Munster (Ortze)
We left Berlin this morning and made our way west to Munster (Ortze)… not to be confused with several other Munsters in Germany. Munster (Ortze) is a small town but it is home to the Deutsches Panzer Museum ( or the German Tank Museum).
The train trip required three changes. The first train was similar to other Deutscher Bahn trains that we had caught. Then the second train was a surprise… it was like a two carriage shuttle. The next train was conventional and then another small shuttle. Karen began to wonder why we were travelling so far into the boondocks. Notwithstanding, our small shuttle arrived at the Munster Bahnhof. We were definitely not in Berlin anymore. In fact we were not in Brandenburg anymore. We were now in Lower Saxony, just south of Hamburg.
We had a short walk to our hotel, the Kaiserhof. We were greeted by staff who had about as much English as I have German language skills! We were able to communicate and secured a key to a lovely room. Karen then released me (or Karen opted to not go to the Museum). I am astounded that anyone would pass up the opportunity to visit a museum that explains the evolution of armoured warfare over the last 100 years- through German eyes.
I was not going to pass up the opportunity…. Especially, as I had created the opportunity! The museum was fantastic. They have actual examples of German tanks, and some others, under the one roof. In an odd twist, one model of tank they do not have is the WW1 German tank- A7V. The only surviving A7V is named ‘Mephisto’ and it is in the Queensland Museum in Brisbane! The museum had a good replica and they referenced Mephisto’s location.
I took a couple of photos (240) and some videos. Just let me know when you want to see and hear about the Panzerkampfwagens, Sturmgeschutzs and others. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Panzerkampfwagen VI B, the Tiger.
Me with my favourite!!
Not the best tank of the war but an awesome piece of machinery
Eventually, I thought I should make my way back to Karen and check on her. She was fine! But hungry. So, it was time to go in search of a restaurant. Karen was worried that we were in some of tank nerd wasteland and that we might not find anything. But a strange thing happened on the way. We both noticed that the footpaths were clean (no cigarette butts or bottle tops) and there was next to no graffiti. Munster was quite a pretty town. As we explored further and further, Munster continued to impress. It was a tidy and pretty town. The residents of Munster seem to take real pride in their town and their yards. So, so, not Berlin!!
We were looking at the menu to one of the restaurants, when a local couple gave a strong and positive endorsement. A further look at the menu and how could we pass up Wiener Schnitzel und salat und pommes. Of course, there was a mandatory beer! I am certain that I have not had any beer more than once. Each pub, town and/or state promote their local brews!
At least this Schnitzel fitted on the plate!
After dinner, we continued walk through Munster. Our impressions of a town with pride were further confirmed.
One sweet statue was a tribute to the wartime song ‘Lili Marlene’ (Marlene Dietrich).
“Underneath the lantern
By the barrack gate”
The bridge over the stream looks very pretty. Almost Giverny-like. The Mephisto is an image that burned into my brain as a child. As a frequent visitor to the Qld Museum, it was my first reference to what a war was and I always wondered how on earth it got to Brisbane from the other side of the world. Best place in the world from Schnitty and chips!
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