Danube River Cruise - Český Krumlov, Czech Republic and Linz, Austria: April 16, 2018

Since the ship was in port in Linz, Austria, from breakfast until almost midnight, we took Viking's bus tour to the Czech Republic to visit the quaint city of Český Krumlov. We first visited Český Krumlov in Spring 1994. The city is every bit as lovely as I recall--maybe more so, but it is also more crowded with visitors.

Český Krumlov Castle was founded in the mid 13th century. In 1992 the castle and its grounds became a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. A local guide-led walking tour began with the castle garden. It was a gray, rainy day and the garden had not yet awakened to Spring.

Český Krumlov Castle

The castle "boasts" one feature that most don't. It has a grizzly bear contained below its walkway. Since it was definitely bear weather, we did see the creature said to be the last one.

The trip to Český Krumlov was enjoyable because we had a lot of free time as well as a chance to have lunch at a local restaurant. The city is quite photogenic with a charming view around every corner. We even had time to visit the Egon Schiele Art Center. I first became a fan of Schiele's art when we visited the city in 1994. He lived in Český Krumlov until his art was deemed too scandalous. He died in 1918.

Once back at the Linz port, Dan and I scrambled to see what we could of Linz.

The neo-gothic New Cathedral

The New Cathedral (St. Mary's Cathedral) is the biggest church in Austria. It is new only by European standards. Construction began in 1862 and it was finished in 1924. The stunning, cavernous interior includes magnificent stained glass windows. Most of the windows are original but those destroyed in WWII were replaced with stained glass windows in modern art designs.

Linz is the birthplace of the Linzer Torte (shortbread-type crust made with ground nuts filled with red currant jam and topped with a lattice design decorated with sliced almonds). Researchers found the recipe dates back to at least 1653 so it may be the oldest cake recipe in the world. We've never had a real Linzer Torte, so we bought one to share with friends.

A Pedestrian Street in Linz

The Main Square in Linz with the Trinity column in the background erected in memory of those who died in various plagues

River Cruise Port in Linz, Austria

Next stop on the Danube will be Krems, Austria