Strasbourg, France

29 March, 2025

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is home of one of only four trams in the world that cross an international border, and the second of the group that we've encountered on this trip. It's amusing to cross an imaginary line and have the signs and announcements instantly change from one language to another.

Strasbourg is a charming city, classically French and filled with boulangeries, cafés, restaurants, and magasins, all punctuated by a massive cathedral. As is the case with any town that attracts a large number of tourists, it also has it's share of miscreants and hooligans, so keep your wits about you and your personal items secure. Beware of people in the square trying to "give" you flowers – they'll either shake you down for a ridiculous price, refusing to take it back after you accept it, or they'll use the negotiations as a distraction while their counterpart relieves you of your property. The same warning applies to the Dollar General Disney impostors strolling around posing for photos, they're almost always working the area with thieves. If you keep a sharp eye you may also spot others working the crowd as they tag likely marks.

Strasbourg Cathedral

The cathedral is absolutely stunning. When it first comes in to full view you will likely spend the first few minutes just tracing the structure with your eyes. Construction began in 1015 and was completed in 1439. It was the tallest building from 1647 (when the spire of St. Mary's Church, Straslund burned down) until 1874 when St. Nikolai's Church in Hamburg was completed. The rose window in the west front is 14 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest in the world.

Rose Window

After you've taken in the front façade I strongly recommend checking out the interior of the cathedral. There is no admission fee to enter, but donation boxes are placed throughout the interior of the Cathedral. Other than the stunning stained glass in the rose window and at the altar the most compelling feature is the astronomical clock in the south transept. The first version was installed in 1352 and remained until 1500. The second iteration was started in 1547, but then construction was delayed when the Cathedral was handed over to the Roman Catholic Church. Construction continued in 1571 and after completion it functioned until 1788. The present clock was built between 1837 and 1842. The 18m tall clock shows everything from the time and moon phase to the position of the 1,022 stars viewed above Strasbourg as identified by Ptolemy. If you want to see everything in movement you should be there at 12:30 any day except Sunday.

If you're so inclined the Musée de l'Œuvre-Notre-Dame is just across the square on the south side of the Cathedral. It is filled with artifacts from around the city with a focus on the Cathedral and includes several 3-D virtual reality exhibits that allow you to see missing portions of the archives as well as "stand" near the top of the spire. Museum admission is just a few Euros per person and if you're interested in more details of Cathedral construction and you have the time it's probably worth the investment. Free lockers are provided for backpacks and bags.

Grande Île, Strasbourg

After the museum we took a leisurely stroll towards the tram, stopping at a boulangerie for croissant and macaroons, then continuing across the canal (where we stopped for several photos.) A few blocks away we boarded the tram for a short ride back to Germany and the Viking Hervor.

We arrived back on the boat with ample time to freshen up for dinner, which we enjoyed on the Aquavit Terrace with Sylva. With a late start the next day we stretched our evening for a few more hours, enjoying drinks and the piano entertainment.