Insider tip Merseburg
by Donau Touristik boss Manfred Traunmüller
This time, our boss went exploring the Saale cycle path from Merseburg himself.
Although this long-distance cycle route is comparatively little known in Germany, the venerable buildings, such as Merseburg and Naumburg Cathedral, as well as unique landscapes and bodies of water with nature observation points make it a delightful treasure trove of nature and culture.
We asked Manfred Traunmüller about his impressions and insider tips.
Insider tip #1: Where was the best place to take a break?
On the terrace of the Schloss Schkopau restaurant with a view of the castle park; a fantastic location and, to the delight of my figure, an excellent 'banana split'. Incidentally, I would have loved the hotel in the castle for the star bike tour!
Insider tip #2: Merseburg is considered one of the oldest cities in central Germany - what impressed you the most?
The Merseburg Raven Legend - According to legend, the strict sovereign Bishop Thilo von Trotha suspected his loyal valet of having stolen his valuable signet ring and had him executed. A few months later, the ring was found in a raven's nest during roof work at Merseburg Castle. As a reminder never to judge in anger, the sovereign had the raven taken prisoner. Since then, the family coat of arms has been changed to depict the raven with a ring in its beak and has been displayed on many public buildings. A pair of ravens still live in Merseburg Castle today.
And of course I was also impressed by the unique Merseburg Cathedral.
Insider tip #3: The Saale Cycle Route is not one of the best-known cycle routes - why is that?
It runs through 3 federal states (Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony); the 3 cannot agree on an advert. Personally, I think it is the most beautiful cycle route in Germany.
Insider tip #4: What was the most important sight on this cycle tour?
Naumburg Cathedral with the nearby old town; secular figures such as the Margravine Uta can be found in the choir directly in front of the altar. At this time, it was not only in England that masses were celebrated in "2 classes"; they were only united by the vault. Here, normal people are depicted near the altar instead of various saints - a sign, among other things, that emancipation in the German-speaking world was one of the first in Europe.
Insider tip #5: Is there a little anecdote that you remember from your exploration trip?
Yes, I was out and about in Halle an der Saale, waiting at a junction in front of a traffic light until the colour finally changed - when a local resident approached me with a grin: "But you're not from here if you stop on red!"
I hope that I have been able to give you some inspiration for your travel planning with my tips and I would be delighted if you explore the cycling paradise around Merseburg with Donau Touristik this year!