade goods boasting natural materials like wool, wood, iron, and ceramics.
The palace was lit by 10-foot Christmas trees decked in lights and ornaments, beautiful lanterns lining gravel pathways, and glowing lights that lit the castle up against the night sky creating a very magical backdrop. You could enjoy mulled wine – or visit the champagne garden. There were live alpacas and goats to feed, and wonderful bonfires to gather around with family and friends.
We met our bus at 6pm with our newfound market fare and headed back to port to find that the Danube River was rising quickly. An early onset of snow melting over the last couple of days has led to a rushing river and flooding along the shoreline. Once on board we were informed that we were sailing forward to just outside of Passau, our next location. Tomorrow we will find out if we are in port for some time, or if we will be able to keep sailing! Until then.
– Andrea Petkau, 2023 Christmas Markets Cruise
