It was a blustery and clear January day on the Bodensee and Franz and I wanted to get out and enjoy the crisp air on our beautiful lake. We embarked upon a small excursion to nearby Meersburg, Germany about thirty miles west of Bregenz. The city is surrounded by the rich soils of the Bodensee that nourishes the white wine grapes known as Weissherbst that the region is known for. Every autumn the city hosts a festival that celebrates the bounty of the harvest and the wines cultivated on the shores on the Bodensee such as Riesling, Traminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. http://www.meersburg.de/en/Tourism/Events/Wine-Festival
The medieval city is home to two castles hence the name “Burg on the sea.” The formidable Old Castle was begun in the seventh century by the Merovingian King Dagobert I and the New Castle was erected in the eighteenth century as the residence of the Bishop of Constance but today is a museum. We took a tour of the rustic Old Castle and immersed ourselves in the glory days of the past. The Burg was wonderfully restored and held informative and interesting collections of armory, medieval equipment and tools, household items, and furniture. In earlier times the castle with its breathtaking lake view was the residence from 1841-1848 of the famous German poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Today the the castle boasts a wonderful collection of her letters and writings. Her former study is filled with her personal items, books and writing implements. and offers the visitor insight into her inspiration and creative process.
http://www.meersburg.de/en/Tourism/Sights-and-attractions/Town-portrait
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at an old restaurant in the inner city called the Weinstube Löwen that has a stately wooden interior and served up traditional Southern Germany cuisine. We indulged in a tasty Gänsekeule (goose leg) with a Semmelknödel (bread dumpling) and topped with a mild gravy. What a yummy way to end a super day! http://www.hotel-loewen-meersburg.de