Schweinfurt Germany

We were able to join part of our family in Germany as they enjoyed seeing the sights and, more importantly, remembering the role of the peace keeping force that served here following World War II. We met up with them in Schweinfurt, a picturesque river front town in the lower Franconia region of Bavaria. The name literally means "swine ford", as in "pigs". 

The history of this town is documented from the year 790 and it was the seat of great power and conflict through the ages. Schweinfurt became a proper city in the 13th century when a city wall and defensive towers were constructed. The city joined Martin Luther's Reformation in 1542 and the Protestant Union in1609. Schweinfurt was the site of conflict and occupation in the years following when it was both destroyed and reconstructed. Some of the city fortifications remain today.

We were treated like family here. The pubs and restaurants served us great "bier" and very nice traditional German food including schnitzel, pork shoulder, bratwurst, sauerkraut and, of course apple strudel, along with an abundance of warm and friendly conversation.

The Schweinfurter Rathaus Square

The Gothic Town Hall circa 1570

Food! And lots of it!

Family

Great memories!

Some memories of the not so distant past and keeping the peace…thank you for your service!

During World War II Schweinfurt was the home of ball bearing factories that supplied most of the needs for the Nazi war machine. Because of this the town became a strategic target and was bombed 22 times seeing a total of 2285 aircraft overhead.  Much of the city was destroyed. 

After the war the town become home to a US Army Garrison for the peace-keeping force. The base was operated until 2014 and was an important part of the community. We visited the "Museum Stammheim", a local museum that features a collection of hardware spanning both World Wars and the post-war area. The museum has provided equipment for the production of a number of movies including the 2013 Hollywood production of Monuments Men.

Schweinfurt is a fast growing city today of over 50,000 residents and is home to expanding industry including high tech ball bearing production.

F84 Thunderstreak West German fighter from 1950's 

A relic from 1915

No explanation is needed here…good luck for all!

There is some debate over the origins of the name Schweinfurt. The local residents seem to be fond of the explanation that little pigs crossed here at the ford. The German expression "Schewein haven" means "to be lucky" and the Schweinfurters consider themselves to be lucky people. Who are we to argue with that?