Historic Kaysersberg

 

After we explored the fairy tale town of Riquewihr, we spent the afternoon in Kaysersberg which has always been my favorite among the Alsatian small towns. Its name - "emperor's mountain" - shows its historical connection with Germany. It is also the birthplace of theologian, organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer in 1875, at a time when Alsace had less than four years previously become the Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine in the German Empire. Besides the Albert Schweitzer-Museum, there are thoughtful reminders of Kaysersberg's most famous son at the entrance to the town.

Kaysersberg is located amidst hills covered with vineyards. It grows some of the best Alsatian wines and its wine produced from the Pinot Gris variety is a local specialty. In the vineyards you can see the ruins of the castle high above the town. We didn't walk up there this last time, but from earlier visits I remember that the view is beautiful. It was the German Emperor Frederic II (Holy Roman Empire) who gave orders to build this castle in the 13th century.

The river Weiss flows right through the center of the town which required building a couple bridges that today offer lovely views.

Even though Kaysersberg is a lovely medieval town in the heart of Alsace, it is not as crowded as Riquewihr. This might be one of the reasons that I always liked it so much better. It feels a bit more relaxed and slower. Just see how much less crowded the main street is.

The town is not short on narrow alleys and gates either.

This has always been my favorite view, starting the very first time I came here (more than 30 years ago):

We saw lots of beautiful restaurant and pottery signs as well.

I found these man-made nests under the eaves and ledges interesting - they are replacing the "normal" swallow(?), martin(?) nests - maybe because those are damaging the old masonry? I am not sure, however, the birds - I'm not even trying to identify them after my major fail from last week and just leave this to David - seem to accept them happily and very busily flying in and out, feeding their hungry and food demanding offspring (sorry for the bad photos).

Another pretty street - I loved the arch of lavishly blooming roses.

There were so many little quirks and serene corners - this is just a very small selection:

And look what we discovered in the tower of the Église Sainte Croix - a Common Kestrel or Turmfalke in German (Falco tinnunculus) - at least I am 95% sure (and I'm sure to the very same degree that David may diminish my confidence in identifying birds correctly again, but I'd rather stay corrected than make a wrong ID).

Now it's time for showing a drink, since this is for Elizabeth and Bleubeard's T Tuesday. Where else if not here could I brag with this (thank you, Elizabeth, for giving me this opportunity):

This eau de source d'Alsace is located in Ribeauvillé where the natural spring appeared in the 16th century. "Carola" was created in 1888 as a thermal establishment by a Dr. Staub who named it "Les Bains Carola" after his wife Caroline. On their website it says "Carola embodies moments of conviviality, pleasure and sharing". There you have it.

Last but not least, something to consider:

If you take my (parking) space, take my disability as well.