In my previous article I talked about the German city, located in the region of Bavaria, Regensburg. A beautiful place, located on the banks of the Danube and founded in 179 by the Romans. I am pleased to inform you that in addition to enjoying this wonderful city during your time in Germany, you should spend some time visiting the surroundings of the city, where some extraordinary places are located that I will tell you about below.
WALHALLA: IN SEARCH OF THE GLORIOUS PAST
Although the name of Walhalla probably sounds more like the Nordic Saga of the Vikings, I have to tell you that around 30 km away from Regensburg there is a neoclassical temple that bears this name. But why? Walhalla refers in Nordic Mythology to the hall of the gods, with this name the founder of the temple, King Ludwig I of Bavaria wanted to highlight the glorious Nordic past of the Germans. Remember that we are also at the height of the nationalist movements, since the temple was built between 1830 and 1842 under the guidelines of the architect Leo von Klenze. Furthermore, if you look closely, the temple is not only clearly influenced by classical art that revives with great splendor throughout the 19th century, but also imitates the Parthenon in Athens.
CURIOSITIES ABOUT THE TEMPLE
The monarch Ludwig I of Bavaria ordered the construction of the temple during a very significant stage for the German people, based mainly on the unification of the different German principalities and regions that had been separated for long time. The unification definitely took place in 1871. This temple is a paradise that gathers the busts of the numerous writers, artists, scientists, politicians and notable men in the history of Germany. It also houses the important female figures, although it must be recognized that to a lesser extent.
Also noteworthy are the sculptural representations on the pediments of the temple that refer to events and historical figures in Germany, such as the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, during which an alliance of Germanic tribes under the rule of the German leader and citizen of Roma, Arminius, annihilated the Roman army led by Publius Quintillo Varus in the year 9.
HOW TO GET THERE
Although it is very easy to get to Valhalla by land, even on a bike, I recommend taking a small boat cruise on the Danube River. It is a great way to enjoy the natural landscapes around the city. Boats leave several times a day from the port, located in the center of Regensburg. They are located very close to the Medieval Bridge. I recommend buying tickets in advance, as in high season they may sell out quickly. The trip takes about one hour. The first stop is Walhalla, then the boat continues to the next stop and returns after an hour, more than enough time to see the temple and even take a short walk in the park around Walhalla.
THE SPECTACULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN KELHEIM
The German city of Kelheim is located at the confluence of the Danube and Altmühl rivers, very close to Regensburg. It is possible to reach it by bike along a path that runs along the banks of the Danube, from the center of Regensburg. In it there are two spectacular places that without a doubt you should visit.
BEFREIUNGSHALLE
Befreiungshalle or in other words The Liberation Hall is a neoclassical temple, built to commemorate the victories over Napoleon Bonaparte between 1813 and 1815. Its construction began by the order of Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1842 under the guidelines of the architect Friedrich von Gärtner, but its completion took place in 1862 under the orders of the architect Leo von Klenze. Also, its opening was celebrated on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Nations, in which Napoleon’s troops suffered their worst defeat.
WELTENBERG ABBEY & WELTENBERGER ENGE
Another of the spectacular attractions located in Kelheim is the Weltenberg Abbey which, according to tradition, was founded in 617 by the Roman Eustace du Luxeuil. It is considered that it is the first abbey in Germany that in the 7th century had adapted the Benedictine rules. Today it is known for the fact that since 1050 it has been dedicated to the manufacture of beer, thus becoming the oldest monastic brewery in the World. A dozen varieties of beers are brewed here, including non-alcoholic beer and radler. Enjoy its magnificent flavor in the typical German Biergarten.
On the other hand, among the buildings of the abbey, mostly baroque, the church of St. George stands out, built by the Asam brothers between 1736 and 1739. From the outside the church seems quite modest, although inside it is possible to appreciate how ornate it became to be baroque art. The decoration is beautiful. By the way, near the Abbey it is still possible to appreciate the archaeological remains from Roman times, remember that this region was part of Via Claudia.
Very close to the Abbey are the impressive natural landscapes of the Danube, including Weltenberger Enge, the Danube Gorge. I recommend you take a walk, although there are also cruise ships between March and November that will allow you to enjoy these pictorial landscapes aboard a boat.
TIPS:
• I recommend you a cruise on the Danube to enjoy its landscapes.
• Taste delicious German beer in the oldest monastic brewery in the world.
• Take a hiking trail in Kelheim, Nature is incredible.
• The Danube Gorge looks spectacular at sunset, but it’s good to come to Kelheim earlier, as many sites close early.
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