Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) preparations
During Advent every town seems to have its own Christmas market(s).
The market squares are filled with these little wooden stands selling all manner of crafts, food and Glühwein.
This however was a week before Advent begins, so although everything seems to be in readiness,
it won't be open until the following week.





The town square
It's still early morning and so rather quiet.  The cathedral is immediately to the left but too big to get a good picture of.

Note the Bächle (little stream running in a gutter) along the right side of the square
These formed the basis of the medieval sewage system and can be annoying if you're not paying attention to where you're walking.

Also note the large hill (with a tower on top).
 The picture below is taken from the top of the tower.







The view from the top of the tower
(Make sure to scroll right to see the entire picture)

The Cathedral tower (centre) is 380 feet high and is one of the few in Germany to have been completed during the middle ages.






Another (older) tower, lower down on the hill.
The cave below looks to be a popular hangout spot (beer bottles and firepit) with a good view of the city.





Construction of the cathedral began around 1200 and took over 300 years to complete.






A monument to the German troops who were drawn from this area.





Not sure what the name of this church is, but thought it was a nice view.




Schwabentor (Swabian Gate)
Part of the old fortifications.





Strasbourg cathedral
Again - it's too big (and the streets too cramped) to get a good picture of it.

 



Strasbourg was preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their liberation.
Musicians and flags were everywhere, unfortunstely I didn't get to see any of the actual celebrations.

Next:  Austria (Vienna and Linz)