Sunday, June 23, 2013

Kallmünz: almost in Munich, not quite in Regensburg

Well, it started out as a trip to Munich to attend a trade fair… the week before. But Munich is devilishly expensive and incredibly overcrowded during trade fair weeks, so I decide to stay in Regensburg (about an hour  or so away). But of course, when I check out the places to stay in Regensburg, they do not seem too inviting…. probably just my imagination.  So, with a bit more internet searching, I find what looks like a charming pension located about 25 kms north of Regensburg in Kallmünz. I assume Kallmünz is a town. I arrive quite late, it has been raining and the drive from the autobahn to Kallmünz is foggy. The roads are hilly, windy, twisty… thank goodness for my navi-system. I never would have found this place without it.  Finally I see the sign, turn left and drive over the bridge as instructed… and as the voice on my navi says - "You have arrived”.  Really??? Where? I see two cars parked on one side of this tiny narrow street and a small nondescript,  totally dark building on the other. So I drive on… well not really drive, more like roll on. The street is narrow and only goes for another block. The entire town… oops, I should say ‘village’… seems to be no more than 4 interconnecting, windy streets - in total. Finally after making 3 complete circles around the enclave, I stop the car get out and walk around. My navi was right I “have arrived”. I park the car and approach the darkened house. I ring the bell, lights come on and a woman answers the door and thus begins my Kallmünz adventure. Well, to be honest, it actually started the next day when the sun comes up and I can see all that this adorable little village has to offer.

                     My pension in Kallmünz ... notice sign leaning on the building ( at the back of the trailer)

The view directly across the street from my pension.... actually I think I was standing in the same spot when I took this and the previous photo.

                                                              Another view of Kallmünz 
  
For more photos of Kallmünz , please be sure to check out Pinterest... Roaming-thru-Europe.
According to Wiki, the municipality of Kallmünz has more than 2000 residents and stretches over 169 klms (or 169 people per sq mile). What Wiki does not mention is that there are a zillion more trees and rocks than people. The landscape is absolutely beautiful. But drive out of the very small village and that is all you will see … there seems to not be a soul around. But that is deceiving. There are bicyclists, hikers and even small camping grounds … hidden in the hills. And the next village over (about a ten minute drive) even has a small general store, a Greek restaurant AND a beer garden. Everyone seems to ‘have just enough English’ to ask a few questions in order to make you feel at home... but not enough to be intrusive.   

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