Vilshofen - Regensburg, Germany
Our first night on the River Cloud was spent peacefully alongside the small pier of Vilshofen on the Danube. We awoke to fog enshrouding the hills like a blanket, as we set out for our day in Regensburg. Driving through the hills the sun began to melt away the misty layer, and a golden light was cast upon the countryside. If there ever was a sign this day would be wonderful, that was it.
Regensburg, one of Germany’s oldest towns, was first settled by the Celts whose written records show this town’s status as a Roman fort in 77 AD. During the 12th and 13th centuries the town of Regensburg flourished with the advent of the Hanseatic league, and in 1245 it became a free city of the German Reich and was for many years South Germany’s wealthiest town. Today Regensburg is the capital of the Oberpfalz province with a university that was established in 1962. Minimally damaged by either World War, Regensburg’s old town retains its old world character.
On this sleepy Sunday, with only doves stirring on the city squares, we made our way to Schloss Thurn & Taxis. The Thurn and Taxis family, who originally came from Cornello, close to Bergamo in northern Italy, developed the original postal system in western and central Europe during the 15th century. However, as Europe evolved, the House of Thurn and Taxis eventually lost both positions of Postmaster General and Principal Commissioner. All was not to despair, as years of monopoly over the communication routes still allowed for great wealth, which then diversified its enterprises, and today remain members of the European Elite.
The family’s main residence dates back to the 11th century as the former Benedictine monastery, St. Emmeran. Today we would be lucky to tour some of the rooms open to the public. Each room told its own story, through tapestries, furnishings and paintings.
Departing Regensburg, we made our way back through the hills to our home for the next week, the River Cloud. Traveling on what is easily the most comfortable and elegant ship on the river, we would get our first feel for what she was truly meant to do – cruise the Danube River.
Relaxed and content on the sun deck, we cruised down river to Passau. Passing through Kachlett Lock, our first lock of 12 this voyage, we were able to experience how precisely the captain and his officers are able to maneuver such a large vessel through tight spaces, and other boat and barge traffic.
Our day ended as we pulled into Passau, gearing up for another fabulous day on the Danube River.
