Almost, but not quite the end station on the two car connector train, the only thing that stops this particular Ludwigshafen from being eminently forgettable is its location on the Germeny [nothern] side of the Bodensee. That is Lake Constance to all of you English (and variant) speakers.
The harbor used to be a major port of commerce, from whence came the name. The decades and centuries rolled on and this town would have been completely left behind were it not for two fortuitous things – the first is its location at the head of numerous hiking and biking trails making it a mecca for those wishing to enjoy nature away from main roads and the second is the optical industry. For whatever reason, industrial optics have found this area a small center of intellectual development and success.
The town has several good hotels: we are staying at the Seehotel which means that I can look out the balcony and see the boats, the tracks and the new swimming pool under construction. Not 100 meters away is the city hall, home to an interesting bas relief by Peter Lenk. It is obvious that there is both history and a sense of humor since I can’t help but believe that some of the models might just have been local.
There is an extensive campgrounds with spaces to rent, trailers with extensions and popups to rent, full support buildings as well as a wide range of boats available in addition to a launch-it-yourself dock. The bird sanctuary is fairly well known but I was unable to hike there due to flooding of the walking path. Made up for it with the local swans and some lovely smelling flower beds.
It is a really lovely place to visit but I couldn’t live here. No decent yarn store!