Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kaysersberg's bridge
was fortified on the upstream side to stop enemy boats from
entering town. Look downstream; the helter-skelter roofs were for drying the leather and
hides of a tannery.
On this 16th-century bridge, find the emblems of the Holy Roman Empire (double
eagle) and of Kaysersberg (two bags with a belt to tie goods to the trader's horse). These
signs—plus the nearby saint-in-a-cage emblem (Constantine with the Holy Cross and
Christ)—meant this bridge offered both political and religious protection for people com-
ing and going.
At the end of World War II, as the Nazis were preparing to retreat, they planned to
destroythebridge.Localsreasonedwiththecommander,agreeingtodigananti-tankditch
just beyond the bridge—and the symbol of the town was saved.
Cross the bridge and look back above the bathhouse with its stork nest. (Storks are
choosy and often don't like man-made nest cages like this one.) High on the ridge is the
town's 12th-century castle and city wall.
Your walk is finished. If you fancy a bike ride, rent one at the
Boutique Coup de
Cœur
(just after the bridge at #105, tel. 03 89 78 29 16). The castle is an easy climb. And
the Albert Schweitzer Museum is a block beyond the bridge.
