Well, another jump, and this time to Frankfurt. My stay at Trier was good. While there I visited all the Roman ruins and was impressed how these ruins had survived. There has been a settlement and a crossing over the river from round 15bc and by around 150ad the romans had turned this small settlement into the biggest city in Northern Europe – the first city in Germany – which also became the epicentre for Roman rule in Northern Europe. As well as the biggest bath-house outside Rome, it also has a large amphitheatre which would hold spectacles, including theatre, executions and gladiators – in a whole day.
Having looked on Google at so many places to visit, I got mixed up thinking Trier was a pretty-postcard kind of place. It’s not. It’s just a pleasant city with normal building and some pretty building together with a very busy and bustling centre, but if you like Roman history then it’s definitely a place to visit as there is quite a bit to see.
Trier was taken over by the Francs around 450ad and by around the 1400’s it was assimilated into the Prussian empire and by that time much of what was Roman had gone, and by 1945 most of the buildings built in the Middle Ages also disappeared due to Allied bombing.
FRANKFURT: Riding to Frankfurt was no big deal. About 150 miles, but instead of taking the easy route I decided to ride north to Koblenz alongside the Mosel River, taking the opportunity to cross every bridge I came across. And I managed to cross quite a few of them.
In the afternoon I also visited Eltz Castle, which is a magnificent 12th century castle and straight out of a story-book involving knights in shining armour. It really impressive, and I would have liked to go and visit but it was the afternoon and I needed to keep moving. Maybe next time. After that I headed north to Koblenz and then south-east to Frankfurt. Unfortunately I got to the campsite a little too late as the reception was closed and the gate locked. I was going to camp outside the campsite on some grass but decided to find somewhere in the countryside instead. Heading out of the city I found a forest about 15km away and camped for the night – which was quiet and relaxing.
After an early(ish) start I rode about 30 minutes back into Frankfurt and found the campsite was open. Phew…! I’m camping at Campingplatz Bürgel, which is 19.5 eu a night. It’s basic but it’s clean and friendly. After getting the tent up and a shower – i’m off into the city to see my daughter who now lives and works in Frankfurt. I’m here for a few days, and after that – I’m heading south.
Frankfurt itself is a big modern city, thought there is still some of the original buildings left in the centre. Including the cathedral, which was extensively damaged during WW2 but has been restored to its former glory. It really is quite magnificent. Nearby, and walking out of the city centre is the Eiserner Bridge which crossed the River Main, and all along it are zillions of padlocks – tokens of love. I also went to visit the city’s main museum, but it was a Monday – and the museum closes on a Monday… Maybe tomorrow.
FRANKFURT
