Schwandorf

A very restful overnight stop - not even the trains caused any wakefulness during the night. By the time we woke this morning the number of motorhomes had grown overnight. At least 15 along the riverfront.    

Even up and about before the ducks!

The day promised to be another warm one, so we got out early to visit the town before the sun was too high in the sky. 

The medieval town centre has had its trials and tribulations over the centuries.  Most of the buildings had to be rebuilt since the early 16th century when the great fire, during the Landshut War of Succession, destroyed most of the town.

The chimes (bells) are very special for they play the Bavarian National Anthem each day at 10am and 5pm. 

The triangular market square, with the Monks Fountain,  is at the heart of the town, surrounded by lovely old townhouses with spectacular gables with their so called”curiosity windows”. From the many seats around the area a pleasant view of St James church, a stopping point for many of the old pilgrim trails to Santiago de Compostela. 

The Smithies House (1573), now a popular restaurant, once was the location of the town’s black-smith’s workshop. 

Adjacent to the town centre is the ancient water wheel in the River Naab. This is a reminder of the former milling tradition of the town. Today the water wheel still generates electricity for the lighting of the park and beer-garden. 

The day was warming and the breeze was getting up meaning that it would be a good day to do the washing. So we headed back to the van, chatted with some lovely English folk before getting our hands wet with the washing! After the jobs were all done, we spent the rest of the day relaxing.