As this isn’t really a “beer and vomit” type of elegy to Germany, Part 2 will start with something that is even spiritual, the Saint James Camino, or as stated in German, St Jakobs Weg. Yes, THAT camino, and there are numerous variations of this not only in Bavaria, but in other parts of Germany as well, as this map shows; with the red way in northern Spain (The French Way) being the most popular. If interested, please try this site, for further information.
My journey was only for two days, and was in southern Franconia, though still beautiful! And this comes to another point about Germany, and specifically Bavaria – their churches. I have always wondered why they are not as renown as others in Europe. The particular style in Bavaria is Rococo, though I could be wrong that it applies to every church here (probably I am!).
On our first stage to Effeltrich was delightful, and still so close to cities, but JUST far enough to feel a sense of remoteness – however false that was. In addition, there will always be a village or small town within an hour of you, complete with all things German (bakeries, Gasthauses with Bier, etc). What was unusual here in Effeltrich, was a bizarre “church / fort” (in German a “Wehrkirche – Fortified Church”), at the end of the stage, called St Georg. More information can be found here.
The second stage was continued a few days later, and started from Effeltrich via a bus, to Forcheim. Whilst we took a wrong turn in a forest after Pinzberg (to Kersbach), we still had time to discover a delightful trinity of churches / chapels in Pinzberg.
The first was a chapel (Kappelle)
Followed by another Kappelle, complete with outdoor seating for services. Interesting and with an ode to German efficiency, it was possible to not only collect a stamp for your Camino book, but also to listen to some spiritual tunes as well. Magnificent!
The final stop in Pinzberg, was at St Nikolaus, with a smaller chapel inside, for use of children.
Afterwards, we meandered to Forcheim central, but stopped along the way at a Lutheran church, St. Johannis – Evangelisch-Lutherische, in it’s outskirts, though still part of the camino. Yes, non-Catholic churches take part here; even in Bavaria. Though in this case, it was not as ornamental as other places. Though it still had the blue and yellow shell signifying the camino.
Finally, ended in the centre of Forcheim, with what else a bier. In this case, it was a Tucher, information here.
If you do notice one thing though, in the summer in this neck of the woods, there are wasps EVERYWHERE there is food. Hence, you simply have to use the beer coaster (Untersetzer) on top of a beer. You’ve been warned. But if you require more information on this, please check out here.
Curious Bystander 
