…… And we can now see why.

We had a fabulous day today in Oberneufnach with a family who generously opened their home to us because we were Gerard H’s friends.

Franz and Siegie and their gorgeous children welcomed us into their home they built in a picturesque part of Bavaria in the village of Oberneufnach. They also invited Stephan and Simone to join us for a BBQ at their home. Gerard is also good friends with Stephan.

Today was a special day in Oberneufnach because a 100 year old steam engine was to pass through the village. The train comes through the village three times a year. Franz took us on a walk close to his house where we saw the start of the Neufnach River (only 1 metre wide but it has 40cm fish, crayfish and eels). The part of the river closest to Franz’s home is owned by a person they know. This person owns the rights to any fish or crayfish or eels that live in the river.

Also close to his home is a pool/ bath that has been built by a doctor using the local spring water – which is freezing cold. It is supposed to be very therapeutic for arthritis etc. People can walk through the cold waters to help their aching legs and feet. The water is constantly replaced from a natural spring.

Franz took us to a lookout where we could see several surrounding villages and the gentle slopes where “Atilla the Hun” is buried. Attila died after a battle, not from the significant wounds he sustained, but from drowning in his own vomit after a big night on the grog.

We also visited a lake where many locals were swimming and enjoying the sun. In winter, this lake is frozen and the locals ice skate on it.

Franz took us to a small church called “Little Weiskirch” which is one third to scale of the Weiskirch we visited two days ago – the church that is built in the middle of a field. We went upstairs to the organ which provided a great view of the church. Franz explained that the church is painted / renovated about every thirty years. As a Catholic, he is required to pay about €200/ month from his salary to the Catholic Church for this maintenance regime and payment for priests. I doubt if there would be many Catholics in Australia if this was a requirement for us.

It was very special for us to be taken on a tour of the Bavarian village and to see the clever technologies he and Siegie have used in their home. They heat their home using sawdust pellets. Franz has also built himself a sauna which he uses very often.

After a wonderful day, we then drove 150km to Dinkelsbühl for the night. We had dinner at one of the many restaurants in the town square. See separate post.

Tomorrow our trip down the Romantic Road ends when we return the car in Würzburg. We have loved it.