Little Venice in Bamberg!

Let’s take a wee dander (stroll) along the banks of the River Regnitz  in Bamberg. This quaint collection of half-timbered houses, many dating back to the middle ages, is affectionately known by locals as Little Venice. 

Historically, these cottages and gardens on the edge of the river were occupied by the fishermen who fished on the river and moored their boats at the bottom of their gardens! 

Usually, in August in Bamberg there is the Sandkerwa, one of the largest festivals in Bavaria and one of the highlights is the ''Fischerstechen'', a jousting competition held by the fishermen's guilds in the middle of the river. The teams, in traditional dress, try to shove each other off boats into the water with wooden lances, much to the hilarity of the spectators. Unfortunately, it was cancelled this year, but who knows maybe next year the fisherman will once again take to the waves for a soaking! 

The gondola is not just a play on the name of Venice, you can indeed take a trip on the Regnitz with gondolas in summer and here’s the proof! To be honest, I've never given it a go because it’s just as pricey as in Venice. 

What really did surprise me while I was taking these photos was this ........!  Yey, the Scottish Saltire, even in Little Venice, Scottish Pride.