Who'll Stop the Rain? Lauenburg

Too many days have passed waiting for clear skies signaling another dry day trip. Not sitting at home today - no way - we are off to Lauenburg in the rain. Hey Creedence, have you ever seen the rain? Who'll stop the rain?

Lauenburg was founded in 1182 by Bernard of Ascania, the predecessor of the 29 future Dukes of Lauenburg. The city took its name from the castle of Lowenborch erected here between 1181 and 1182. High above the Elbe River, the castle was strategically built to keep sights on and control of the river and surrounding lands. All that remains today of the castle is the defense tower which is still amazingly intact.  The tower was completed in 1477 after 20 years of construction. Not only used for defense but it also housed dungeons. In non-Covid times the tower is open to visitors for witnessing the grizzly chambers of medieval horror. It is said that on a clear day, after a climb to the top of the tower, the panoramic view of the Elbe River is magnificent. You also would be able to see the city of Luneburg 16 miles away located on the other side of the river. Can not even remember what a clear day in Germany is like. German clouds rule the skies.

Another afternoon walk back in time.

Lauenburg is a historic shipping town located on the banks of the River Elbe. Many four-century-old half-timber houses still stand along the picturesque narrow cobblestone streets. The richly decorated facades with their many windows were a typical architectural expression of wealth. 

Many of the houses have Latin sayings inscribed on them. My interpreter could have read them had they been written in German.

So much middle-age history to inhale. Most of the half-timber houses have been lovingly restored and there is one after the other. 

A very crooked house. Fit for some of today's Washington politicians. No, they need to reopen the dungeons.

Most of the modern windows today in Germany have lace curtains. Rarely do they cover the entire window. Possibly that trend is centuries old.

Tiny house once belonging to the cobbler holds the distinction of the smallest house in Northern Germany. 

There are plaques outside of each house listing the history as well as a timeline of owners over the years.

Fire was a perpetual threat so between all of the houses a narrow gap was left. This allowed for easier access to water from the river for bucket brigades.

How many feet have tread on those cobbles?

Maria-Magdalenen Church

The oldest visible component of Maria-Magdalenen Church is the Gothic nave entrance and fieldstone along the lower area of the church.  In 1277 it began as a chapel and then rebuilt several times over the years. As with so many other ancient German churches, fires and wartime bombings have necessitated reconstruction.

Alter Pranger

Notice how worn the round granite stone appears. Public punishment and humiliation were done right here outside of the main entrance to the church. It is known that in medieval times shaming of single women and girls who had given birth were sentenced to church punishment! Located above the stone to the right is where the chain to the neck iron was hooked! Watch your tongue, blasphemous speech was another
punishable offense to get you standing on the stone and chained to the wall.

Peter poses on the stone of shame.

Today in Germany everything about the mail and mail carriers gear is bright yellow. At some point in time, the blue must have been phased out.

Vending machine find of the day: Art to Go. Souvenir magnets anyone? The shops are all Covid closed, now is your chance.

Map of the iron curtain.

Lauenburg is located on a popular cycling route known as the Iron Curtain Trail. This trail follows the line of the former Iron Curtain. The once heavily guarded border separated East and West Germany. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Iron Curtain fell shortly thereafter.

This fascinating city holds more history than can be absorbed in an afternoon and is only about an hour's drive from Hamburg. We must return soon.