Day 7: Close to the mountains

We leave Bamberg and enter the Main valley. Our destination for the day is Kronach. We pass through some small towns with their half-timbered houses, nice to look at. But empty, hardly anyone to be seen. The first highlight is Oberbrunn. Not because of the architecture or the landscape, but because of the bicycle service station. Obviously, everything has been thought of: air pump, tools securely chained, guestbook, donation box. I throw something in, even if I don't need to use it - fingers crossed. But then I realize, I can check the tire pressure. Even my bicycle dealer said I shouldn't inflate too hard, the wide tires also serve as shock absorbers. So 2.5 bar in the front and just under 3 bar in the back are enough. Whether psychologically induced or realiter - it has been more pleasant to ride since then.

We have been noticing a church on the heights for a while, which we are slowly approaching. At some point, I see the road sign 'Kloster Banz', which I know from television. They have a song evening every year, which is broadcast on BR. I still remember a performance by Reinhard Mey. But I'm not 'Up in the Sky', I'm on the road in the valley, and the monastery is up above...

We take a break in the basket maker town of Lichtenfels, a center for weaving. Amazing things can be made from willow twigs, everything on display looks good.

We leave the Main and turn towards the Rodach, which accompanies us to Kronach. In Kronach, I treat myself to a 'decent' external keyboard; the one on my tablet is very sensitive - just touch it slightly, and the tablet reacts in strange ways. I have to curse (to put it mildly) at something like that, and my wife is out to remedy the situation. We pass by an Expert store, and since then I have been blogging more relaxed...

The lady at the cash desk gives us a tip for the accommodation, just 300 m away. The only drawback: we can only check in at 5 o'clock. Still have over an hour... An alternative (fully digital, but with an external breakfast) is discarded, the old town and the fortress on the mountain will have to wait. A break brings peace and passes the time until 5 o'clock. We arrive punctually and are rewarded with a large room.

After the shower, we visit the city. We have barely arrived when a heavy shower begins, which leads us to the Indian restaurant. I have a dal - rice with lentils. As a Swabian, I like lentils, whether from the Swabian Alb or Indian or whatever...

Finally, the visit to the fortress, one of the largest fortifications in Germany, with a beautiful view of Kronach and the surrounding area. And finally, an interesting art installation.