December is a magical time in the Christmas Markets of Germany. While I wasn’t able to go on a horseback riding vacation during this time of year, I didn’t have any trouble tracking down horses of a different color in the heart of Germany from Bamberg to Wurzburg.
In Bamberg, Germany, in Upper Franconia in Bavaria, I came across the Bamberg Horseman. While the Bamberg Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George is one of the most famous cathedrals of Germany, not much is known about its famous equestrian statue, The Bamberg Horseman. The early 11th-century Bamberg Cathedral is home to Bamberger Reiter aka Bamberg Horseman which dates back to 1240.
While on a Viking River Cruise I was introduced to Glass Blower Karl Ittig of Wertheimer Glaskunst in Wertheim, Germany. A sixth-generation glass blower, Ittig is known for his flame and furnace-working. He gave us a glass blowing demonstration on our Viking Longship Gefjon and brought some of his works of art on board our ship. These two horse heads are fine examples of his glass working craftsmanship.
In Heidelberg, Germany I came across a beautiful carousel in one of many Christmas Markets. Located in the old town of Heidelberg, the merry-go-round, with its prancing horses, featured horses of different colors.
Lastly, there was an opportunity for a horse and carriage ride through the old town of Nuremberg, Germany. These majestic draft horses are well cared for by their owners, as I checked on them last year.
If You Go:
I saw these Christmas horses during the “Heart of Germany” cruise with Viking River Cruises in 2015.
This article first appeared on Writing Horseback. Article, video and photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Viking River Cruises, however all opinions are my own.